Joshua · Chapter 19

V. 1. Within the inheritance of Judah-This was so ordered by God’s providence, partly to fulfil that threatning that he would divide and scatter this tribe in Israel, Genesis 49:7, which was hereby done in part, because they had no distinct lot, but were as inmates to Judah; partly, because now upon the more exact survey of the land, it appeared, that the part given to Judah did far exceed the proportion which they needed, or which the other tribes could expect. And this was the least of the tribes, Numbers 26:14, and therefore fittest to be put within another tribe.

Verse 1. The second lot came forth to Simeon] In this appointment the providence of God may be especially remarked. For the iniquitous conduct of Simeon and Levi, in the massacre of the innocent Shechemites, Genesis 34:25-31, Jacob, in the spirit of prophecy, foretold that they should be divided in Jacob, and scattered in Israel, Genesis 49:7. And this was most literally fulfilled in the manner in which God disposed of both these tribes afterwards. Levi was scattered through all Palestine, not having received any inheritance, only cities to dwell in, in different parts of the land; and Simeon was dispersed in Judah, with what could scarcely be said to be their own, or a peculiar lot. See Clarke’s note on “Genesis 49:7”.

Verse 1. The second lot came forth to Simeon — God disposed it so by an especial providence, Simeon being the eldest son of Jacob that was unprovided for. Their inheritance was within the inheritance of Judah — This also was ordered by God’s providence, partly to fulfil that threatening that he would divide and scatter this tribe in Israel, (Genesis 49:7,) which was hereby done in part, because they had no distinct lot, but were as inmates to Judah; partly because now, upon the more exact survey of the land, it appeared that the part given to Judah did far exceed the proportion which they needed, or which the other tribes could expect. And this was the least of the tribes, (Numbers 26:14,) and therefore fittest to be put within another tribe.

SIMEON’S LOT, 1-9.

1. Simeon… within the inheritance of Judah — As Judah’s lot was assigned first, when the Hebrews had larger expectations than they ever realized, it was very natural that they should assign too large a portion to Judah. This error is now discovered and rectified by carving Simeon’s lot out of Judah’s. Simeon’s inheritance, except the first thirteen cities, was not a compact territory, but it consisted chiefly of cities scattered about in Judah. Thus was fulfilled the prophetic declaration of Jacob respecting Simeon and Levi, that they should be “divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel.” Genesis 49:5-7. “Simeon is the exact counterpart of Reuben. With Reuben he marched through the desert. As Reuben in the east, so Simeon in the west, blends his fortunes with those of the Arab hordes on the frontier, and dwindles away accordingly, and only reappears in the dubious but characteristic exploits of his descendant Judith.” — Stanley.

Verse 2. Beer-sheba] The well of the oath. See Clarke’s note on “Genesis 21:31”.

2. Beer-sheba — See on Joshua 15:28. Sheba is probably a repetition of the copyist, otherwise there would be fourteen cities instead of thirteen, as stated in verse 6.

As the cities of Simeon were taken out of the portion originally assigned to Judah, all whose sites are now known are described in the notes on chap.

15. Some of the names here given do not appear there, some may be different names of the same place, but in the absence of any certain knowledge of them we do best to abstain from mere conjectural comments.

Verse 3. Hazar-shual] For this and several of the following places, see Clarke’s notes on “Joshua 15:32”.

SIMEON’S LOT, 1-9.

1. Simeon… within the inheritance of Judah — As Judah’s lot was assigned first, when the Hebrews had larger expectations than they ever realized, it was very natural that they should assign too large a portion to Judah. This error is now discovered and rectified by carving Simeon’s lot out of Judah’s. Simeon’s inheritance, except the first thirteen cities, was not a compact territory, but it consisted chiefly of cities scattered about in Judah. Thus was fulfilled the prophetic declaration of Jacob respecting Simeon and Levi, that they should be “divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel.” Genesis 49:5-7. “Simeon is the exact counterpart of Reuben. With Reuben he marched through the desert. As Reuben in the east, so Simeon in the west, blends his fortunes with those of the Arab hordes on the frontier, and dwindles away accordingly, and only reappears in the dubious but characteristic exploits of his descendant Judith.” — Stanley.

SIMEON’S LOT, 1-9.

1. Simeon… within the inheritance of Judah — As Judah’s lot was assigned first, when the Hebrews had larger expectations than they ever realized, it was very natural that they should assign too large a portion to Judah. This error is now discovered and rectified by carving Simeon’s lot out of Judah’s. Simeon’s inheritance, except the first thirteen cities, was not a compact territory, but it consisted chiefly of cities scattered about in Judah. Thus was fulfilled the prophetic declaration of Jacob respecting Simeon and Levi, that they should be “divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel.” Genesis 49:5-7. “Simeon is the exact counterpart of Reuben. With Reuben he marched through the desert. As Reuben in the east, so Simeon in the west, blends his fortunes with those of the Arab hordes on the frontier, and dwindles away accordingly, and only reappears in the dubious but characteristic exploits of his descendant Judith.” — Stanley.

Verse 5. Beth-marcaboth] The house or city of chariots. Probably a place where their war-chariots and cavalry were laid up.

SIMEON’S LOT, 1-9.

1. Simeon… within the inheritance of Judah — As Judah’s lot was assigned first, when the Hebrews had larger expectations than they ever realized, it was very natural that they should assign too large a portion to Judah. This error is now discovered and rectified by carving Simeon’s lot out of Judah’s. Simeon’s inheritance, except the first thirteen cities, was not a compact territory, but it consisted chiefly of cities scattered about in Judah. Thus was fulfilled the prophetic declaration of Jacob respecting Simeon and Levi, that they should be “divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel.” Genesis 49:5-7. “Simeon is the exact counterpart of Reuben. With Reuben he marched through the desert. As Reuben in the east, so Simeon in the west, blends his fortunes with those of the Arab hordes on the frontier, and dwindles away accordingly, and only reappears in the dubious but characteristic exploits of his descendant Judith.” — Stanley.

Verse 6. Beth-lebaoth] The house or city of lionesses. Probably so called from the numbers of those animals which bred there.

SIMEON’S LOT, 1-9.

1. Simeon… within the inheritance of Judah — As Judah’s lot was assigned first, when the Hebrews had larger expectations than they ever realized, it was very natural that they should assign too large a portion to Judah. This error is now discovered and rectified by carving Simeon’s lot out of Judah’s. Simeon’s inheritance, except the first thirteen cities, was not a compact territory, but it consisted chiefly of cities scattered about in Judah. Thus was fulfilled the prophetic declaration of Jacob respecting Simeon and Levi, that they should be “divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel.” Genesis 49:5-7. “Simeon is the exact counterpart of Reuben. With Reuben he marched through the desert. As Reuben in the east, so Simeon in the west, blends his fortunes with those of the Arab hordes on the frontier, and dwindles away accordingly, and only reappears in the dubious but characteristic exploits of his descendant Judith.” — Stanley.

