Joshua 20

Jos 20:1 And Jehovah spoke to Joshua, saying,

The Lord also spake unto Joshua - the Lord had spoken to him before concerning dividing the land among the tribes, Jos_13:1; and this being done he speaks to him again:

Jos 20:2 Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:

After the distribution of the land by lot among the tribes of Israel, six towns were set apart, in accordance with the Mosaic instructions in Num 35, as places of refuge for unintentional manslayers. Before describing the appointment and setting apart of these towns, the writer repeats in Jos_20:1-6 the main points of the Mosaic law contained in Num 35:9-29 and Deu_19:1-13, with reference to the reception of the manslayers into these towns.

Cities of refuge - Appoint out for you cities of refuge (See Num. 35:9-28; Deu_19:1-13). The command here recorded was given on their going to occupy their allotted settlements. The sanctuaries were not temples or altars, as in other countries, but inhabited cities; and the design was not to screen criminals, but only to afford the homicide protection from the vengeance of the deceased's relatives until it should have been ascertained whether the death had resulted from accident and momentary passion, or from premeditated malice. The institution of the cities of refuge, together with the rules prescribed for the guidance of those who sought an asylum within their walls, was an important provision, tending to secure the ends of justice as well as of mercy.

Cities of refuge - An institution of this kind was essentially necessary wherever the patriarchal law relative to the right of redemption and the avenging of blood was in force; we have already seen that the nearest of kin to a deceased person had not only the right of redeeming an inheritance that had been forfeited or alienated, but had also authority to slay on the spot the person who had slain his relative. Now, as a man might casually kill another against whom he had no ill-will, and with whom he had no quarrel, and might have his life taken away by him who was called the avenger of blood, though he had not forfeited his life to the law; therefore these privileged cities were appointed, where the person might have protection till the cause had been fully heard by the magistrates, who certainly had authority to deliver him up to the avenger, if they found, on examination, that he was not entitled to this protection.

Jos 20:3 That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

Unwittingly - Who through mere accident, and without design, killed a person, friend or foe, one of his own kindred, or a stranger, without any malice against him, or intention to take away his life. Through ignorance, or error, or mistake, and without knowledge. The same thing twice repeated to cut off all the expectations that wilful murderers might have of protection here.

Avenger - The nearest kinsman, who had right or power to demand, or take vengeance of the slaughter.

Jos 20:4 And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.

And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities - Any one of them, that was nearest to him: As soon as the manslayer presented himself at the city of refuge, the elders of the city were to hold an inquiry, and receive him provisionally into the city. Afterward, when the avenger of blood should have tracked his victim to the city, and appear to claim him, a more formal and thorough investigation Jos_20:6 was to be made. If found guilty, the manslayer was surrendered to the blood-avenger; if extenuating circumstances appeared, he was to remain in the city of refuge, where he would be safe from the vindictive feelings of his pursuers; but he forfeited the privilege of immunity the moment he ventured beyond the walls.

and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city - lay before them the whole matter, how that he had killed a person unawares, by what means it came about, and that it was merely through error, without any malicious design, and was a mere accident:

and give him a place, that he might dwell among them - until his death, or the death of the high priest, if that was first.

Jos 20:5 And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.

Jos 20:6 And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.

until the death of the high priest - Num_35:25-28 And the congregation shall deliver the one who kills out of the hand of the revenger of blood. And the congregation shall send him back to the city of his refuge, to which he had fled. And he shall stay in it until the death of the high priest who was anointed with the holy oil. But if the one who killed shall at any time come outside the border of the city of his refuge to which he had fled, and if the avenger of blood finds him outside the borders of the city of his refuge, and if the avenger of blood kills the slayer, he shall not be guilty of blood, because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest. But after the death of the high priest the one who killed shall return to the land of his possession. His death secured the complete deliverance of the manslayer from his sin, only because he had been anointed with the holy oil (Num_35:25), the symbol of the Holy Ghost; and thus the death of the earthly high priest became a type of that of the heavenly one Heb_9:14-15 how much more shall the blood of Christ (who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God) purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause He is the Mediator of the new covenant, so that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, those who are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Where he could live with his family in the enjoyment of his possessions and estates, honors, and privileges belonging to him, as before.

Jos 20:7 And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

The cities of refuge were distributed through the land at proper distances from each other that they might be convenient to every part of the land; and it is said they were situated on eminences, that they might be easily seen at a distance, the roads leading to them being broad, even, and always kept in good repair. In

Num_35:33 So you shall not defile the land in which you are . For blood defiles the land. And the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of him that shed it, we can see that these cities were a type of our blessed Lord, and that the apostle refers to them as such, Heb_6:17-18 In this way desiring to declare more fully to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, God interposed by an oath, so that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.

Their names have been considered as descriptive of some character or office of Christ.

1. Kedesh, from kadash, to separate or set apart, because it implies the consecration of a person or thing to the worship or service of God alone; hence to make or be holy, and hence Kedesh, holiness, the full consecration of a person to God.

2. Shechem, from shacham, to be ready, forward, and diligent; hence Shechem, the shoulder, because of its readiness to bear burdens, prop up, sustain, etc.

3. chebron; Hebron, from chabar, to associate, join, conjoin, unite as friends; and hence chebron, fellowship, friendly association, or with the diminutive nun, the little fellow-ship or association.

4. Bezer, from batsar, to restrain, enclose, shut up, or encompass with a wall; and hence the goods or treasure thus secured, and hence a fortified place, a fortress.

5. Ramoth, from raam, to be raised, made high or exalted, and hence Ramoth, high places, eminences.

6. Golan, from galah, to remove, transmigrate, or pass away; hence Golan, a transmigration or passage. Some derive it from gal, to rejoice, hence Golan, rejoicing or exultation.

