Joshua · Chapter 21

1-8. A catalogue of those cities, ver. 9-42. A testimony, that God had fulfilled his word, ver. 43-45.

V. 1. Then-When the whole land was distributed to the several tribes, but not actually possessed by them; which was the proper season for them to put in their claim. Fathers of the Levites-The fathers of the Levites were Kohath, Gershom, and Merari, and the heads of these were the chief persons now alive of these several families.

Verse 1. The heads of the fathers of the Levites] The Levites were composed of three brand families, the Gershonites, Koathites, and Merarites, independently of the family of Aaron, who might be said to form a fourth. To none of these had God assigned any portion in the division of the land. But in this general division it must have been evidently intended that the different tribes were to furnish them with habitations; and this was according to a positive command of God, Numbers 35:2, &c. Finding now that each tribe had its inheritance appointed to it, the heads of the Levites came before Eleazar, Joshua, and the chiefs of the tribes who had been employed in dividing the land, and requested that cities and suburbs should be granted them according to the Divine command.

Verse 1. The heads of the fathers of the Levites — The fathers of the Levites were Kohath, Gershon, and Merari; and the heads of these were the chief persons now alive of these several families. Thus, the princes of the several tribes, who divided the land in conjunction with Joshua, are called, at the conclusion of this verse and elsewhere, the heads of the fathers of the tribes. The whole land being distributed to the several tribes, but not yet actually possessed by them, and this being the proper season for their making such a claim, these principal Levites now come to the princes of the tribes, and remind them of the command of God respecting the cities to be assigned them.

DESIGNATION OF THE LEVITICAL CITIES, 1-42.

1. Heads of the fathers — The most venerable and influential of the three Levitical families. These applied to the same commissioners for the cities promised by Moses, (Numbers 35:1-5.) It is not enough that God makes special promises and provisions. The very persons to whom these promises are made will fail to receive them unless they exert themselves to secure them. Prayer is the key to God’s treasury.

V. 2. The Lord commanded-Observe: the maintenance of ministers is not an arbitrary thing, left purely to the good will of the people. No: as the God of Israel commanded, that the Levites should be provided for, so hath the Lord Jesus ordained, (and a perpetual ordinance it is) that they who preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

Verse 2. The Lord commanded — Observe: the maintenance of ministers is not an arbitrary thing, left purely to the good-will of the people. No: as the God of Israel commanded that the Levites should be provided for, so hath the Lord Jesus ordained (and a perpetual ordinance it is) “that they who preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”

Verse 2. Suburbs—for our cattle. The levites sharing the tithe of corn, only needed cattle, which were tithed as well as the corn; but they were either burnt on the altar, or consumed in feasts before the Lord, the worshippers participating. See on Deuteronomy 26:12.—The suburbs contained a square of two thousand cubits. Numbers 35.

2. With the suburbs thereof — The area of these suburbs is laid down in Numbers 35:4, 5, but so obscurely that great diversity of computation has arisen among expositors. The suburbs were to reach a thousand cubits from the wall of the city on each of the four sides, and yet the measure on each side of the city was to be two thousand cubits. This Keil explains, as in the following diagram by picturing the city and its suburbs in squares, with the city in the midst, and understanding the two thousand cubits as the length of each outer side of the suburbs, apart from the walls of the cities, which latter, of course, might vary in size. Or we may understand with Maimonides that the two thousand cubits were added to the one thousand as “fields of the suburbs,” (Leviticus 25:34,) and lay outside the suburbs proper.

V. 3. The children of Israel gave-Probably they gave the Levites promiscuously such cities as God commanded, and the lot appropriated them to their several houses or families. Out of their inheritance-That is, out of their several possessions; that the burden might be equally divided; and, that the Levites being dispersed among the several tribes, according to Jacob’s prediction, Genesis 49:7, might more easily, and effectually teach the Israelites God’s law and judgments, which they were engaged to do, Deuteronomy 33:10, and that the people might upon all occasions resort to them, and enquire the meaning of the law at their mouths. And suburbs-Not only the use, but the absolute dominion of them, as is manifest both from ver.Joshua 21:11,12, where a distinction is made between the city and suburbs of Hebron, and the fields and villages thereof; (the former given to the Levites, the latter to Caleb;) and from the return of these cities in the Jubilee, unto the Levites as to their proper owners, Leviticus 25:33,34.

Verse 3. And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites] They cheerfully obeyed the Divine command, and cities for habitations were appointed to them out of the different tribes by lot, that it might as fully appear that God designed them their habitations, as he designed the others their inheritances.