SIMEON’S LOT, 1-9.

1. Simeon… within the inheritance of Judah — As Judah’s lot was assigned first, when the Hebrews had larger expectations than they ever realized, it was very natural that they should assign too large a portion to Judah. This error is now discovered and rectified by carving Simeon’s lot out of Judah’s. Simeon’s inheritance, except the first thirteen cities, was not a compact territory, but it consisted chiefly of cities scattered about in Judah. Thus was fulfilled the prophetic declaration of Jacob respecting Simeon and Levi, that they should be “divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel.” Genesis 49:5-7. “Simeon is the exact counterpart of Reuben. With Reuben he marched through the desert. As Reuben in the east, so Simeon in the west, blends his fortunes with those of the Arab hordes on the frontier, and dwindles away accordingly, and only reappears in the dubious but characteristic exploits of his descendant Judith.” — Stanley.

Verse 8. Baalath-beer] The well of the mistresses. Probably so called from some superstitious or impure worship set up there.

8. All the villages — All the surrounding villages and country that were subject to the cities named.

9. Too much for them — This may mean that it was more than Judah could subdue and retain, or that it exceeded their necessities, or that it was too large relatively. It reflects great honour upon Judah that they should, without selfish remonstrances and murmurings, submit to this diminution of their lot. The national feeling must have been yet strong in this patriotic tribe, for States are always tenacious of their boundaries.

10. Zebulun — “The four tribes of Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, and Naphtali obtain contiguous portions in the north of Palestine, as they were allied in birth, and as they marched through the desert. They formed, as it were, a state by themselves. A common sanctuary seems to have been intended for them in Mount Tabor.” — Stanley. As Zebulun preceded his elder brother Issachar in the blessing of the patriarch Jacob and the lawgiver Moses, so he precedes him in the allotment. [Jacob predicted that Zebulun should “dwell at the haven of seas,” (Genesis 49:13,) and Josephus well explains that his “lot included the land which lay as far as the lake of Gennesaret, and that which belonged to Carmel and the sea.” It thus lay between two seas, and had, perhaps, fishermen on the Sea of Galilee, and merchants navigating the Mediterranean along with the Phenicians. Moses also said prophetically of this tribe, “They shall suck of the abundance of the seas and of treasures hid in the sand. Deuteronomy 30:19. These prophecies do not necessarily imply that Zebulun’s territory would border on these seas.

10. The border… unto Sarid — This southern border of Zebulun, like the north border of Ephraim, (Joshua 16:6,) seems to start from a central point in the line, and go first westward and then eastward. Verse

12. The position of Sarid was probably not far from Mount Tabor, but its site is unknown, and therefore the exact line of this border cannot now be traced.

V. 11. Toward the sea-The lot of this tribe was washed by the midland sea on the west, and by the sea of Tiberias on the east, answering Jacob’s prophecy, Zebulun shall be an haven of ships; trading ships on the great sea, and fishing ships on the sea of Galilee. Before Jokneam-Supposed to be Kishon.

Verse 11. Toward the sea — The lot of this tribe was washed by the midland sea on the west, and by the sea of Tiberias on the east, answering Jacob’s prophecy, Zebulun shall be a haven of ships; trading ships on the great sea, and fishing ships on the sea of Galilee. Before Jokneam — Supposed to be Kishon.

11. Toward the sea — The Mediterranean. But apparently not to the sea, for Asher reached to Carmel, (verse 26,) and, according to Joshua 17:10, touched Manasseh on the south. Maralah may, perhaps, be found in the little village Mahil, which occupies the top of a hill four miles southwest of Nazareth, and contains the ruins of a temple and other vestiges of antiquity. But this is not certain. Jokneam — The modern Tell Kaimon, close to the base of Carmel and on the south bank of the Kishon. See on Joshua 12:22. So the river here mentioned must be the ancient Kishon. See on Judges 5:21.]

Verse 12. Chisloth-tabor, a town at the foot of mount Tabor; as on Hosea 5:1.

12. Chisloth-tabor, Robinson is inclined to identify with the village of Iksal, near the base of Mount Tabor, on a low, rocky ridge, and containing many excavated sepulchres. On Mount Tabor see note at Judges 4:6. Daberath has been identified with the modern Deburieh, a small village just at the northwestern base of Tabor. Japhia, now called Yafa, is a half hour’s ride southwest of Nazareth, and contains about thirty houses. It is the traditional birthplace of St. James.

Verse 13. Gittah-hepher] The same as Gath-hepher, the birth-place of the prophet Jonah.

13. Gittah-hepher was the birthplace of the prophet Jonah. 2 Kings 14:25. Modern monastic tradition identifies it with el-Meshad, one of the many Moslem tombs of Jonah, about five miles northeast of Nazareth. Remmon, Robinson conjectures, is Rummanneh, seven miles north of Nazareth. Methoar is not a proper name, but a participle, which may be rendered as in the margin, which is drawn, or, with Gesenius, which stretches or extends, to Neah. The site of Neah is unknown. [14. The border… on the north side — The northern border cannot be accurately traced, for Hannathon, the only city named, is unknown, and the identification of the valley of Jiphthah-el with the great Wady Abilin, as Robinson proposes, is hardly a settled thing. But regarding the identity as established, all we know of the northern border of Zebulun is, that it terminated on the west in the Wady Abilin. The western border is not given here at all, but is vaguely intimated in verse 27, where a boundary of Asher is described.

ZEBULUN’S LOT, 10-16.

V. 15. Beth-lehem-Not that where Christ was born, which was in Judah, but another. Twelve cities-There are more numbered here, but the rest either were not cities properly so called, or were not within this tribe, but only bordering upon it, and belonging to other tribes.

Verse 15. Shimron] See Clarke on “Joshua 12:20”. Beth-lehem] The house of bread; a different place from that in which our Lord was born.

Verse 15. Beth-lehem — Not that where Christ was born, which was in Judah, but another. Twelve cities — They are more numerous here, but the rest either were not cities, properly so called, or were not within this tribe, but only bordering upon it, and belonging to other tribes.

15. Beth-lehem is the only one of the five cities named in this verse which has been with any certainty identified. Dr. Robinson found it about six miles west of Nazareth, still bearing the name Beit-lahm, but only a miserable village, with no traces of antiquity except the name. This verse seems to be only a fragment of the list of cities belonging to Zebulun; a supposition confirmed by the mention of twelve cities when only five are named. Even if we suppose that all the border cities named are counted, we meet with as great a difficulty, for then we have at least sixteen cities named. We may appropriately say with Keil: “From all that has been hitherto ascertained, we can merely decide respecting the inheritance of Zebulun that it comprised the western half of the plain of Esdraelon, between Jokneam and Tabor, and extended to the mountains of Galilee.”] ISSACHAR’S LOT, 17-23.