As these cities of refuge were typical of Christ, as has been observed on Num_35:29; their names are applicable to him. "Kedesh" signifies "holy" or "holiness"; Christ is holy in both his natures, divine and human; and so abundantly qualified to be the Mediator, Savior, and Redeemer; and is the fountain of holiness to his people, and is made sanctification to them, Psa_16:10 1Co_1:30; and "Shechem" signifies the "shoulder"; and not only the government of the church and people of God is on the shoulder of Christ, but all their sins have been laid upon him, and bore by him; and every particular soul in conversion, every lost sheep, is looked up by him, and taken up and brought home on his shoulder, Isa_9:6 For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Luk_15:4. "Hebron" signifies "fellowship"; in the effectual calling, the saints are called into fellowship with Christ, and their fellowship is with the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ; through him they have access to God, and communion with him now, and shall have uninterrupted communion with him to all eternity, 1Co_1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called to the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Joh_17:24. Bezer, a fortification, for he is a strong hold to all them that trust in him. "Bezer" signifies "a fortified place"; Christ is the fortress, mountain, and place of defence for his people, and strong hold to which the prisoners of hope turn, the strong tower whither the righteous run and are safe. Ramoth, high, or exalted, for him hath God exalted with his own right hand. "Ramoth" signifies "exaltations"; which may point both at the exaltation of Christ in human nature at the right hand of God, and the exaltation of his people by him, who are raised by him from a low estate to sit among princes, and to inherit the throne of glory, and by whom he is exalted in his person, office, and grace. Golan, joy, or exultation, for in him all the saints are justified, and shall glory. Jos_21:32; 1Ch_6:76. "Golan" signifies "revealed" or" manifested": so Christ has been manifest in the flesh, and is revealed to sinners, when they are called by his grace; to whom they flee for refuge, and lay hold on him, the hope set before them.

These cities stood so that a man might in half a day reach one of them from any part of the country. Kedesh and Hebron were at the two extremities of the promised land; one was in Galilee, the other in the tribe of Judah, both in mountainous countries; and Shechem was in the tribe of Ephraim, nearly in the middle, between both. Bezer was on the east side of Jordan, in the plain, opposite to Jericho. Ramoth was about the midst of the country occupied by the two tribes and a half, about the middle of the mountains of Gilead. Golan was the capital of a district called Gaulonitis, in the land of Bashan, towards the southern extremity of the lot of Manasseh.

and Shechem in Mount Ephraim - called Sichem, Gen_12:6; and Shechem from a prince of that name that possessed it, Gen_34:2; it fell to the lot of the tribe of Ephraim; its name in the New Testament is Sychar, Joh_4:5 where Jesus met the woman at the well.

and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah - it stood in the hill country of Judea, Luk_1:39; of which see Jos_14:15. There seems to be a difficulty here, since this city was before given to Caleb, Jos_14:13; and yet afterwards given to the Levites, and appointed a city of refuge. Jewish scholars reconcile this by observing, that the city and suburbs were given to the Levites, and fixed for a city of refuge; but the villages and fields, and country around it, and belonging to it, were given to Caleb, Jos_21:12.

And they appointed - Firstly, they were a provision of the criminal law of the Hebrews, necessary in the circumstances of that people (Num_35:11; Deu_19:2). At the same time they were designed also typically to point out the sinner's way to Christ (Heb_6:18).

Jos 20:8 And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

The cities in the land on the other side had already been appointed by Moses Deu_4:41-43 Then Moses separated three cities on this side Jordan towards the sunrise, so that the slayer might flee there, he who should kill his neighbor through error and who did not hate him in times past, and he fleeing to one of these cities might live. They were Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for the Manassites. For the sake of completeness, they are mentioned here again.

These last cities were not appointed now, they were appointed in the times of Moses, and severed by him, Deu_4:41; nor are they here said to be appointed, but to be assigned or "given"; they were now delivered up into the hands of the Levites for cities of refuge, for they were before severed for that use; they were not, according to the Jews, made use of as such, until the other three were appointed.

Jos 20:9 These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.

For all the children of Israel, and for the stranger - As these typified the great provision which God was making for the salvation of both Jews and Gentiles, hence the stranger as well as the Israelite had the same right to the benefits of these cities of refuge.

Until he stood before the congregation - The judges and elders of the people, in trying civil and criminal causes, always sat; the persons who came for judgment, or who were tried, always stood; hence the expressions so frequent in Scripture, Standing before the Lord, the judges, the elders, etc.

Joshua 19

Jos 19:1 And the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.

The inheritance of Simeon was taken out of the portion of Judah. The Simeonite territory is described by its towns, of which fourteen were in the Negeb, and four others Jos_19:7 partly in the Negeb and partly in “the valley.”

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, Gen_34:25-31
25 And it happened on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took each his sword and came upon the city boldly, and killed all the males.
26 And they killed Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out.
27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and plundered the city, because they had defiled their sister.
28 They took their sheep and their oxen, and their asses, and that which was in the city and that which was in the field.
29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives, they took captive, and plundered even all that was in the house.
30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, You have troubled me, to make me stink among those who live in the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites. And I, being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and kill me. And I shall be destroyed, my house and I.
31 And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with a harlot?
Jacob, in the spirit of prophecy, foretold that they should be divided in Jacob, and scattered in Israel, Gen_49:5-7 Simeon and Levi are brothers; tools of violence are their weapons. Oh my soul, do not come into their secret. Let not my honor be united with their assembly. For in their anger they killed a man, and in their self-will they hamstrung a bull. Let their anger be cursed, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel. I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel. 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.

Within the inheritance of Judah - This was so ordered by God's providence, partly to fulfill that threatening that He would divide and scatter this tribe in Israel, Gen_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, Num_26:14, and therefore fittest to be put within another tribe. Hence it is that the lots of these two tribes lying together, and being so intermixed, that the tribe of Judah called upon that of Simeon to join them in fighting against the Canaanites, and taking out of their hands the cities that belonged to them, Jdg_1:3.

the second lot came forth to Simeon--The next lot that was drawn at Shiloh, gave the tribe of Simeon his inheritance within the territory, which had been assigned to that of Judah.