Verse 3. The children of Israel gave — Probably they gave the Levites promiscuously such cities as God commanded, and the lot appropriated them to their several houses or families. Out of their inheritance — That is, out of their several possessions, that the burden might be equally divided; and that the Levites, being dispersed among the several tribes, according to Jacob’s prediction, (Genesis 49:7,) might more easily and effectually teach the Israelites God’s law and judgments, which they were engaged to do, Deuteronomy 33:10; and that the people might upon all occasions resort to them, and inquire the meaning of the law at their mouths. And suburbs — Not only the use, but the absolute dominion of them, as is manifest both from verses 11, 12, where a distinction is made between the city and suburbs of Hebron, and the fields and villages thereof; (the former being given to the Levites, the latter to Caleb;) and from the return of these cities in the jubilee unto the Levites as to their proper owners, Leviticus 25:33, 34.

Ver. 3. At the commandment of the Lord: the forty eight cities were given to the priests and levites out of their inheritance. The care of religion should be the first care of the magistrate, as it is the first care of heaven. The priests needed but small cities, and the fathers of the levites had to urge their claim, for laymen are too often tardy and reluctant in the support of the sanctuary. The distribution of those cities was such as enabled the levite to instruct the people with every local advantage, and to influence their morals by example.

DESIGNATION OF THE LEVITICAL CITIES, 1-42.

1. Heads of the fathers — The most venerable and influential of the three Levitical families. These applied to the same commissioners for the cities promised by Moses, (Numbers 35:1-5.) It is not enough that God makes special promises and provisions. The very persons to whom these promises are made will fail to receive them unless they exert themselves to secure them. Prayer is the key to God’s treasury.

V. 4. Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin-Which three tribes were nearest the temple, where their business lay. Thirteen cities-For though the priests were now few enough for one city, yet respect was to be had to their succeeding numbers; this division being made for all future generations. And seeing the Levites might sell their houses until the Jubilee, Leviticus 25:33, much more might they let them; and therefore it is probable their cities were not long uninhabited, many being inclined to dwell with them by virtue of relations contracted with them; or out of respect to the service of God, and the good of their souls.

Verse 4. Out of the tribe of Judah-Simeon, and-Benjamin, thirteen cities.] These tribes furnished more habitations to the Levites in proportion than any of the other tribes, because they possessed a more extensive inheritance; and Moses had commanded, Numbers 35:8, From them that have many, ye shall give many; and from them that have few, ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites, according to his inheritance. It is worthy of remark, that the principal part of this tribe, whose business was to minister at the sanctuary, which sanctuary was afterwards to be established in Jerusalem, had their appointment nearest to that city; so that they were always within reach of the sacred work which God had appointed them.

Verse 4. Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin — Which three tribes were nearest the temple, where their business lay. Thirteen cities — For though the priests were now few enough for one city, yet respect was to be had to their succeeding numbers; this division being made for all future generations. And seeing the Levites might sell their houses until the jubilee, (Leviticus 25:33,) much more might they let them; and therefore it is probable their cities were not long uninhabited, many being inclined to dwell with them, by virtue of relations contracted with them, or out of respect to the service of God, and the good of their souls.

4. Kohathites — The first of the families of the Levites among whom the family of Aaron were exclusively appointed to the priesthood. These by virtue of their office had the precedence in the assignment of the lots, and received thirteen cities in contiguous territory; the rest of the Kohathites ten cities, (ver. 5,) in tribes also adjoining. There was a divine prescience displayed in so locating the priests that in the future great schism of the State under Rehoboam the seceding tribes found themselves destitute of the divinely-appointed priesthood.

V. 5. Children of Kohath-Who were of Aaron’s family. Ephraim, Dan, and Manesseh-Which tribes are nearest to the three former, and so the Kohathites are placed next to their brethren the Aaronites. Ten cities-Fewer than they gave out of the three former tribes, because their inheritance was less than the former.

Verse 5. And the rest of the children of Kohath] That is, the remaining part of that family that were not priests, for those who were priests had their lot in the preceding tribes. Those, therefore, of the family of Kohath, who were simply Levites, and not of the priests or Aaron’s family, (see Joshua 21:10,) had their habitations in Ephraim, Dan, and the half tribe of Manasseh.