The territory of this tribe was bounded on the north by Zebulun, on the east by the Jordan, and on the south and west by Manasseh. It took in a large portion of the most beautiful and desirable parts of the great plain of Esdraelon. For the sake of securing themselves in so desirable a portion as the fertile plain of Esdraelon the children of Issachar became humbly subservient to the Canaanites of the adjacent fortified towns, and to the proud country of Phenicia on the near seacoast. They assumed a position of almost slavish servitude to them, becoming their common carriers, mule-drivers, and servants of all work, thereby fulfilling the prophecy of the dying Jacob: “Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens: and he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant, and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant to tribute.” Genesis 49:14, 15.

ZEBULUN’S LOT, 10-16.

Verse 17. The fourth lot came out to Issachar] It is remarkable, that though Issachar was the eldest brother, yet the lot of Zebulun was drawn before his lot; and this is the order in which Jacob himself mentions them, Genesis 49:13, 14, though no reason appears, either here or in the place above, why this preference should be given to the younger; but that the apparently fortuitous lot should have distinguished them just as the prophetic Jacob did, is peculiarly remarkable. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning: he has reasons for his conduct, which in many cases are too great for any of his creatures to comprehend, but he works all things after the counsel of his own will, which is ever right and good; and in this case his influence may be as easily seen in the decision by the lot, as on the mind of the patriarch Jacob, when he predicted what should befall his children in the latter days, and his providence continued to ripen, and bring forward what his judgment had deemed right to be done.

V. 18. Jezreel-The royal city, 1 Kings 21:1. This tribe, because it lay between Benjamin on the south, and Zebulun on the north, is not here described by its borders, which were the same with theirs; but by some of its cities.

Verse 18. Jezreel] This city, according to Calmet, was situated in an open country, having the town of Legion on the west, Bethshan on the east, on the south the mountains of Gilboa, and on the north those of Hermon. Shunem] This city was rendered famous by being the occasional abode of the prophet Elisha, and the place where he restored the son of a pious woman to life. 2 Kings 4:8. It was the place where the Philistines were encamped on that ruinous day in which the Israelites were totally routed at Gilboa, and Saul and his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, killed. 1 Samuel 28:4; 31:1, &c.

Verse 18. Jezreel — The royal city, 1 Kings 21:1. This tribe, because it lay between Benjamin on the south and Zebulun on the north, is not here described by its borders, which were the same with theirs, but by some of its cities.

18. Their border was toward Jezreel — Or, rather, it encompassed this city. The writer begins to trace the border, but really enumerates the cities included within it. These were all in the eastern part of the plain of Esdraelon. Jezreel, a name often applied to the plain of Esdraelon, is here limited to a city standing on a gentle swell which rises out of it. It was the chief residence of King Ahab, and seat of the worship of Baal and Astarte, the cult of the Phenician Jezebel. It was remarkable for its central location, and the great beauty and commanding character of its site. Its modern name is Zerin, containing only a few wretched hovels clustering around an old, ruined tower. Chesulloth — Probably the same as Chisloth-tabor in verse 12. [Shunem was at the modern village of Solam, which lies at the western base of the Little Hermon, and about three miles north of Jezreel. Here the Philistines encamped before Saul’s last battle, (1 Samuel 28:4,) and here was the home of the Shunammite woman whose son Elisha raised to life. 2 Kings 4:8.

21. En-gannim is still found in Jenin, six or seven miles south of Jezreel. “It is now the chief town between Nazareth and Nablus, and contains about two thousand inhabitants, nearly all Moslems. It deals largely in all the products of the country, and with the Bedouins on the east of the Jordan.” — Thomson. “The most remarkable thing here is the fine flowing public fountain, rising in the hills back of the town, and brought down so as to issue in a noble stream in the midst of the place.” — Robinson.]

Verse 22. Beth-shemesh] The house or temple of the sun; there were several cities or towns of this name in Palestine; an ample proof that the worship of this celestial luminary had generally prevailed in that idolatrous country.

22. Coast reacheth — This probably means the northern coast or border, where it joined on Zebulun. Tabor is here generally supposed to mean not the mountain, but a town on it afterwards given to the Levites. 1 Chronicles 6:77. Sixteen cities — This is exactly the number given above, if Tabor be taken as a city.

LOT OF ASHER, 24-31.

[The position of Asher may be generally described as extending along the shore of the Mediterranean from Tantura, on the south of Mount Carmel, to Zidon on the north, and bounded on the east by Zebulun and Naphtali. His territory included the rich plain of Phenicia, and some of the most celebrated cities of antiquity. Truly did Jacob prophesy: “His bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties,” (Genesis 49:20;) and Moses: “He shall dip his foot in oil; his shoes shall be iron and brass.” Deuteronomy 33:24, 25. The great Phenician plain near Acre was rich in corn and wine and oil, and in the Zidonian metallic manufactories probably many Asherites learned to be skilful workmen in iron and brass. Compare 1 Kings 7:14. When other tribes were at war with Jabin’s hosts, Asher dwelt quietly by his harbours. Judges 5:17. Asher never conquered the Phenician territory, but was content to dwell among the Canaanites and learn their ways. See Judges 1:31, 32. Stanley remarks; “One name only of the tribe of Asher shines out of the general obscurity — the aged widow who, in the very close of the Jewish history, departed not from the Temple at Jerusalem, but served God with prayers and fastings night and day. (Luke 2:36, where see notes.) So insignificant was the tribe to which was assigned the fortress which Napoleon called the key of Palestine.”]

25. Achshaph — See on Joshua 11:1. In this list, as in other extended lists of cities, no note is usually taken of those whose sites are now unknown.

V. 26. Carmel west-ward-Or, Carmel by the sea, to distinguish it from Carmel in the tribe of Judah. This was a place of eminent fruitfulness, agreeable to the prophecy concerning Asher, Genesis 49:20.

Verse 26. Carmel] The vineyard of God; a place greatly celebrated in Scripture, and especially for the miracles of Elijah; see 1 Kings 18:19-40. The mountain of Carmel was so very fruitful as to pass into a proverb. There was another Carmel in the tribe of Judah, (see Joshua 15:55,) but this, in the tribe of Asher, was situated about one hundred and twenty furlongs south from Ptolemais, on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. Calmet observes that there was, in the time of Vespasian, a temple on this mountain, dedicated to a god of the same name. There was a convent, and a religious order known by the name of Carmelites, established on this mountain in honour of Elijah: the time of the foundation of this order is greatly disputed. Some pretend that it was established by Elijah himself; while others, with more probability, fix it in A.D. 1180 or 1181, under the pontificate of Pope Alexander III.