Jos 19:2 And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,

Beer-sheba - The well of the oath.

Jos 19:3 And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem,

On the names in Jos_19:3-6, see the exposition of Jos_15:28-32

and Balah, and Azem - of these places see Jos_15:29; for Balah is the same with Baalah there, and with Bilhah 1Ch_4:29; and Azem with Ezem there.

Jos 19:4 And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,

And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah - These were all cities of Judah, Jos_15:30; Eltolad is the same with Tolad, and Bethul with Bethuel, 1Ch_4:29, and with Chesil, Jos_15:30, mentioned there along with Hormah.

Jos 19:5 And Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah,

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

And Ziklag - Another of the cities of Judah; see Jos_15:31,

and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah; or Hazarsusim - as in 1Ch_4:31; the one signifies a chariot house, and the other a court or stable for horses, see 2Ki_23:11.

Jos 19:6 And Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities and their villages:

Thirteen - Fourteen names have been given. The error is possibly due to the use of letters for numbers, which has led to many similar mistakes in other places (Jos_15:32). The Greek version renders the name of the last city to be the phrase “their fields” Josh 19:6 and Batharoth, and their fields, thirteen cities, and their villages. (Septuagint) This makes the list of cities and their listed number coincide.

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

And Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen - Both these places are thought to be the same with Bethbirei and Shaaraim in 1Ch_4:31; of the latter of which see Jos_15:36.

Jos 19:7 Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities and their villages:

Ain and Rimmon - They were in the south land, which were cities of Judah (Jos_15:32). Ain, Remmon, therefore, could not be one city, at this time, as it seems to have been in the times of Nehemiah, Neh_11:29.

Ether and Ashan - in the lowlands (Jos_15:42).

Jos 19:8 And all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.

And all the villages that were round about these cities - Not only the suburbs adjoining to those cities which are mentioned before, but the several small distinct towns and villages, scattered up and down in the country: The Simeonites received all the villages round about the towns to Baalath-beer, the Ramah of the south. This place, up to which the territory of the Simeonites extended, though without its being actually assigned to the Simeonites, is simply called Baal in 1Ch_4:33, and is possibly the same as Bealoth in Jos_15:24.

Baalath-beer - The well of the mistresses. This is the same with Baal in 1Ch_4:32-33 And their villages were Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities, and all their villages were around these cities, to Baal. These were their homes and their family line; and with Ramath of the south, or south Ramoth, as it is called 1Sa_30:27 to the ones in Bethel, and to the ones in Ramoth of the south, and to the ones in Jattir.

Jos 19:9 Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them.

for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them - they had more cities than they could fill with people, and more land than they could cultivate; they had an hundred fourteen cities with their villages:

Jos 19:10 And the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families: and the border of their inheritance was unto Sarid:

for the children of Zebulun - Who, though younger than Issachar, has his lot before him, agreeably to the order in which his blessing is predicted, both by Jacob and Moses, Gen_49:13.

the third lot came up --The boundaries of the possession assigned to them extended from the Sea of Galilee on the east, to the Mediterranean on the west. Although they do not seem at first to have touched on the western shore--a part of Manasseh running north into Asher (Jos_17:10) --they afterwards did, according to the prediction of Moses (Deu_33:19).

In the division to each tribe of Israel, the prophetic blessings of Jacob were fulfilled. They chose for themselves, or it was divided to them by lot, in the manner and places that he foresaw.

Jos 19:11 And their border went up toward the sea, and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that is before Jokneam;

And their border went up toward the sea - Westward towards the Mediterranean sea, which fulfilled the prophecies of Jacob and Moses, that Zebulun should dwell by the sea, be an haven of ships, and take of the abundance of the seas, as in the places before referred to.

Jos 19:12 And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chislothtabor, and then goeth out to Daberath, and goeth up to Japhia,

Chisloth-tabor - a place on the side of Tabor.

Dabrath - a place in the tribe of Issachar that was given up to the Levites (Jos_21:28; 1Ch_6:57)

And turned from Sarid eastward - This describes the southern border, going on from west to east:

Jos 19:13 And from thence passeth on along on the east to Gittahhepher, to Ittahkazin, and goeth out to Remmonmethoar to Neah;

Gittah-hepher - The same as Gath-hepher, the home of the prophet Jonah (2Ki_14:25).

Rimmon - a Levitical town (Jos_21:35; 1Ch_6:62).

Remmon-methoar to Neah – Possibly read “and goeth out to Remmon, which reacheth to Neah.”

Jos 19:14 And the border compasseth it on the north side to Hannathon: and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel:

Hannathon - more properly Channathon.

Jos 19:15 And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages.

Kattath - possibly the same as Kitron, which is mentioned in Jdg_1:30 in connection with Nahalol.

Nehalal - or Nahalol (Jdg_1:30).

And Kattath, and Nahallal - Of the two first of these we read nowhere else, but in Jos_21:34,

Bethlehem - (of Zebulun), which many regard as the home of the judge Ibzan (Jdg_12:8). The house of bread; a different place from that in which our Lord was born.

twelve cities with their villages - The number of the towns is given as twelve, though only five are mentioned by name. It would therefore appear that seven names have disappeared from the text, and perhaps also the definition of the western frontier. The Septuagint does not contain this numerical phrase.

and Shimron - a royal city, the king of which Joshua took and hanged, Jos_11:1,

Jos 19:16 This is the inheritance of the children of Zebulun according to their families, these cities with their villages.

Jos 19:17 And the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families.

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, Gen_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.

the fourth lot came out to Issachar--Instead of describing the boundaries of this tribe, the inspired historian gives a list of its principal cities. These cities are all in the eastern part of the plain of Esdraelon. Issachar received for the most part the large and very fertile plain of Jezreel Jos_17:16, and was bounded on the south by Manasseh, on the west by Manasseh and Asher, on the north by Zebulun, and farther east by Naphtali also, and on the east by the Jordan.