It has been asked in what sense did the Levites possess those cities, seeing they had no inheritance? To which it may be answered that it is not likely the Levites had the exclusive property of the cities in which they dwelt, for it is evident that the other Israelites dwelt among them. We know, says Calmet, by history, that the cities of the Levites were almost entirely filled with Israelites of other tribes. For instance, Gibeah of Benjamin, which is here given to the Levites, Joshua 21:17, was always peopled by the Benjamites, as appears from the history of the Levite, whose wife was so horribly abused by them; Judges 19:22-27. Saul and all his family dwelt in the same city; and David and his court spent the first years of his reign at Hebron, which was also a city of the Levites, Joshua 21:10. It appears, therefore, that they had no other property in those cities than merely the right to certain houses, which they might sell, but always with the right of perpetual redemption, for they could finally alienate nothing; and if the possessor of such a house, having sold it, did not redeem it at the year of jubilee, it reverted to the Levites. And as to their lands for their cattle, which extended two thousand cubits without the city, these they were not permitted to sell: they were considered as the Lord’s property. See Leviticus 25:32-34, and the notes there. It is therefore very likely that, in the first instance, the Levites had simply the right to choose, in all the cities assigned them, the houses in which they were to dwell, and that those of the tribe to which the city belonged occupied all the other dwellings. There is also reason to believe that in process of time, when the families of the Levites increased, they had more dwellings assigned to them, which were probably built at the public expense.

We may also observe that the Levites were not absolutely bound to live in these and no other cities: for when the tabernacle was at Nob, priests and Levites dwelt there, see 1 Samuel 21:1, &c.; and when the worship of God was established at Jerusalem, multitudes both of priests and Reviles dwelt there, though it was no Levitical city: as did the courses of priests afterwards at Jericho. This was a circumstance which Moses had foreseen, and for which he had provided. See Deuteronomy 18:6, &c.

Verse 5. Children of Kohath — Who were of Aaron’s family. Ephraim, Dan, and Manasseh — Which tribes were nearest to the three former, and so the Kohathites are placed next to their brethren the Aaronites. Ten cities — Fewer than they gave out of the three former tribes, because their inheritance was less than the former.

DESIGNATION OF THE LEVITICAL CITIES, 1-42.

1. Heads of the fathers — The most venerable and influential of the three Levitical families. These applied to the same commissioners for the cities promised by Moses, (Numbers 35:1-5.) It is not enough that God makes special promises and provisions. The very persons to whom these promises are made will fail to receive them unless they exert themselves to secure them. Prayer is the key to God’s treasury.

6. Gershon — The second division.

7. Merari — The third division of the Levites. The three families take their names from the sons of Levi. See the genealogy at Exodus 6:16-19; also Numbers 3:17-39, and 1 Chronicles 6.

DESIGNATION OF THE LEVITICAL CITIES, 1-42.

1. Heads of the fathers — The most venerable and influential of the three Levitical families. These applied to the same commissioners for the cities promised by Moses, (Numbers 35:1-5.) It is not enough that God makes special promises and provisions. The very persons to whom these promises are made will fail to receive them unless they exert themselves to secure them. Prayer is the key to God’s treasury.

V. 9. Judah and Simeon-These are mentioned together, because the cities of Simeon lay within Judah’s portion.

Verses 9, 10. Judah and Simeon — These are mentioned together, because the cities of Simeon lay within Judah’s portion. Families — That is, of the family, the plural number being put for the singular which is not unusual.

DESIGNATION OF THE LEVITICAL CITIES, 1-42.

1. Heads of the fathers — The most venerable and influential of the three Levitical families. These applied to the same commissioners for the cities promised by Moses, (Numbers 35:1-5.) It is not enough that God makes special promises and provisions. The very persons to whom these promises are made will fail to receive them unless they exert themselves to secure them. Prayer is the key to God’s treasury.

V. 10. Families-That is, of the family, the plural number for the singular, which is not unusual.

Verses 9, 10. Judah and Simeon — These are mentioned together, because the cities of Simeon lay within Judah’s portion. Families — That is, of the family, the plural number being put for the singular which is not unusual.

DESIGNATION OF THE LEVITICAL CITIES, 1-42.

1. Heads of the fathers — The most venerable and influential of the three Levitical families. These applied to the same commissioners for the cities promised by Moses, (Numbers 35:1-5.) It is not enough that God makes special promises and provisions. The very persons to whom these promises are made will fail to receive them unless they exert themselves to secure them. Prayer is the key to God’s treasury.

Verse 11. The city of Arba] See Clarke’s note on “Joshua 14:15”.

11. Hebron — See on Joshua 10:3, and Joshua 14:12. We here meet the difficulty of a double proprietorship. We have seen in Joshua 14:13, that Joshua gave Hebron to Caleb as a reward for his fidelity, but now we find that the same city is bestowed upon the priests. Our solution of this difficulty is, that the Levites did not have exclusive ownership of these cities. From Numbers 3:39, we learn that the census of the Levites was about twenty-two thousand males of a month old and upward. This would give less than five hundred males, adult and children, to each of the forty-eight cities. As Hebron and Shechem and several others were large and important, the inference is, that the Levites had ample inheritance in these cities sufficient to give a sacred character to them. We have an intimation of this in verse 12. For the Hebrews who tilled the fields of Caleb’s sons must have resided in Hebron for protection. Again, in the law requiring the alienated house and pasture land of the Levite to revert to him in the year of jubilee, there is implied that others than Levites lived with them. Leviticus 25:32-34.