Verse 26. Carmel westward — Or, Carmel by the sea, to distinguish it from Carmel in the tribe of Judah. This was a place of eminent fruitfulness, agreeably to the prophecy concerning Asher, Genesis 49:20.

26. [Carmel — A range of connected hills, whose average height is fifteen hundred feet, running from the northern hills of Samaria northwesterly, and terminating in a lofty promontory which projects boldly into the Mediterranean just south of the bay of Acre. All travellers agree in giving glowing descriptions of the grandeur, beauty, and excellency of Carmel. “There is not a flower,” says Van de Velde, “that I have seen in Galilee, or on the plains along the coast, that I did not find on Carmel.” Mr. Carne says: “No mountain in or around Palestine retains its ancient beauty so much as Carmel. its groves are few but luxuriant. It is no place for crags and precipices, or rocks of the wild goats; but its surface is covered with a rich and constant verdure.”] Shihor-libnath, river of whiteness, is a matter of great dispute. Every stream, from the Belus southward to the Crocodile River inclusive, has been selected as the river here mentioned. It must have been south of Dor, (Tantura,) which belonged to Asher. Joshua 17:11.

V. 27. Cubal-A city so called. Left hand-That is, on the north, which, when men look towards the east, as is usual, is on their left hand.

Verse 27. Cabul on the left hand] That is, to the north of Cabul, for so the left hand, when referring to place, is understood among the Hebrews. We must not confound this town or Cabul with the twenty cities given by Solomon to Hiram, with which he was displeased, and which in contempt he called the land of Cabul, the dirty or paltry land, 1 Kings 9:11-13: there was evidently a town of this name, widely different from the land so called, long before the time of Solomon, and therefore this cannot be adduced as an argument that the book of Joshua was written after the days of David. The town in question is supposed to be the same which Josephus in his Life calls Cwboulw Choboulo, and which he says was situated by the sea-side, and nigh to Ptolemais. Deuteronomy Bell. Jud., lib. iii., c. 4.

Verse 27. Cabul — A city so called. Left hand — That is, on the north, which, when men look toward the east, as is usual, is on their left hand.

27. Beth-dagon, house of Dagon, must be distinguished from that in Joshua 15:41. It was probably a Philistine colony, and situated somewhere east or northeast of Tantura. Zebulun is not a city, but the tribe. On Jiphthah-el, see at verse 14. Cabul is probably the modern village Kabul, which stands on the top of a rocky ridge eight miles east of Acre.

V. 28. Kenah-Namely, Kenah the greater, in the upper Galilee; not Kenah the less, which was in the lower Galilee. Zidon-Called great for its antiquity, and riches, and glory. The city either was not given to the Israelites, or at least was never possessed by them; not without a singular providence of God, that they might not by the opportunity of so good a port, be engaged in much commerce with other nations; from which, together with wealth, that great corrupter of mankind, they might contract their errors and vices.

Verse 28. Unto great Zidon] The city of Sidon and the Sidonians are celebrated from the remotest antiquity. They are frequently mentioned by Homer. See Clarke’s note on “Joshua 11:8”.

Verse 28. Kanah — Namely, Kanah the greater, in the Upper Galilee; not Kanah the less, which was in the Lower Galilee. Zidon — Called great for its antiquity, and riches, and glory. The city either was not given to the Israelites, or at least was never possessed by them; not without a singular providence of God, that they might not by the opportunity of so good a port be engaged in much commerce with other nations; from which, together with wealth, that great corrupter of mankind, they might contract their errors and vices.

28. Kanah — Not Cana of Galilee, but probably the large village Kanah, five miles southeast of Tyre. Zidon — See Joshua 11:8, note. It was never conquered by Asher.

V. 29. To Ramah-From the north southward. To Tyre-Exclusively, for this city was no part of the land given them. But this was not the same city we read of afterwards. For that was built on an island, this on the continent. Probably into these strong holds Tyre and Sidon, many of the Canaanites fled, when Joshua invaded them.

Verse 29. The strong city Tyre] I suspect this to be an improper translation. Perhaps the words of the original should be retained: And the coast turneth to Ramah and to the city, rx rxbm mibtsar tsor. Our translators have here left the Hebrew, and followed the Septuagint and Vulgate, a fault of which they are sometimes guilty. The former render the place ewv polewv ocurwmatov twn Turiwn, unto the fortified city of the Tyrians. The Vulgate is nearly the same: ad civitatem munitissimam Tyrum, to the well-fortified city Tyre; but this must be incorrect for the famous city of Tyre was not known tiil about A.M. 2760, about two hundred years after the days of Joshua. Homer, who frequently mentions Sidon and the Sidonians, never mentions Tyre; a proof that this afterwards very eminent city was not then known. Homer is allowed by some to have flourished in the time of Joshua, though others make him contemporary with the Israelitish judges.

The word rx Tsor or Tsar, which we translate or change into Tyre, signifies a rock or strong place; and as there were many rocks in the land of Judea, that with a little art were formed into strong places of defense, hence several places might have the name of Tsar or Tyre. The ancient and celebrated Tyre, so much spoken of both in sacred and profane history, was a rock or small island in the sea, about six or seven hundred paces from the main land. In order to reduce this city, Alexander the Great was obliged to fill up the channel between it and the main land, and after all took it with much difficulty. It is generally supposed that a town on the main land, opposite to this fortified rock, went by the same name; one being called old Tyre, the other, new Tyre: it was out of the ruins of the old Tyre, or that which was situated on the main land, that Alexander is said to have filled up the channel between it and the new city. Of this city Isaiah, Isaiah 23:1-18, and Ezekiel, Ezekiel 27:1-28:26, have given a very grand description, and also predicted its irreparable ruin which prophecies have been most literally fulfilled. See more on the above places. Achzib] Called afterwards Ecdippe, and now called Zib; it is about nine miles’ distance from Ptolemais, towards Tyre.

Verses 29, 30. To Ramah — From the north southward. To the strong city of Tyre — This translation is questionable; for we never read one word of the city of Tyre (unless it be here) until the days of David; though we often read of Sidon in the books of Moses; even in the prophecy of Jacob. It is highly probable some other place is meant by Tzor, as the word is in the Hebrew. And the out-goings thereof, &c. — That is, it ended at the country which belonged to Achzib; for so hebel, which we here translate coast, signifies. Twenty-two cities — Here are more named, but some of them were not within this tribe, but only bordering places.

Ver. 29. The strong city of Tyre. Hebrews rx sor, or rock. See note on Isaiah 23:1.