Jos 19:18 And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,

Sunem - the home of Abishag (1Ki_1:3-15), also mentioned in 1Sa_28:4 and 2Ki_4:8. Here the Philistines pitched before the battle of Gilboa 1Sa_28:4 and Saul and his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, killed. The place is also known in connection with Elisha 2Ki_4:8; 2Ki_8:1 and the place where he restored the son of a pious woman to life. 2Ki_4:8.

Jezreel - and its famous and fertile plain are the choicest part of the inheritance of Issachar Jos_17:16. Which was a royal seat in the time of Ahab, 1Ki_21:1.

Jos 19:19 And Hapharaim, and Shion, and Anaharath,

Jos 19:20 And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez,

Kishion - was given up to the Levites (Jos_21:28) and according to some, is written Kedesh in 1Ch_6:57. It may have given its name to the River Kishon near it.

Jos 19:21 And Remeth, and Engannim, and Enhaddah, and Bethpazzez;

En-gannim - allotted to the Levites (Jos_21:29; also 1Ch_6:73, where it is called Anem). The name En-gannim signifies fountain of gardens. It may have been called Ahem 1Ch_6:73.

And Remeth - Remeth seems to be the same with Jarmuth, Jos_21:29; and with Ramoth, 1Ch_6:73,

Jos 19:22 And the coast reacheth to Tabor, and Shahazimah, and Bethshemesh; and the outgoings of their border were at Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages.

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. There is one in the tribe of Judah, Jos_21:16; and another in the tribe of Naphtali, Jos_19:38; There is evidence of such worship in Egypt in the bible as well as in archaeology.

Jer 43:13 He shall also break the obelisks of The House of the Sun which is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians he shall burn with fire. (MKJV)

Jer 43:13 He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire. (KJV)

And the coast reacheth to Tabor - Tabor was the name of a mountain in those parts; There was a city of this name near the mountain, 1Ch_6:77, and which is meant here, and which either gave unto or received name from the mount.

Jos 19:23 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities and their villages.

Jos 19:24 And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.

The Inheritance of Asher - Asher received its territory along the Mediterranean Sea from Carmel to the northern boundary of Canaan itself. The lot Asher lay upon the coast of the great sea. We read of only one remarkable person of this tribe, and that was Anna, the prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, a widow of about four-score and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. Luk_2:26-38

Jos 19:25 And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph,

Helkath - given up to the Levites Jos_21:31, : 2Sa_2:16, and 1Ch_6:75, as Hukok.

Achshaph - a royal city, whose king was taken by Joshua; Jos_11:1, Jos_12:20.

Jos 19:26 And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reacheth to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath;

Shihor-libnath - black-white, that is, the "black" or "muddy river".

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 fruit-field, which has acquired celebrity from the history of Elijah (1Ki_18:17.), Its name, “fruit-field,” is well chosen; for whilst the lower part is covered with laurels and olive trees, the upper abounds in figs and oaks, and the whole mountain is full of the most beautiful flowers. A place of eminent fruitfulness, agreeable to the prophecy concerning Asher, Gen_49:20. There was another Carmel in the tribe of Judah, (see Jos_15:55), but this, in the tribe of Asher, was situated n the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. This Carmel is called "Carmel by the sea."

and Misheal - the same with Mashal, 1Ch_6:74;

Jos 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goeth out to Cabul on the left hand,

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, 1Ki_9:11-13. Not the land of Cabul, 1Ki_9:13; but a city. The Jews speak of a city of this name, destroyed because of contentions in it.

And turneth towards the sunrising - Or eastward:

to Bethdagon - there was a city of this name in the tribe of Judah; Jos_15:41. Dagon, being a god of the Phoenicians, had temples built for him in various places in Canaan:

and reacheth to Zebulun - not the tribe of Zebulun, but a city.

Jos 19:28 And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon;

and Kanah – Some have supposed this Kanah to be the same where Christ wrought his first miracle, Joh_2:1. Others, that this is a different Cana from that in Lower Galilee. Namely, Kenah the greater, in the upper Galilee; not Kenah the less, which was in the lower Galilee.

Jos 19:29 And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:

to the strong city Tyre - not the insular Tyre, but the town of Tyre, which was on the mainland. 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.

Achzib - where the Asherites dwelt with the Canaanites (Jdg_1:31-32)

And then the coast turneth to Ramah - Which was a city in the tribe of Naphtali, Jos_19:36; and on the borders of Asher;

Jos 19:30 Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty and two cities with their villages.

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.

Jos 19:31 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher - As before described, a goodly heritage; it was, according to the prediction of Jacob and Moses, Gen_49:20; a very fruitful country.

Jos 19:32 The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.

Jos 19:33 And their coast was from Heleph, from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami, Nekeb, and Jabneel, unto Lakum; and the outgoings thereof were at Jordan:

From Allon to Zaanannim - Render “from the oak forest at Zaanannim.” From Jdg_4:11 it appears that this oak or oak-forest was near Kedesh. Or from the plain in Zaanannim (d); for it seems to be the same with the plain of Zanaaim, Jdg_4:11.

Jos 19:34 And then the coast turneth westward to Aznothtabor, and goeth out from thence to Hukkok, and reacheth to Zebulun on the south side, and reacheth to Asher on the west side, and to Judah upon Jordan toward the sunrising.

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. By Judah is not meant the tribe of Judah, from which Naphtali was at a great distance, but a city so called. The Septuagint omits Judah from this verse. Josh 19:34 And the coasts will return westward by Athabor, and will go out thence to Jacana, and will border on Zabulon southward, and Aser will join [it] westward, and Jordan eastward. (Septuagint).

Jos 19:35 And the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth,

Hammath - a Levitical city (compare Jos_21:32; 1Ch_6:76), is not to be confounded with the Hamath on the northeastern frontier of the land Num_13:21.