V. 12. The fields and villages-That is, all beyond the two thousand cubits expressed, Numbers 35:5. This is here mentioned, not as his peculiar case, but as one eminent instance, to shew, that it was so in all the rest of the cities here named; that the fields and villages thereof still belonged to the several tribes from whom the cities and their suburbs were taken; and to make the rest of the Israelites more chearfully resign part of their possessions to the Levites, because even Caleb did so, though his possession had been long before promised, and now actually given to him by God’s special command, as a mark of honour and compensation for his long and faithful service.

Verse 12. The fields of the city-gave they to Caleb] This was an exclusive privilege to him and his family, with which the grant to the Levites did not interfere. See Clarke’s notes on “Joshua 14:14”.

Verse 12. The fields and villages — That is, all beyond the two thousand cubits expressed Numbers 35:5. This is here mentioned, not as his peculiar case, but as one eminent instance, to show that it was so in all the rest of the cities here named; that the fields and villages thereof still belonged to the several tribes from whom the cities and their suburbs were taken. It would make the rest of the Israelites more cheerfully resign part of their possessions to the Levites, considering that even Caleb did so, though his possession had been long before promised, and now actually given to him by God’s special command, as a mark of honour and compensation for his long and faithful service.

DESIGNATION OF THE LEVITICAL CITIES, 1-42.

1. Heads of the fathers — The most venerable and influential of the three Levitical families. These applied to the same commissioners for the cities promised by Moses, (Numbers 35:1-5.) It is not enough that God makes special promises and provisions. The very persons to whom these promises are made will fail to receive them unless they exert themselves to secure them. Prayer is the key to God’s treasury.

13. Libnah — See on Joshua 10:29. In the following list no comment is made on those cities that are now unknown.

14-17. Jattir — Joshua 15:48. Eshtemoah — Joshua 15:50. Debir — Joshua 10:38. Juttah — Joshua 15:55. Beth-shemesh — Joshua 15:10. Gibeon — Joshua 9:3. Geba — Joshua 18:24.

14-17. Jattir — Joshua 15:48. Eshtemoah — Joshua 15:50. Debir — Joshua 10:38. Juttah — Joshua 15:55. Beth-shemesh — Joshua 15:10. Gibeon — Joshua 9:3. Geba — Joshua 18:24.

V. 16. And Ain-Ain and Gibeon, and some others here named are not named, 1 Chronicles 6:59. Either they were destroyed in some of those invasions wherewith their land was grievously wasted before that time; or they appear there under other names.

Verse 16. And Ain — Ain and Gibeon, and some others here named, are not named 1 Chronicles 6:59. Either they were destroyed in some of those invasions wherewith their land was grievously wasted before that time, or they appear there under other names.

14-17. Jattir — Joshua 15:48. Eshtemoah — Joshua 15:50. Debir — Joshua 10:38. Juttah — Joshua 15:55. Beth-shemesh — Joshua 15:10. Gibeon — Joshua 9:3. Geba — Joshua 18:24.

14-17. Jattir — Joshua 15:48. Eshtemoah — Joshua 15:50. Debir — Joshua 10:38. Juttah — Joshua 15:55. Beth-shemesh — Joshua 15:10. Gibeon — Joshua 9:3. Geba — Joshua 18:24.

Verse 18. Anathoth.] Celebrated as the birthplace of Jeremiah, about three miles northward of Jerusalem, according to St. Jerome.

18. Anathoth was the place to which King Solomon banished Abiathar, (1 Kings 2:26,) and the birthplace of Jeremiah. Jeremiah 1:1. It is represented by the modern village Anata, four miles northeast of Jerusalem. It is now a small village, but contains remains of the walls and foundations of the ancient city.

Verse 19. Thirteen cities with their suburbs.] At the time mentioned here certainly thirteen cities were too large a proportion for the priests, as they and their families amounted to a very small number: but this ample provision was made in reference to their great increase in after times, when they formed twenty-four courses, as in the days of David.

DESIGNATION OF THE LEVITICAL CITIES, 1-42.