29. Ramah — Robinson confidently identifies this place with the modern village Rameh, which stands on an isolated hill about ten miles southeast of Tyre. It has no traces of antiquity except some very ancient sarcophagi. Tyre, a rock, is a colony of Zidon, and is a few miles south on the seacoast. The old city stood on the main land and was strongly fortified. New Tyre, which was taken by Alexander the Great, was built on a rock in the sea. It is probably Old Tyre that is named in the text, but Keil endeavours to prove that New Tyre was in existence in the days of Joshua, discrediting Josephus, who says that it was built two hundred and forty years before the Temple of Solomon. It was a great commercial emporium, and became the burden of prophecies (see Isaiah 23; Ezekiel 26) which have been remarkably fulfilled. Achzib, now called Zib, is on the coast nine miles north of Acre.

V. 30. Twenty two cities-Here are more named, but some of them were not within this tribe, but only bordering places.

Verse 30. Twenty and two cities] There are nearly thirty cities in the above enumeration instead of twenty-two, but probably several are mentioned that were but frontier towns, and that did not belong to this tribe, their border only passing by such cities; and on this account, though they are named, yet they do not enter into the enumeration in this place. Perhaps some of the villages are named as well as the cities.

Verses 29, 30. To Ramah — From the north southward. To the strong city of Tyre — This translation is questionable; for we never read one word of the city of Tyre (unless it be here) until the days of David; though we often read of Sidon in the books of Moses; even in the prophecy of Jacob. It is highly probable some other place is meant by Tzor, as the word is in the Hebrew. And the out-goings thereof, &c. — That is, it ended at the country which belonged to Achzib; for so hebel, which we here translate coast, signifies. Twenty-two cities — Here are more named, but some of them were not within this tribe, but only bordering places.

30. Ummah — Dr. Thomson endeavours to identify it with Alma, in the highlands on the coast. Aphek — See on Joshua 13:4. But that Aphek could hardly have been assigned to Asher, being too far beyond his border. Twenty and two cities — It frequently happens that the cities named do not agree with the number given. To adjust this difficulty various assumptions have been made, as noted in Joshua 15:32. NAPHTALI’S LOT, 32-39.

[The territory of Naphtali was bounded on the east by the Jordan and sea of Galilee, on the south by Zebulun, on the west and north by Asher. The northern limit probably ran into the splendid valley of the Litany, which separates the two great ranges of Lebanon. The excellence of Naphtali’s portion is indicated in Moses’ song, where he speaks of him as “satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the Lord, possessing the west and the south.” Deuteronomy 33:23. The latter part should be rendered, “Possess thou the sea and the sunny clime.” “Naphtali possessed,” says J.L. Porter, “a greater variety of soil, scenery, and climate than any of the other tribes. Its northern portions are the highlands of Palestine. The sublime ravine of the Leontes separates its mountains from the chain of Lebanon, of which, however, they may be regarded as a prolongation. The scenery is here rich and beautiful. In the centre of this park-like region lie the ruins of the sanctuary of the tribe, the northern city of refuge, Kadesh-Naphtali. The ridge rises gradually towards the south, and culminates at Safed, which has an elevation of nearly three thousand feet.

“The southern section of Naphtali was the garden of Palestine. The little plains along the shore of the Sea of Galilee and the vales that run up into the mountains are of unrivalled fertility. Josephus describes the plain on the shore of the lake as an earthly paradise, where the choicest fruits grew luxuriantly, and where eternal spring reigned. His words were not much exaggerated, for now, though more a wilderness than a paradise, its surpassing richness is apparent.”

Jacob spoke of Naphtali as “a hind let loose.” Genesis 49:21. The tribe had many a noble and fleet warrior. but, like the timid hind, they shrunk from aggressive war, and left several of their cities in the hands of the Canaanites. Judges 1:33. The valiant Barak lacked confidence to venture alone against the hosts of Sisera, (Joshua 4:8,) but when fully roused, like a hind brought to bay, he scorned his soul to death on the high places of the battlefield. Judges 5:18, note.]

From his exposed position on the northern frontier Naphtali was the first to fall into the hands of the Assyrian invaders, (2 Kings 15:29,) but after the captivity the Israelites largely settled again in thin territory. His lot included the scene of the great victory of Joshua over the northern confederacy, and also many places where the Greater Joshua, by his mighty miracles and wondrous teachings, confounded his foes and laid the foundation of his everlasting kingdom. This region is Galilee of the Gentiles, whose “people, which sat in darkness, saw great light.” Isaiah 9:1; Matthew 4:16.

Verses 32, 33. The sixth lot came out, &c. — Here the younger son of Bilhah, the hand-maid of Rachel, is preferred before the elder, who was Dan, (Genesis 30:6, 8,) as Zebulun was before Issachar. Such was the method of Divine Providence in that nation, to convince them that they ought not to value themselves too highly, as they were apt to do, upon their external privileges. Their coast — Their northern border, drawn from west to east, as appears; because, when the coast is described and brought to its end, it is said to turn from the east westward, verse 34. The out-goings — The end of that coast.

V. 33. Their coast-Their northern border drawn from west to east, as appears, because when this coast is described and brought to its end, the coast is said to turn from the east westward, ver. 34. The out-goings-The end of that coast.

Verses 32, 33. The sixth lot came out, &c. — Here the younger son of Bilhah, the hand-maid of Rachel, is preferred before the elder, who was Dan, (Genesis 30:6, 8,) as Zebulun was before Issachar. Such was the method of Divine Providence in that nation, to convince them that they ought not to value themselves too highly, as they were apt to do, upon their external privileges. Their coast — Their northern border, drawn from west to east, as appears; because, when the coast is described and brought to its end, it is said to turn from the east westward, verse 34. The out-goings — The end of that coast.

33. The cities here mentioned are so far unknown that there is great difficulty in attempting an accurate description of the boundaries of this tribe. The northern and a part of the western boundary seem to have been identical, running mainly in a northeasterly direction, and Heleph, the starting point, seems to have been some central place on this line, from which the border ran first eastward, but somewhat towards the north, and then seaward. Verse 34. [Van de Velde proposes to identify Heleph with Beitlif, an ancient site about twelve miles southeast of Tyre and about the same distance west of Kades. It stands on the edge of a very marked ravine, which may very possibly have formed a part of the border of Naphtali and Asher. Allon — As the Hebrew word means an oak, some critics very plausibly understand it of some remarkable tree near Zaanannim, and render, From the oak at Zaanannim. This was probably the same tree by which Heber the Kenite pitched his tent. See Judges 4:11, note. Out-goings… at Jordan — That is, this northwestern boundary terminated at the upper sources of the Jordan.]

