This verse outlines the territorial boundaries between the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, two of the twelve tribes of Israel. These tribes were descendants of Joseph, one of Jacob's sons, and were given specific portions of land in the Promised Land as part of the inheritance God had promised to Abraham's descendants. The verse highlights the division of land, with Ephraim's territory lying to the south and Manasseh's to the north. Manasseh's territory extended to the sea, indicating a significant and strategic location. The borders with the tribes of Asher and Issachar further define the land's extent.
This division of land was crucial for establishing order and identity among the tribes as they settled in the land God had promised them. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promises and the importance of maintaining boundaries for peaceful coexistence. The geographical details also emphasize the historical and cultural context of the Israelites' settlement, reminding readers of the rich heritage and divine guidance that shaped their journey and settlement in the land.