1. Heads of the fathers — The most venerable and influential of the three Levitical families. These applied to the same commissioners for the cities promised by Moses, (Numbers 35:1-5.) It is not enough that God makes special promises and provisions. The very persons to whom these promises are made will fail to receive them unless they exert themselves to secure them. Prayer is the key to God’s treasury.

V. 20. Which remained-Over and above those who were priests.

Verse 20. Which remained — Over and above those who were priests.

DESIGNATION OF THE LEVITICAL CITIES, 1-42.

1. Heads of the fathers — The most venerable and influential of the three Levitical families. These applied to the same commissioners for the cities promised by Moses, (Numbers 35:1-5.) It is not enough that God makes special promises and provisions. The very persons to whom these promises are made will fail to receive them unless they exert themselves to secure them. Prayer is the key to God’s treasury.

21-24. Shechem — Joshua 17:7. Gezer — Joshua 10:33. Beth-horon — Joshua 10:10. Aijalon — Joshua 10:12. Tanach — Joshua 12:21.

Verse 22. Beth-horon] There were two cities of this name, the upper and the nether; but which is intended here, cannot be ascertained.

21-24. Shechem — Joshua 17:7. Gezer — Joshua 10:33. Beth-horon — Joshua 10:10. Aijalon — Joshua 10:12. Tanach — Joshua 12:21.

21-24. Shechem — Joshua 17:7. Gezer — Joshua 10:33. Beth-horon — Joshua 10:10. Aijalon — Joshua 10:12. Tanach — Joshua 12:21.

Verse 24. Aijalon] See Clarke on “Joshua 10:12”.

21-24. Shechem — Joshua 17:7. Gezer — Joshua 10:33. Beth-horon — Joshua 10:10. Aijalon — Joshua 10:12. Tanach — Joshua 12:21.

V. 25. Half the tribe-Namely, that half which dwelt in Canaan.

Verse 25. Half the tribe — Namely, that half which dwelt in Canaan.

DESIGNATION OF THE LEVITICAL CITIES, 1-42.

1. Heads of the fathers — The most venerable and influential of the three Levitical families. These applied to the same commissioners for the cities promised by Moses, (Numbers 35:1-5.) It is not enough that God makes special promises and provisions. The very persons to whom these promises are made will fail to receive them unless they exert themselves to secure them. Prayer is the key to God’s treasury.

DESIGNATION OF THE LEVITICAL CITIES, 1-42.

1. Heads of the fathers — The most venerable and influential of the three Levitical families. These applied to the same commissioners for the cities promised by Moses, (Numbers 35:1-5.) It is not enough that God makes special promises and provisions. The very persons to whom these promises are made will fail to receive them unless they exert themselves to secure them. Prayer is the key to God’s treasury.

Verse 27. Golan in Bashan] On this and the other cities of refuge mentioned here, see Clarke’s note on “Joshua 20:7”.

27. Beeshterah seems to be a contraction of Beth-Ashterah — house of Astoreth — the residence of Og. See Joshua 9:10.

28-39. Dabareh — Joshua 19:12. En-gannim — Joshua 19:21. Kedesh — Joshua 12:22. Jokneam — Joshua 12:22. Ramoth — Joshua 13:26. Heshbon — Joshua 13:17, 26. Jazer — Joshua 13:25.

28-39. Dabareh — Joshua 19:12. En-gannim — Joshua 19:21. Kedesh — Joshua 12:22. Jokneam — Joshua 12:22. Ramoth — Joshua 13:26. Heshbon — Joshua 13:17, 26. Jazer — Joshua 13:25.

28-39. Dabareh — Joshua 19:12. En-gannim — Joshua 19:21. Kedesh — Joshua 12:22. Jokneam — Joshua 12:22. Ramoth — Joshua 13:26. Heshbon — Joshua 13:17, 26. Jazer — Joshua 13:25.

28-39. Dabareh — Joshua 19:12. En-gannim — Joshua 19:21. Kedesh — Joshua 12:22. Jokneam — Joshua 12:22. Ramoth — Joshua 13:26. Heshbon — Joshua 13:17, 26. Jazer — Joshua 13:25.

28-39. Dabareh — Joshua 19:12. En-gannim — Joshua 19:21. Kedesh — Joshua 12:22. Jokneam — Joshua 12:22. Ramoth — Joshua 13:26. Heshbon — Joshua 13:17, 26. Jazer — Joshua 13:25.

28-39. Dabareh — Joshua 19:12. En-gannim — Joshua 19:21. Kedesh — Joshua 12:22. Jokneam — Joshua 12:22. Ramoth — Joshua 13:26. Heshbon — Joshua 13:17, 26. Jazer — Joshua 13:25.

