יהושע, פרק ט״ז, פסוק ט׳

The division of land between the tribes of Joseph did not follow simple, continuous borders. Instead, it created a complex geographic reality filled with enclaves. The primary approach among commentators is that the tribe of Ephraim received additional land beyond its central territory. Specific cities belonging to Ephraim were physically disconnected from their main landholding, standing as isolated enclaves entirely within the territory of the neighboring tribe of Manasseh [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. Even though they were separated from the rest of Ephraim, these areas were clearly defined and widely recognized as belonging to them [רד״ק, מלבי״ם].

Geographically, Ephraim’s primary territory was located in the eastern section of the land given to the tribes of Joseph. However, these isolated cities were situated in the western and southern regions, with Manasseh’s land acting as a physical barrier between them [מלבי״ם]. Because of this unique arrangement, there was no sharp border dividing the two brother tribes. Instead, Ephraim's cities were interwoven directly into the space assigned to Manasseh [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. All of these border cities, along with their adjacent open settlements and courtyards, belonged fully and exclusively to the tribe of Ephraim [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].