Verse 34. And to Judah upon Jordan] It is certain that the tribe of Naphtali did not border on the east upon Judah, for there were several tribes betwixt them. Some think that as these two tribes were bounded by Jordan on the east, they might be considered as in some sort conjoined, because of the easy passage to each other by means of the river; but this might be said of several other tribes as well as of these. There is considerable difficulty in the text as it now stands; but if, with the Septuagint, we omit Judah, the difficulty vanishes, and the passage is plain: but this omission is supported by no MS. hitherto discovered. It is however very probable that some change has taken place in the words of the text, הירדנ hdwhybw ubihudah haiyarden, “and by Judah upon Jordan.” Houbigant, who terms them verba sine re ac sententia, “words without sense or meaning,” proposes, instead of them, to read הירדנ ובגדות ubigdoth haiyarden, “and by the banks of Jordan;” a word which is used Joshua 3:15, and which here makes a very good sense.

Verses 34, 35. And to Judah upon Jordan — It was not near Judah, there being several tribes between them. Therefore the meaning is, this tribe had a communication with that of Judah, by means of the river Jordan. So the word upon, in our translation, ought to be interpreted. This river afforded them the convenience of carrying merchandises to Judah, or bringing them from thence. And thus, some think, the prophecy of Moses was accomplished, (Deuteronomy 33:23.) Possess thou the west and the south; which doth not signify that they had any land in the south; but that they trafficked with that country by the means of Jordan. Chinnereth — Whence the lake of Cinnereth, or Genesareth, received its name. Geneser signifies the gardens of princes; and here were fine gardens, and a kind of paradise. The Jews say the name Cinnereth was taken from its fruits, which were as sweet to the taste as the cinnor, or harp, to the ear.

34. Turneth westward — Probably in a southwesterly direction. [Hukkok is recognised by Robinson and others in the modern Yakuk, a village six or seven miles northwest from the Sea of Galilee. Zebulun on the south… Asher on the west — This is merely giving the boundaries in general terms. And to Judah upon the Jordan — This is a faulty translation. And to Judah belongs to the previous sentence, which describes the western border. Literally, It touched Asher on the west and at Judah. Judah was evidently a city on the western border, perhaps at Jehudiyah, marked on Van de Velde’s map east of Tyre and a few miles north of Tibnin. The rest of the verse forms a distinct sentence: Jordan toward the sunrising — That is, the Jordan formed the eastern boundary.

V. 35. Cinnereth-Whence the lake of Cinnereth or Genesareth received its name.

Verse 35. Chinnereth] See Clarke’s note on “Joshua 11:2”.

Verses 34, 35. And to Judah upon Jordan — It was not near Judah, there being several tribes between them. Therefore the meaning is, this tribe had a communication with that of Judah, by means of the river Jordan. So the word upon, in our translation, ought to be interpreted. This river afforded them the convenience of carrying merchandises to Judah, or bringing them from thence. And thus, some think, the prophecy of Moses was accomplished, (Deuteronomy 33:23.) Possess thou the west and the south; which doth not signify that they had any land in the south; but that they trafficked with that country by the means of Jordan. Chinnereth — Whence the lake of Cinnereth, or Genesareth, received its name. Geneser signifies the gardens of princes; and here were fine gardens, and a kind of paradise. The Jews say the name Cinnereth was taken from its fruits, which were as sweet to the taste as the cinnor, or harp, to the ear.

Ver. 35. The fenced cities—Hammath, a small city, where hot springs rose, and near Rakkath, so as afterwards to become one city. Herod rebuilt Rakkath, and called it Tiberias, in honour of Tiberias Cæsar.—Hazor, Joshua 11:1. This city was situate near the north-east point of the lake of Mezom or Semechon. The Canaanites recovered this city, and grievously oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. Judges 4.

35. Hammath — Not the Hamath of the north, (Joshua 13:5.) but doubtless the modern Hammam, or warm springs, which send up their hot and sulphurous waters on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee just south of the ruins of the ancient Tiberias.] Chinnereth — See Joshua 11:2, note.

Verse 36. Hazor] See Clarke’s note on “Joshua 11:1”.

36. Ramah must be kept distinct from Ramah in Asher. It is identified by Robinson with a large village still called Rameh, which is situated about six miles southwest of Safed on the declivity of a mountain, surrounded by olive groves and overlooking a fertile plain. Hazor — See Joshua 11:1, note.

37. Kedesh — See on Joshua 12:22. Edrei, not the city in Bashan of the same name, (Joshua 13:31, note,) but another near Kadesh, whose name still lingers, perhaps, in Khureibeh, a few miles west of Lake Merom. En-hazor seems to be the modern Ain-Hazur, between Ramah and Hukkok, some ten miles northwest of the Sea of Galilee. One reason why so many places have the same name among the Hebrews is, that the name is descriptive of some characteristic, as high, low, abounding in fountains, etc. Where two places had the same natural features they were apt to receive the same name.

Verse 38. Nineteen cities] But if these cities be separately enumerated they amount to twenty-three; this is probably occasioned by reckoning frontier cities belonging to other tribes, which are only mentioned here as the boundaries of the tribe. See Clarke on “Joshua 19:30”.

38. Iron is probably the modern Yaron, ten miles west of Lake Merom. Migdal-el — The modern name Mejdel is the same as the Hebrew Migdal, and the Greek Magdala of the New Testament, chiefly known as the native town of Mary Magdalene. Magdala is a miserable little Moslem village on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. [But Migdal-el seems from the grouping of these cities to have been, not near the Sea of Galilee, but in the north or northwest part of the tribe. Its location cannot at present be decided. Beth-shemesh cannot be the same as that in verse 41 and Joshua 15:10. Some have thought it might be Medjel-esh-shems, a few miles northeast of Cesarea Philippi, and a little north of Lake Phiala.] Nineteen — Three names are wanting. See on Joshua 15:32. DAN’S LOT, 40-48.

[The territory assigned to Dan was the smallest of all the tribe divisions. But it was not without advantages. Its border on the northeast and south joined respectively on Ephraim, Benjamin, and Judah, the three most powerful tribes of Israel. Its western border was the Mediterranean. The territory thus enclosed embraced the beautiful plain south of Joppa, the cornfield and garden of Southern Palestine. Dr. Robinson thus describes this district, as seen from the tower of Ramleh: “Towards the north and south, as far as the eye could reach, the beautiful plain was spread out like a carpet at our feet, variegated with tracts of brown, from which the crops had just been taken, and with fields still rich with the yellow of ripe corn, or green with the springing millet. Immediately below us the eye rested on the immense olive groves of Ramleh and Lydda, and the picturesque towers, and minarets, and domes, of these large villages. In the plain itself there were not many villages; but the tract of hills, and the mountain side beyond, especially in the northeast, appeared as if studded with them, and, as now seen in the setting sun, they seemed like white villas and hamlets among the dark hills, presenting an appearance of thriftiness and beauty which certainly would not stand a closer examination.”