Rakkath, and Chinnereth - Rakkath according to the Jewish writers is the same with Tiberias, as Chinnereth with Gennesaret, from whence the lake or sea of Tiberias, and the country and lake of Gennesaret, had their names, often mentioned in the New Testament. Gennesaret was a most delicious and fruitful spot, and fulfilled the prophecy of Moses, Deu_33:23; concerning Naphtali.

Jos 19:36 And Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor,

Adamah - Adamah is different from Adami, Jos_19:33; and may seem to confirm the notion of some, that Nekeb there is an epithet of it, and so distinguishes it from Adamah here:

Hazor - a royal city, Jos_11:1.

Jos 19:37 And Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor,

And Kedesh - This is Kedesh in Galilee, in Mount Naphtali, to distinguish it from others of the same name; it was one of the cities of refuge, Jos_20:7.

Edrei - a different place from one of that name in the kingdom of Og, Num_21:33,

Jos 19:38 And Iron, and Migdalel, Horem, and Bethanath, and Bethshemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

Jos 19:39 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages.

Jos 19:40 And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.

the seventh lot came out for the tribe - It lay on the west of Benjamin and consisted of portions surrendered by Judah and Ephraim. Its boundaries are not stated, as they were easily distinguishable from the relative position of Dan to the three adjoining tribes.

Jos 19:41 And the coast of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Irshemesh,

Ir-shemesh - The city of sun; another proof of the idolatry of the Canaanites. Given up to the Levites.

Zorah, and Eshtaol - these cities were taken out of the tribe of Judah. They were given up to the Levites.

Jos 19:42 And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah,

Saalabbin - or Saalbim, which remained in the hands of the Canaanites (Jdg_1:35), is frequently mentioned in the history of David and Solomon (2Sa_23:32; 1Ch_11:33; 1Ki_4:9).

Shaalabbin - The foxes. Of this city the Amorites kept constant possession.

Ajalon - which was also not taken from the Canaanites (Jdg_1:35), was assigned to the Levites (Jos_21:24; 1Ch_6:54). It is mentioned in the wars with the Philistines (1Sa_14:31; 1Ch_8:13), was fortified by Rehoboam (2Ch_11:10), and was taken by the Philistines from King Ahaz (2Ch_28:18). Ajalon is famous for the standing still of the moon in its valley while Joshua pursued his enemies.

Jos 19:43 And Elon, and Thimnathah, and Ekron,

Elon - which is mentioned again in 1Ki_4:9, with the addition of Beth-hanan.

Thimnathah - Probably the same as Timnah but a different place from Timnah in the tribe of Judah, Jos_15:10.

Ekron - A well-known city of the Philistines and the metropolis of one of their five dynasties, and never possessed by the Israelites; it first fell by lot to the tribe of Judah, and afterwards given to the tribe of Dan, Jos_15:45.

Jos 19:44 And Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath,

Eltekeh and Gibbethon - which were allotted to the Levites (Jos_21:23). Under the earliest kings of Israel, Gibbethon was in the hands of the Philistines in the reign of Asa (1Ki_15:27; 1Ki_16:15, 1Ki_16:17). Eltekeh was supposed by some to be the same with Eltekon in the tribe of Judah given to the Danites, Jos_15:59,

Baalath - fortified by Solomon (1Ki_9:18). It is not the same with Baalah, Jos_15:29

Jos 19:45 And Jehud, and Beneberak, and Gathrimmon,

Gath-rimmon - given to the Levites (Jos_21:24; 1Ch_6:54).

Jehud, and Bene-berak - Or Jehud of the children of Berak. Beneberak signifies sons of lightning.

Jos 19:46 And Mejarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho.

The border before Japho - includes the places in the environs of Joppa. Japho is the well-known port of Palestine (2Ch_2:15; Ezr_3:7; Jon_1:3) a port in the Mediterranean sea, famous for being the place where Jonah took shipping. It is where the Apostle Peter resided some time; Act_9:36; and Act_9:38.

Jos 19:47 And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.

the sons of Dan went up to fight against Leshem - Besides this inheritance, the Danites of Zorea and Eshtaol went, after Joshua's death, and conquered the town of Leshem or Laish, on the northern boundary of Canaan, and gave it the name of Dan, as the territory which was allotted to them under Joshua was too small for them, on account of their inability to drive out the Amorites from several of their towns (Jdg_1:34-35; Jdg_18:2). For further particulars concerning this conquest, see Judg 18.

Leshem - or Laish (Jdg_18:7, Jdg_18:27). It was there that Jeroboam set up the golden calves (1Ki_12:29-30, etc.); and it is frequently mentioned as the northernmost city of the Israelites, in contrast with Beersheba, which was in the extreme south of the land (Jdg_20:1; 1Sa_3:20; 2Sa_3:10).

And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them - rather, “the border of the children of Dan was extended.” The Hebrew appears to mean “the children of Dan enlarged their border because they had not room enough.”

The reason of this was that the Danites, a numerous tribe (Num_26:5), found themselves Jdg_1:34-35 cooped up among the hills by the powerful and warlike Amorites. Hence, the Danite expedition, which surprised the Sidonion inhabitants of Leshem, an unwarlike and peaceable race, exterminated them, and annexed their city and territory to the portion of Dan.

And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them,.... Being a very numerous tribe, the cities allotted them were not sufficient for them; or rather, leaving out the supplement "too little", the words will run, it "went out from them"; they lost part of it, being driven out of the valley into the mountain by the Amorites, Jdg_1:34; which obliged them to seek out elsewhere for habitations:

and dwelt therein - being a Canaanitish city, they put all in it to the sword, as the Lord had commanded, and took possession of it for an habitation:

and called Leshem Dan - this is the place which is always meant, where the phrase is used "from Dan to Beersheba", Jdg_20:1, this being at the utmost northern border of the land of Canaan, as Beersheba was at the further part of the southern coast of it.

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;

Jos 19:48 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages.