28-39. Dabareh — Joshua 19:12. En-gannim — Joshua 19:21. Kedesh — Joshua 12:22. Jokneam — Joshua 12:22. Ramoth — Joshua 13:26. Heshbon — Joshua 13:17, 26. Jazer — Joshua 13:25.

Verse 35. Dimnah with her suburbs, &c.] It is well known to every Hebrew scholar that the two following verses are wholly omitted by the Masora; and are left out in some of the most correct and authentic Hebrew Bibles. Between critics there is no small controversy relative to the authenticity of these verses; and those who wish to see the arguments at large on both sides, must consult the Variæ Lectiones of Deuteronomy Rossi on this place. Dr. Kennicott, who is a strenuous advocate for their authenticity argues thus in their behalf: “Verses 41 and 42 of this chapter tell us that the Levitical cities were forty-eight, and that they had been all as such described; so that they must have been all specified in this chapter: whereas now in all the Hebrew copies printed in full obedience to the Masora, which excludes two verses containing four of these cities, the number amounts only to forty-four.

“The cities are first mentioned, in the general, as being thirteen and ten, with thirteen and twelve, which are certainly forty-eight. And yet when they are particularly named, Joshua 21:13-19 gives thirteen cities; Joshua 21:20-26 gives ten cities; Joshua 21:27-33 gives thirteen; Joshua 21:34-36 gives four cities; and Joshua 21:35-36 gives four more, all which can make but forty-four. And what still increases the wonder is, that Joshua 21:40 infers from the verses immediately preceding, that the cities allowed to the Merarites were twelve, though they here make eight only, unless we admit the four other cities expressed in those two verses, which have been rejected by that blind guide the Masora. In defiance of this authority these two verses, thus absolutely necessary, were inserted in the most early editions of the Hebrew text, and are found in Walton’s Polyglot, as well as in our English Bible. But they have scarce ever been as yet printed completely, thus, And out of the tribe or Reuben, A CITY OF REFUGE FOR THE SLAYER, Bezer, IN THE WILDERNESS, with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs, Kedemoth with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs; four cities. See on this place my edition of the Hebrew Bible, where no less than one hundred and forty-nine copies are described, which happily preserve these verses, most clearly essential to the truth and consistency of this chapter. See also General Discourse, pp. 19, 26, 54.”

Though this reasoning of Dr. Kennicott appears very conclusive, yet there are so many and important variations among the MSS. that retain, and those that reject these verses, as to render the question of their authenticity very difficult to be determined. To Dr. Kennicott’s one hundred and forty-nine MSS. which have these two verses, may be added upwards of forty collated by Deuteronomy Rossi. Those who deny their authenticity say they have been inserted here from 1 Chronicles 6:78, 79, where they are found it is true, in general, but not exactly as they stand here, and in Dr. Kennicott’s Hebrew Bible.

28-39. Dabareh — Joshua 19:12. En-gannim — Joshua 19:21. Kedesh — Joshua 12:22. Jokneam — Joshua 12:22. Ramoth — Joshua 13:26. Heshbon — Joshua 13:17, 26. Jazer — Joshua 13:25.

Verse 36. Jahazah] See Clarke on “Joshua 13:18”.

28-39. Dabareh — Joshua 19:12. En-gannim — Joshua 19:21. Kedesh — Joshua 12:22. Jokneam — Joshua 12:22. Ramoth — Joshua 13:26. Heshbon — Joshua 13:17, 26. Jazer — Joshua 13:25.

28-39. Dabareh — Joshua 19:12. En-gannim — Joshua 19:21. Kedesh — Joshua 12:22. Jokneam — Joshua 12:22. Ramoth — Joshua 13:26. Heshbon — Joshua 13:17, 26. Jazer — Joshua 13:25.

28-39. Dabareh — Joshua 19:12. En-gannim — Joshua 19:21. Kedesh — Joshua 12:22. Jokneam — Joshua 12:22. Ramoth — Joshua 13:26. Heshbon — Joshua 13:17, 26. Jazer — Joshua 13:25.

28-39. Dabareh — Joshua 19:12. En-gannim — Joshua 19:21. Kedesh — Joshua 12:22. Jokneam — Joshua 12:22. Ramoth — Joshua 13:26. Heshbon — Joshua 13:17, 26. Jazer — Joshua 13:25.

DESIGNATION OF THE LEVITICAL CITIES, 1-42.

1. Heads of the fathers — The most venerable and influential of the three Levitical families. These applied to the same commissioners for the cities promised by Moses, (Numbers 35:1-5.) It is not enough that God makes special promises and provisions. The very persons to whom these promises are made will fail to receive them unless they exert themselves to secure them. Prayer is the key to God’s treasury.