But the children of Dan were unable to hold this beautiful plain, for “the Amorites forced them into the mountain, for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley,” (Judges 1:34,) and they were obliged to receive help from “the hand of the house of Joseph.” Verse 35. Some time after the allotment this tribe enlarged its possessions by the conquest of Laish in the north. Judges 18. In this covert but daring movement Dan fulfilled the prophecies of Jacob and of Moses. Genesis 49:17; Deuteronomy 13:32. Of this tribe was the famous hero Samson, who judged Israel twenty years. By taking Micah’s images, and with them establishing a tribe sanctuary at Dan, (Judges 18:20, 30,) they seem to have been the first to adopt and establish an illegal worship in Israel, and as the tribe of Dan is not mentioned in Revelation 7:5-7, among those that were sealed, some of the fathers inclined to believe that from this tribe Antichrist should spring.]

V. 41. Of their inheritance-Which is here described only by its cities, not its borders, which are in part the same with Judah’s, and their inheritance is in good part taken out of Judah’s too large portion; as appears from divers of the cities here mentioned, which are also reckoned in Judah’s portion.

Verse 41. Zorah, and Eshtaol] See Clarke’s note on “Joshua 15:33”.

Ir-shemesh] The city of sun; another proof of the idolatry of the Canaanites. Some think this was the same as Beth-shemesh.

41. Zorah, and Eshtaol — These cities were originally allotted to Judah, (see Joshua 15:33,) and so also were other cities of this list. But the original allotment being found too large for Judah, the southwestern portion was given to Simeon, (ver. 1-9,) and a part of the northwestern to Dan. Ir-shemesh is supposed to be the same as Beth-shemesh in chap. 15:10.

Verse 42. Shaalabbin] The foxes. Of this city the Amorites kept constant possession. See Judges 1:35.

Ajalon] There was a place of this name about two miles from Nicopolis or Emmaus, on the road to Jerusalem.-Calmet.

42-45. Aijalon — See Joshua 10:12. Thimnathah — Perhaps the same as Timnah, Joshua 15:10. Ekron — See Joshua 13:3. The rest of these cities are now unknown.

[46. Japho — The ancient Joppa, modern Jaffa, the famous seaport town of Palestine, distinguishable alike in sacred and common history. Hither the Lebanon timber was brought in floats for building Solomon’s temple, (2 Chronicles 2:16,) and also for the second temple under Zerubbabel. Ezra 3:7. Here Jonah embarked when he sought to flee from the presence of Jehovah. Here Peter raised Tabitha, and here was the house of Simon the tanner, where Peter had his vision. See cut of modern town at Acts 9:42.]

Verse 43. Thimnathah] Probably the same as Timnah. See Clarke on “Joshua 15:57”.

Ekron] A well-known city of the Philistines and the metropolis of one of their five dynasties,

42-45. Aijalon — See Joshua 10:12. Thimnathah — Perhaps the same as Timnah, Joshua 15:10. Ekron — See Joshua 13:3. The rest of these cities are now unknown.

[46. Japho — The ancient Joppa, modern Jaffa, the famous seaport town of Palestine, distinguishable alike in sacred and common history. Hither the Lebanon timber was brought in floats for building Solomon’s temple, (2 Chronicles 2:16,) and also for the second temple under Zerubbabel. Ezra 3:7. Here Jonah embarked when he sought to flee from the presence of Jehovah. Here Peter raised Tabitha, and here was the house of Simon the tanner, where Peter had his vision. See cut of modern town at Acts 9:42.]

42-45. Aijalon — See Joshua 10:12. Thimnathah — Perhaps the same as Timnah, Joshua 15:10. Ekron — See Joshua 13:3. The rest of these cities are now unknown.

[46. Japho — The ancient Joppa, modern Jaffa, the famous seaport town of Palestine, distinguishable alike in sacred and common history. Hither the Lebanon timber was brought in floats for building Solomon’s temple, (2 Chronicles 2:16,) and also for the second temple under Zerubbabel. Ezra 3:7. Here Jonah embarked when he sought to flee from the presence of Jehovah. Here Peter raised Tabitha, and here was the house of Simon the tanner, where Peter had his vision. See cut of modern town at Acts 9:42.]

Verse 45. Jehud, and Bene-berak] Or Jehud of the children of Berak.

42-45. Aijalon — See Joshua 10:12. Thimnathah — Perhaps the same as Timnah, Joshua 15:10. Ekron — See Joshua 13:3. The rest of these cities are now unknown.

[46. Japho — The ancient Joppa, modern Jaffa, the famous seaport town of Palestine, distinguishable alike in sacred and common history. Hither the Lebanon timber was brought in floats for building Solomon’s temple, (2 Chronicles 2:16,) and also for the second temple under Zerubbabel. Ezra 3:7. Here Jonah embarked when he sought to flee from the presence of Jehovah. Here Peter raised Tabitha, and here was the house of Simon the tanner, where Peter had his vision. See cut of modern town at Acts 9:42.]

Verse 46. Japho.] The place since called Joppa, lying on the Mediterranean, and the chief sea-port, in the possession of the twelve tribes.

V. 47. Went up to fight-This was done after Joshua’s death, and seems to be here inserted, that all the chief places where the Danites dwelt, tho’ far distant, might be mentioned together; and to give an account of this strange accident, why they removed from their appointed portion to so remote a place; which may be this, that being much molested by their bad neighbours, they thought fit to go to some place remote from them, which also they were in a manner constrained to do, because otherwise they must have taken some part of the portions of other tribes, whereas now going to the very utmost northern point of the land, they took that which did not belong to any other tribe.

Verse 47. Went out too little for them] This is certainly the meaning of the passage; but our translators have been obliged to add the words too little to make this sense apparent. Houbigant contends that an ancient copyist, meeting frequently with the words lwbgh axyw vaiyetse haggebul, in the preceding history, became so familiarized to them that he wrote them here instead of lwbgh xayw vaiyaats haggebul, and the border of the children of Dan was STRAIT for them. It was on this account that they were obliged to go and fight against Leshem, and take and possess it, their former inheritance being too strait for their increasing population.

And called Leshem, Dan] This city was situated near the origin of Jordan, at the utmost northern extremity of the promised land, as Beer-sheba was at that of the south; and as after its capture by the Danites it was called Dan, hence arose the expression from Dan even to Beer-sheba, which always signified the whole extent of the promised land. Some suppose that Leshem was the same with Cæsarea Philippi, but others with reason reject this opinion. It must be granted that the whole account given in this verse refers indisputably to a fact which did not take place till after the death of Joshua. It is another of the marginal or explicative notes which were added by some later hand. The whole account of this expedition of the Danites against Leshem is circumstantially given in {Judges 18:1-29} the book of Judges, and to that chapter the reader is referred.