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan - Before described by its cities, which were in it. This tribe was bounded by Ephraim on the north, by Judah on the east, by Simeon on the south, and by the Mediterranean sea on the west.

Jos 19:49 When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them:

And when they made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts - That is, Eleazar, Joshua, and the ten men appointed for this, purpose; when all the lots were drawn, and the several inheritances which came up to them were divided among the families of the respective tribes, this work being finished:

the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua - most interpreters observe the modesty of Joshua, that though the oldest and the greatest man in the nation, the chief governor, yet had his inheritance last of all; nor did he take any part to himself, it was given to him by the people, who had the whole land divided among them; in which he was a type of Christ; 2Co 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, for your sakes He became poor, in order that you might be made rich through His poverty. When the land was distributed among the tribes according to its territories, the Israelites gave Joshua an inheritance in the midst of them, according to the command of Jehovah, namely the town of Timnath-serah, upon the mountains of Ephraim, for which he asked, and which he finished building; and there he dwelt until the time of his death Jos 24:30 And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath-serah in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash. Jdg_2:9

Jos 19:50 According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein.

According to the word of the Lord - (lit. “at the mouth of Jehovah”) does not refer to a divine oracle communicated through the high priest, but to a promise which Joshua had probably received from God at the same time as Caleb, in Kadesh, but which, like the promise given to Caleb, is not mentioned in the Pentateuch (see at Jos_15:13; Jos_14:9).

Timnath-serah - called Timnath-heres in Jdg_2:9, must not be confounded with Timnah in the tribe of Dan (Jos_19:43; Jos_15:10). The name of the place is also written Timnath-heres Jdg_2:9, by a transposition of the letters. The rabbinical explanation that the name Timnath-heres (i. e. “portion of the sun”) was given because a representation of the sun was affixed to the tomb in memory of Joshua’s command to the sun to stand still, appears to be an afterthought. The name Timnath-serah (“portion that remains”) was perhaps conferred on the spot in consequence of its being allotted to Joshua, the last allotment made in the whole distribution of his conquests.

Jos 19:51 These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the LORD, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. So they made an end of dividing the country.

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.

These are the inheritances which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun - The one the high priest, and the other the chief governor of the nation:

and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel - the princes appointed for this service, whose names are given Num_34:18; the inheritances before described in the preceding chapters by their boundaries and cities, these the said persons

These are the inheritances--This verse is the formal close of the section which narrates the history of the land distribution; and to stamp it with due importance, the names of the commissioners are repeated, as well as the spot where so memorable a transaction took place.

Joshua 18

Jos 18:1 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.

Israel assembled together at Shiloh - After all overt resistance was overcome, the tabernacle with its sacred contents was removed from its place of safety at Gilgal, in a corner of the land near the Jordan, to a central place, Shiloh. Its choice as the national sanctuary may indeed have been determined by Joshua, no doubt under divine direction Deu_12:10-11 But when you go over Jordan and live in the land which the LORD your God gives you to inherit, and He gives you rest from all your enemies all around, so that you live in safety, then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause His name to dwell there. There you shall bring all that I command you, your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which you vow to the LORD because of its insignificance, in order to avoid local jealousies, as well as because of its position in the very center of the whole land, and perhaps also because of its seclusion. Its very name (“rest”) was probably bestowed at this juncture when God had given the people rest from their enemies. The tabernacle with its contents continued at Shiloh during the whole period of the Judges, until its capture by the Philistines. Shiloh 1Sa_4:3-4 3 And when the people had come to the camp, the elders of Israel said, Why has the LORD beaten us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh to us, so that when it comes among us it may save us out of the hand of our enemies. And the people sent to Shiloh in order to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts from there, the ark which dwells between the cherubs. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. 1Sam 4:11 And the ark of God was taken. And Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were slain. From this time forward Shiloh continued to decline, because the Lord had rejected it Psa_78:59-61 When God heard, He was angry, and turned away from Israel; so that He left the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent which He placed among men, and delivered His strength into captivity, and His glory into the enemy's hands. It seems to have fallen into desolation at an early date. Jer_7:12 But go now to My place which was in Shiloh, where I set My name at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of My people Israel; Jer_26:6 then I will make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth.

Israel assembled together at Shiloh - The whole body of the people, men, women, and children, as well as the camp, Jos_18:9; at least all that had not received their inheritances in the land To this place both the camp of Israel, and the ark of the Lord, were removed from Gilgal, after a residence there of seven years. Here the tabernacle remained, according to the Jewish writers, three hundred sixty nine years, being the most conveniently situated for access to the different tribes, and for safety, the Israelites having possession of the land on all sides; for it is here added, the land was subdued before them - the Canaanites were so completely subdued, that there was no longer any general resistance to the Israelite arms. The place they assembled at, Shiloh, was in the tribe of Ephraim, of which tribe Joshua was, and whose lot and inheritance was now fixed, and it was not far from Jerusalem, about two leagues. It seems to have its name from the peaceable condition the land was now in, and very likely was now given it on that account:

Shiloh – This was the name given to the Messiah in dying Jacob's prophecy. Genesis 49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a Lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come. And the obedience of the peoples to him. It is supposed by some that the city was thus called, when it was chosen for the resting-place of the ark, which typified our great Peace-maker, and the way by him to a reconciled God.

Jos 18:2 And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance.

seven tribes which had not yet received their inheritance - Two tribes and a half had already received their portions on the east of Jordan; Judah, Ephraim, and the remaining half of Manasseh had also been provided for Josh. 15–17. Thus there remained still seven tribes out of the twelve to be settled in their homes. Which were those of Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan:

Jos 18:3 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?

How long are ye slack to go to possess the land - We find an unaccountable backwardness in this people to enter on the inheritance which God had given them! They had so long been supported by miracle, without any exertions of their own, that they found it difficult to shake themselves from their inactivity. When it was necessary that all the people should go out to battle, they went with a measure of confidence, expecting miraculous help from God, and confiding in their numbers, but when each tribe found it necessary to fight for itself, in order to its establishment and the extension of its borders, it was discouraged, and chose rather a life of inglorious ease than the possession of an inheritance which would cost it much labor to conquer.