V. 41. Forty eight cities-Why hath this tribe, which was the least of all, more cities than any of them? First, it doth not appear that they had more: for though all the cities of the Levites be expressed, it is not so with the other tribes, but divers of their cities are omitted. Secondly, the Levites were confined to their cities and suburbs; the rest had large territories belonging to their cities, which also so they were in a capacity of improving, which the Levites were not; so that one of their cities might be more considerable than divers of the Levites. Thirdly, God, was pleased to deal liberally with his ministers, to put honour on those whom he foresaw many would be prone to despise; and, that being free from outward distractions, they might more entirely and fervently devote themselves to the service of God.

Verse 41. Forty and eight cities] At the last census of the Hebrew people, related Num. 26, we find from Numbers 26:62 that the tribe of Levi amounted only to 23,000; and it is supposed that forty-eight cities were too great a proportion for this tribe, the other tribes having so very few. But, 1. All the cities of the other tribes are not enumerated. 2. They had the circumjacent country as well as the cities. 3. The Levites had no other cities than those enumerated. 4. They had no country annexed to their cities, the 2,000 cubits for their cattle, &c., excepted. 5. Cities in those ancient times were very small, as most villages went under this appellation

6. The Levites had now the appointment that was suited to their consequent increase. The other tribes might enlarge their borders and make conquests, but this was not suitable to the mere servants of God; besides, had they made conquests, they would have become proprietors of the conquered land; and God determined that they should have no inheritance in Israel, HE himself being their portion.

Verse 41. Forty and eight cities — So God ordered by Moses, Numbers 35:7; and it is a demonstration that Moses was divinely inspired to make such an appointment, before it could be known whether, without straitening the other tribes, they could part with so many cities to the Levites. For when Joshua and Caleb went up to search the land, they could have no opportunity to take any accurate dimensions of the country, whereby Moses might know there would be room enough to allow the Levites so large a portion as this; but he was directed to it by a divine foreknowledge. But why had this tribe, which was the least of all, more cities than any of them? First, it doth not appear that they had more; for though all the cities of the Levites be expressed, it is not so with the other tribes, but divers of their cities are omitted. Secondly, the Levites were confined to their cities and suburbs; the rest had large territories belonging to their cities, which also they were in a capacity of improving, which the Levites were not; so that one of their cities might be more considerable than divers of those of the Levites.

Ver. 41. Forty and eight cities. Many of those cities were but small; yet as the average population was not more than five hundred persons to a town, Levi was well provided for.

DESIGNATION OF THE LEVITICAL CITIES, 1-42.

1. Heads of the fathers — The most venerable and influential of the three Levitical families. These applied to the same commissioners for the cities promised by Moses, (Numbers 35:1-5.) It is not enough that God makes special promises and provisions. The very persons to whom these promises are made will fail to receive them unless they exert themselves to secure them. Prayer is the key to God’s treasury.

Verse 42. These cities were every one with their suburbs — Namely, two thousand cubits on every side round each city, as was ordered, Numbers 35:5; and it certainly was a large proportion for this tribe. But God intended that an ample provision should be made for his ministers, to put honour on those whom he foresaw many would despise; and that, being free from outward cares and distractions, they might more entirely and fervently devote themselves to the service of God.

42. To this verse the LXX add the following, partly taken from Joshua 19:49, 50, and partly legendary: “And Joshua finished dividing the land in their borders, and the children of Israel gave a portion to Joshua according to the commandment of the Lord; they gave him the city which he asked for, Timnath-serah gave they him in Mount Ephraim, and Joshua fortified the city and dwelt in it. And Joshua took the stone knives with which he circumcised the children of Israel who were born during the journey in the wilderness, and he deposited them in Timnath-serah.”

THE DIVINE PROMISES FULFILLED, 43-45.

As the wicked are prone to forget the divine threatenings, so the people of God are inclined to neglect the divine promises. Hence the necessity of calling special attention to them, that their fulfilment may exert a salutary influence upon us.

V. 43. All the land-He gave them the right to all, and the actual possession of the greatest part of it, and power to possess the rest, as soon as it was needful for them, which was when their numbers were increased, and the absolute dominion of all the people remaining in it.

Verse 43. And the Lord gave-all the land which he sware] All was now divided by lot unto them, and their enemies were so completely discomfited that there was not a single army of the Canaanites remaining to make head against them; and those which were left in the land served under tribute, and the tribute that they paid was the amplest proof of their complete subjugation. Add to this, they had as much of the land in actual possession as they could occupy; and, as they increased, God enabled them to drive out the rest of the ancient inhabitants; but in consequence of the infidelity of the Israelites, God permitted their enemies often to straiten them, and sometimes to prevail against them. It should also be remembered, that God never promised to give them the land, or to maintain them in it, but on condition of obedience; and so punctually did he fulfil this intention, that there is not a single instance on record in which they were either straitened or subjugated, while obedient and faithful to their God.