Verse 47. The coast of Dan went out too little — The words too little are not in the Hebrew, where there is nothing that corresponds with them. The passage runs thus: The coast of the children of Dan went out from them; that is, they were dispossessed of it in some parts, or kept out of them by the former inhabitants; and we find, by Judges 1:34, that the Amorites forced them into the mountains, and would not suffer them to dwell in the valley. This reduced them to such straits, that they were constrained to enlarge their border some other way; which they did as follows. They went up to fight against Leshem — A city not far from Jordan, called Laish in the book of Judges, before it was taken by the Danites. And called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father — It was customary for conquerors to change the names of those places they subdued. This was done with respect to Leshem, after the death of Joshua; and is related more largely in the book of Judges, chap. 18., where the whole expedition is recorded. From whence some have argued that this book was not written by Joshua; whereas no more can fairly be inferred, than that, in after times, Ezra, or some other, thought good to insert this verse here, in order to complete the account of the Danites’ possessions.

47. The coast… went out too little — Here the English version is at fault by inserting too little. Masius has given the sense correctly thus: “The Danites emigrated beyond themselves, that is, beyond the inheritance in which they were first placed by the divine lot, and set out in search of other possessions.” This occurred after the death of Joshua, and is here narrated out of its chronological order, so as to complete the description of Dan’s lot. Therefore… went up to fight — Rather, and the children of Dan went up and fought. Leshem, or Laish, is at the extreme north, near the foot of Mount Hermon. A minute account of this expedition and its results is found in Judges 18, where see notes.

V. 49. The children of Israel-That is, they are said to give it, because the whole land was given to Joshua, and Eleazar, and the princes, as joint trustees, acting in the name, and for the good of the people: so that even Joshua could take nothing without their gift.

Verse 49. When they had made an end of dividing the land — That is, after every tribe had had their respective portion assigned to them. The children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua — We cannot but admire the wonderful modesty of this great man, who received his portion last of all, and then, not by lot, but by their gift, who were already possessed of the whole land.

Ver. 49. Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua. Joshua sought the people’s good, but left himself and his house without any lot. He coveted no inviting abode: none among the murmurers could murmur against the servant of the Lord. Happy Israel, to have a first magistrate so pure and disinterested. He left his family undistinguished in the fluctuating dust of the present world: he was by grace more than a Cincinnátus.

JOSHUA’S INHERITANCE, 49, 50.

An honourable distinction of Joshua from the whole people and from his tribe is made by conferring on him a separate portion, not by lot, but in accordance with his own choice. It was situated in the territory of Ephraim, the tribe to which he belonged.

50. The word of the Lord, as uttered perhaps through the High Priest, or probably to Moses, but which was not recorded in the Mosaic books. The unrecorded promise to Caleb was a similar instance. Timnath-serah — That is, the portion that was over and above. [It is called Timnath-heres (portion of the sun) in Judges 2:9, because, as the Jews explain, he made the sun stand still. It was in Mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash. See Joshua 24:30. This spot is without much doubt at the modern Tibneh, some twelve miles northwest of Beth-el. Here Dr. Eli Smith discovered the ruins of a considerable town. On the south of the town is a hill (probably Gaash) in which are a number of sepulchers which in size and richness will bear comparison with the tombs of the kings at Jerusalem. Here, doubtless, the aged commander passed his last days, and here he died and was buried. Joshua 24:29, 30. “Jerome relates that Paula, when travelling in these parts, marvelled that the distributer of the possessions of the children of Israel should have chosen for himself a situation so rough and mountainous.” — Kitto.

V. 50. The word of The Lord-As God had promised, or commanded; either formerly, or at this time by Eleazar. He built-That is, repaired and enlarged it, in which sense Nebuchadnezzar is said to have built Babylon, Daniel 4:30.

Verse 50. Timnath-serah] Called Timnath-heres in Judges 2:9, where we find that the mountain on which it was built was called Gaash. It is generally allowed to have been a barren spot in a barren country.

Verse 50. According to the word of the Lord, they gave him the city which he asked — God indeed had ordered that he should have a portion, and that he himself should choose it; but he was content to stay for it till every one else was amply provided for. We do not expressly read of this command; but many particulars were said and done which are not recorded. And Joshua being as faithful and upright as Caleb, and chosen besides to be the captain of God’s people, we cannot but think, that when God ordered what Caleb should have, he gave the same direction with respect to Joshua: see Joshua 16:6. Even Timnath-serah in mount Ephraim — Joshua did not choose the best place in all the country, but a convenient one in his own tribe; which was seated on the north side of a hill called Gaash, as we read in the latter end of this book. And he built the city and dwelt therein — Repaired it, we suppose, (for in all probability there was a city in that situation before,) and made a convenient habitation for his family and relations. But we read nothing of them afterward; for as he did not affect to make himself king of Canaan, so he contented himself with a moderate allotment, and made no large provision for his posterity.

JOSHUA’S INHERITANCE, 49, 50.

An honourable distinction of Joshua from the whole people and from his tribe is made by conferring on him a separate portion, not by lot, but in accordance with his own choice. It was situated in the territory of Ephraim, the tribe to which he belonged.

50. The word of the Lord, as uttered perhaps through the High Priest, or probably to Moses, but which was not recorded in the Mosaic books. The unrecorded promise to Caleb was a similar instance. Timnath-serah — That is, the portion that was over and above. [It is called Timnath-heres (portion of the sun) in Judges 2:9, because, as the Jews explain, he made the sun stand still. It was in Mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash. See Joshua 24:30. This spot is without much doubt at the modern Tibneh, some twelve miles northwest of Beth-el. Here Dr. Eli Smith discovered the ruins of a considerable town. On the south of the town is a hill (probably Gaash) in which are a number of sepulchers which in size and richness will bear comparison with the tombs of the kings at Jerusalem. Here, doubtless, the aged commander passed his last days, and here he died and was buried. Joshua 24:29, 30. “Jerome relates that Paula, when travelling in these parts, marvelled that the distributer of the possessions of the children of Israel should have chosen for himself a situation so rough and mountainous.” — Kitto.

Verse 51. At the door of the tabernacle] All the inheritances were determined by lot, and this was cast before the Lord-every thing was done in his immediate presence, as under his eye; hence there was no murmuring, each having received his inheritance as from the hand of God himself, though some of them thought they must have additional territory, because of the great increase of their families.

JOSHUA

Verse 51. These are the inheritances, &c. — Upon the whole of this division of the land, it deserves our remarking, that the lot fell to the several tribes just as Jacob and Moses had foretold. And this division served to keep up the distinction of tribes, which was to continue till the coming of the Messiah. And we may observe further, that God had expressly named, some years before, as we find by Numbers 34:17-29, the very persons who should divide the land unto the children of Israel, and expressly described the bounds how far every way the land reached which was to be divided by them.

51. They made an end of dividing the country — But after the division and allotment it remained to designate the cities of refuge and the Levitical cities. An account of this is given in the next two chapters.]