Jos 18:4 Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me.

Three men for each tribe - Probably meaning only three from each of the seven tribes who had not yet received their inheritance. It is possible that these twenty-one men were accompanied by a military guard, for without this they might have been easily cut off by straggling parties of the Canaanites. Their duty would be to describe the land, especially with reference to the cities it contained Jos_18:9, that Joshua might have the means of making a first apportionment among the tribes according to their varying numbers.

and they shall come again to me - which seems to be not only a precept or instruction to them, that when they had done their business, they should come to Joshua and give him an account of it; but an assurance also of their safety, that they should receive no disturbance nor hurt from the remaining Canaanites, but should return safe and well.

describe it according to the inheritance of them - The description was not a formal measurement, although the art of surveying was well known in Egypt in ancient times, and was regularly carried out after the annual inundations of the Nile so that the Israelites might have learned it there. But the Hebrew word does not mean to measure; and it was not a formal measurement that was required, for the purpose of dividing the land that yet remained into seven districts, since the tribes differed in numerical strength, and therefore the boundaries of the territory assigned them could not be settled till after the lots had been cast. The meaning of the word is to describe; and according to Jos_18:9, it was chiefly to the towns that reference was made: so that the description required by Joshua in all probability consisted simply in the preparation of lists of the towns in the different parts of the land, with an account of their size and character; also with notices of the quality and condition of the soil; what lands were fertile, and what they produced; where the country was mountainous, and where it was level; which lands were well watered, and which were dry; and any other things that would indicate the character of the soil, and facilitate a comparison between the different parts of the land.

Jos 18:5 And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their coasts on the north.

Jos 18:6 Ye shall therefore describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.

and bring the description hither to me - not by word of mouth, but as written in a book, or marked out in a map, and laid before him, Jos_18:9,

Before the Lord - so before the Lord who dwelt in it, at whose disposal the lot was, and by which everyone of the seven tribes would have their part and portion assigned them most fitting and convenient for them, according to the will and counsel of God.

Jos 18:7 But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the LORD is their inheritance: and Gad, and Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh, have received their inheritance beyond Jordan on the east, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave them.

The priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance - the priests and Levites had the sacrifices, oblations tithes, first-fruits, redemption-money of the firstborn, etc., for their inheritance; they had no landed possessions in Israel; the Lord was their portion.

The priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance - not only the office, but what appertained to it, all the perquisites of it, the tithes, firstfruits, parts of the sacrifices Jos_13:14.

Jos 18:8 And the men arose, and went away: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the LORD in Shiloh.

Jos 18:9 And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book, and came again to Joshua to the host at Shiloh.

Jos 18:10 And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.

Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord--before the tabernacle, where the divine presence was manifested, and which associated with the lot the idea of divine sanction.

Jos 18:11 And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.

And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families - This was the first lot of the seven that came up; it was but a small lot, and therefore called "little Benjamin", Psa_68:27; but the land was very pleasant and fruitful. Josephus says, this lot was very strait, because of the goodness of the soil, for it took in Jericho, and the city of Jerusalem:

and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph - having Judah on the south, and Joseph on the north; this was so ordered by the providence of God, that Benjamin should lie close to Joseph, being own brothers, and the only children of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife; and that it should be next to Judah, with whom it was to unite, both in religious and civil affairs, and both met in and had a part of Jerusalem, the metropolis of Israel; and this lot fell exactly according to the prediction of Moses, and the order of it, who places Benjamin between Judah and Joseph, the tribe of Levi having no share in the division of the land, Deu_33:12 Of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall live in safety beside Him, and shall cover him all the day long, yea he shall dwell between His shoulders. Providence cast Benjamin next to Joseph on the one hand, because Benjamin was own and only brother to Joseph, and next to Judah on the other hand, that this tribe might hereafter unite with Judah, in an adherence to the throne of David, and the temple at Jerusalem.

Jos 18:12 And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.

The wilderness of Beth-aven - This was the same as Beth-el; but this name was not given to it till Jeroboam had fixed one of his golden calves there. Its first name signifies the house of God; its second, the house of iniquity.

Jos 18:13 And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.

the south side of the nether Bethhoron - so called to distinguish it from Bethhoron the upper, situated on an hill or mountain, Jos_16:5; this was rebuilt by Solomon, 1Ki_9:17.

Jos 18:14 And the border was drawn thence, and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah: this was the west quarter.

And compassed the corner - Render “and turned on the west side southward.” The meaning is, that at lower Beth-horon the northern boundary-line of Benjamin curved round and ran southward - Beth-horon being its extreme westerly point.

the corner of the sea southward - it is hard to say what sea is meant. It is conjectured that the great waters in Gibeon may be meant, Jer_41:12; for it cannot mean the Mediterranean sea, for Dan lay between Benjamin and that; and yet if a sea is meant, no other can be;

Kirjath - jearim - The Israelites changed the name, to blot out the remembrance of Baal.

Jos 18:15 And the south quarter was from the end of Kirjathjearim, and the border went out on the west, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah:

The border went out on the west, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah - it coincided with the northern boundary of Judah, as described in Jos_15:5-9, except that it is given there from east to west, and here from west to east (see at Jos_15:5-9).

Jos 18:16 And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,

The end of the mountain - The place where the mountain ends, and the valley begins.

To the side of Jebusi - The mountain of Zion, that was near Jerusalem; for Jebusi, or Jebus, was the ancient name of this city.

to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom - this south border of Benjamin is the same with the north border of Judah. The mountain is Mount Moriah, the border from the end of Mount Moriah to that valley:

Jos 18:17 And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,

En-shemesh - The fountain of the sun; a name that shows the idolatrous nature of the ancient inhabitants of this land. Whether a town, or simply a fountain, is uncertain.