The cavil is as foolish as it is unprincipled which states, “The Israelites never did possess the whole of the land which was promised to them, and therefore that promise could not come by Divine revelation.” With as much reason might it be urged that Great Britain has not subdued the French West India Islands and Batavia, (Feb. 1812,) because the ancient inhabitants still remain in them; but is not their serving under tribute an absolute proof that they are conquered, and under the British dominion? So was the whole land of Canaan conquered, and its inhabitants subdued, though the whole of the ground was not occupied by the Israelites till the days of David and Solomon. In the most correct and literal sense it might be said, There failed not aught of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel: all came to pass. Nor shall one word of his ever fail to any of his followers while the sun and moon endure. JOSHUA

Verse 43. The Lord gave unto Israel all the land — He gave them a right to the whole country, and the actual possession of the greatest part of it. He likewise authorized them to subdue and possess the rest, as soon as it should be needful for them, which was when their numbers were increased; and to exercise absolute dominion over all the people remaining in it. All which was exactly conformable to his promise and oath; for the Israelites not being numerous enough to people the whole land at their first coming into it, God never intended to expel all the old inhabitants at once, but by degrees, as we read expressly, Exodus 23:29.

V. 44. Gave them rest-Namely, all the days of Joshua; for afterwards it was otherwise with them.

Verse 44. The Lord gave them rest round about — Namely, all the remaining days of Joshua; for afterward it was otherwise with them. The Lord delivered all their enemies into their hands — This is not to be understood as if all the people of Canaan were absolutely in subjection to them, but that as long as Joshua lived, all those who attempted to oppose or rise up against them were delivered into their power and subdued.

44. There stood not a man — The many were humbled and rendered tributary, and all their enemies would have been expelled if the Hebrews had had faith in Jehovah, their unfailing ally. [Some rationalistic critics affirm that this passage is contradicted by other statements of the ancient history which affirm that Israel’s enemies were not all subdued, and considerable portions of the land were never in possession of the Israelites. But they forget that the promise to the fathers was accompanied also with the express statement that the Canaanites should be gradually exterminated. See note on next verse. This passage affirms a thorough subjugation of all Canaan, and a division of it for a possession among the Israelites, but not, as some would assume, an extermination of all its original inhabitants. Even Ewald admits, as unquestionable, “that this first irruption into Canaan under Joshua was decisive for all future time, and that the Canaanites were never able in succeeding ages to rally permanently from the losses and disasters which they then underwent.” In another place the same rationalistic critic affirms: “There can be no doubt that Joshua, during the first years of the entrance into Canaan, subdued the country on every side, and received the submission of all the Canaanites whose lives were spared. It is very possible that in the first terror of surprise the Philistines, and even the men of Zidon and the rest of the Phenicians, may have paid homage, although these last could never again be subdued.”]

V. 45. All came to pass-Such an acknowledgment as this, here subscribed by Joshua, in the name of all Israel, we afterward find made by Solomon; and all Israel did in effect say amen to it, 1 Kings 8:56. The inviolable truth of God’s promise, and the performance of it to the uttermost, is what all believers in Christ have been always ready to bear their testimony to. And if in any thing it has seemed to come short, they have been as ready to take all the blame to themselves.

Verse 45. There failed not aught — Which they themselves, as Joshua afterward tells them, (Joshua 23:14,) knew very well, and could not but confess. But it must be understood according to the explication given verse

43. For the time of fulfilling some part of the divine promises was not yet come, and the entire completion of what was already begun was partly conditional, and depended on their obedience to God. All came to pass — Such an acknowledgment as this, here subscribed by Joshua, in the name of all Israel, we afterward find made by Solomon; and all Israel did, in effect, say amen to it, 1 Kings 8:56. The inviolable truth of God’s promise, and the performance of it to the uttermost, is what all believers in Christ have been always ready to bear their testimony to. And if in any thing it has seemed to come short, they have been as ready to take all the blame to themselves.

45. There failed not aught of any good — So far as Jehovah was concerned, for he had expressly said, “I will not drive them out from before thee in one year, lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee. By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.” Exodus xxiii, 29, 30. Comp. Deuteronomy 7:22. Israel’s subsequent failure to possess all the land was, as the history itself shows, largely owing to their cowardice. Tribal jealousies also had much to do with their failure.