Geliloth - As the word signifies borders or limits, it is probably not the proper name of a place: And went forth towards the Borders which are over against the ascent to Adummim.

and went forth toward Geliloth - probably the same as Gilgal, Jos_15:7, though as the word may signify border or limits, some think that it is probably not the proper name of a place.

Jos 18:18 And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, and went down unto Arabah:

against Arabah northward - The same with Betharabah, Jos_15:6;

Arabah - or the plain, Jos_15:6, Jos_15:61

Jos 18:19 And the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this was the south coast.

The north bay of the Salt Sea - As the word leshon signifies the tongue, it may here refer to the point of the Dead or Salt Sea. Of these tongues or points it had two, one on the north, and the other on the south.

And the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward - Inclining somewhat toward the north, but not leaving the city to the north, for it is included in the lot of Benjamin, Jos_18:21;

Jos 18:20 And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families.

And Jordan was the border of it on the east side - It had Jordan on the east, Dan on the west, Judah on the south, and Joseph or Ephraim on the north:

Jos 18:21 Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,

according to their families, were Jericho - Which though destroyed, and not to be rebuilt as a city, was yet a territory inhabited, and in future times was rebuilt, and in great splendor, and continued to the time of Christ;

and Bethhoglah - where or near to which was the threshing floor of Atad, at which lamentation was made for Jacob.

and the valley of Keziz - or Emekkeziz; so the Greek version calls it Amecasis: it is highly probable it was in the valley or plain of Jericho,

The towns of Benjamin are divided into two groups. The first group (Jos_18:21-24) contains twelve towns in the eastern portion of the territory.

Jos 18:22 And Betharabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel,

and Zemaraim - one of the sons of Canaan was named Zemira, Gen_10:18; by whom this city Zemaraim might be built, or however have its name given it, in memory of him; there was a mountain of this name in the tribe of Ephraim, near to which this city might be, 2Ch_13:4.

Zemaraim - “two wooded hills,”

Jos 18:23 And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah,

Ophrah - It is not the same with Ophrah in Jdg_6:11; that belonged to the tribe of Manasseh, but rather that which was in the land of Shuah, 1Sa_13:17.

Jos 18:24 And Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:

Gaba - or Geba of Benjamin (1Sa_13:16; 1Ki_15:22) which was given up to the Levites (Jos_21:17; 1Ch_6:45), was in the neighborhood of Ramah (1Ki_15:22; 2Ch_16:6). It is mentioned in 2Ki_23:8; Zec_14:10, as the northern boundary of the kingdom of Judah, and was still inhabited after the captivity (Neh_7:30). It is a different place from Gibea.

Gaba - This name, like Gibeah, Gibeon, etc. Jos_9:3, indicates a town placed on a hill, and occurs repeatedly in various forms in the topography of Palestine. Gaba is the Gibeah (if 1Sa_13:15-16; 1Sa_14:5, where the Hebrew has Geba, which is undoubtedly the correct reading throughout. The city was one of those assigned to the Levites Jos_21:17, and lay on the northern border of Judah. The famous “Gibeah of Saul,” or “Giheah of Benjamin” (the Gibeath of Jos_18:28) lay at no great distance southwest of Geba, on the high road from Jerusalem to Bethel.

Jos 18:25 Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,

Ramah - “lofty;” probably the native town and abode of Samuel 1Sa_1:19; 1Sa_25:1. Its exact site is uncertain.

Gibeon - This place is famous for the confederacy of the five kings against Israel, and their miraculous defeat. Gibeon is the place from whence the Gibeonites came, who deceived Joshua, Jos_9:3.

Beeroth - wells; one of the four cities which belonged to the Gibeonites, who made peace with the Israelites by stratagem. S

Jos 18:26 And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,

Mizpeh - Not the Mizpeh of Jos_15:38, but the place where Samuel judged the people and called them together for the election of a king 1Sa_7:5-16; 1Sa_10:17. In the Chaldaean times it was the residence of Gedaliah 2Ki_25:22; Jer_40:14.

And Mizpeh - This place is celebrated in the sacred writings. Here the people were accustomed to assemble often in the presence of the Lord, as in the deliberation concerning the punishment to be inflicted on the men of Gibeah, for the abuse of the Levite’s wife. Jdg_20:1-3. Samuel assembled the people here to exhort them to renounce their idolatry, 1Sa_7:5, 1Sa_7:6. In this same place Saul was chosen to be king, 1Sa_10:17.

Chephirah - one of the cities subject to Gibeon, Jos_9:17.

Jos 18:27 And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,

Jos 18:28 And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.

Zelah - the burial-place of Saul Jonathan, and the family of Kish (2Sa_21:14).

Gibeath - or Gibeah of Benjamin, which was destroyed by the other tribes of Israel in the time of the judges, on account of the flagrant crime which had been committed there (Judg 19-20), is also called Gibeah of Saul, as being the home and capital of Saul (1Sa_10:26; 1Sa_11:4, etc.). Gibeath was a distinct city both from Gaba and Gibeon.

Kirjath - must not be confounded with Kirjath-jearim, which belonged to the tribe of Judah (Jos_18:14; cf. Jos_15:60).

Jebusi, which is Jerusalem - We often meet with this name, and it is evident that it was the ancient name of Jerusalem, which was also called Salem; and was probably the place in which Melchizedek reigned in the days of Abraham; though some think a different place is meant; Salem was a name of Jerusalem, as is evident from Psa_76:1, Psa_76:2 : In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel. In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling-place in Zion. This must refer to Jerusalem, where the temple was situated. Whether Jebus or Jebusi had its name from the Jebusites, or the Jebusites from it, cannot be ascertained.

and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem - of Jerusalem being called Jebusi, see Jos_15:63; it belonged partly to the tribe of Judah, and partly to the tribe of Benjamin; Mount Zion belonged to Judah, and Moriah to Benjamin: