Bible Commentary (1871–1879 Edition) (continued)
JOSHUA XV, XVI.
Calebs Portion and Conquat.
Borders of the Lot of Jxidak.
the land, Joshua was the acknowledged chief. But in a ma tter to be determined by lot, a solemn appeal was made to <iod, and hence Eleazar, as high priest, is named before
Heb., the ascent of scorpions; a pass in the "bald mountain" (see on ch. 11. 17), probably much infested by these venomous reptiles. 5. the end i.e., tlie mouth of the Jordan. 6. Beth-hogla—now Ain Hailjla, a fine spring of clear and sweet water, at the northern extremity of the Dead Sea, about two miles from the Jordan. [Robinson.] Betii-arabah—the house, or place of solitude, in the desert of Judah {v. 61). stone of Bohan the son of Reuben— the sepulchral monument of a Reubenite leader, who had been distinguished for his bravery, and had fallen In the Canaanite war. 7. Achor—(see on ch. 7. 26.) Adummim —a rising ground in the wilderness of Jericho, on the south of the little brook that flowed near Jericho (eh. 16. 1). Kn-shemesh—the fountain of the sun ; " either the present well of the apostle, Ijelow Bethany, on the road to Jericho, or the fountain near to St. Saba." [Robinson.] En-rogel—the fuller's fountain, on tlie south-east of Jerusalem, below the spot where the valleys of Jehoshaphat and Hinnom unite.
Jofeliua. I. Tlie children of Joseph were two tribes, Manassch and Ephralm—As two and a half tribes were settled on the east of Jordan, and the Levites had no inheritance assigned them in land, there would have been only eight tribes and a half to provide for. But Ephraim BBd Manasseh, the two sons of Joseph, had been constituted two tribes (Genesis 48. 5), and although Levi was excluded, the original number of the tribes of Israel was still preserved. 5. the children of Israel divided the land i. e., they made the preliminary arrangements for the work. A considerable time was requisite for the survey and measurement.
fr-15 Caleb by privilege beqciretii and obtaineth HebkoN. 6-11. then the children of Judah came to Joshua In Gllgal; and Caleh said—Tliis incident is recorded here, because it occurred while the preparations were being made for casting the lots, which, it appears, were begun in Gilgal. The claim of Caleb to the mountains of Hebron as his personal and family possessions, was founded on a solemn promise of Moses, forty-five years before (Numbers 14.24; Deuteronomj1. 36), to give him that land on account of his fidelity. Being one of the nominees appointed to preside over the division of the country, he might have been charged with using his powers as a commissioner to his own advantage, had he urged his request in private; and therefore he took some of his brethren along with him as witness of the justice and propriety of his conduct. 12. give me this mountain, whereo* the Lrord spake In tliat day—this higlaland region, for tltoii licardest in tliat day how the Anakims were there—The report of the spies wlio tried to kindle tlie flame of sedition and discontent, related chielly.to the people and condition of this mountain dis-
13-15. Caleb's Portion and Conquest. 13. unto Caleb he gave a jjart among the children of .Jiidah—(See on ch. 14.6-15.) li. Drove thence the tliree sons of Anak —rather three chiefs of the Anakim race. This exploit is recorded to the honour of Caleb, as the success of it waa the reward of his trust in God. 15. Debir—oracle. Its former name, Kirjath-sepher, signifies "cityof thebook," being, probaljl}',a place wliere public registers were kept.
16-20. Othniel, for his Valour, hath Achsah to Wife. 16-20. He that smiteth Kirj.itU-sei>her— This ol Ter was made as an incentive to youthful braverj' (see on 1 Samuel 17.25); and the. prize was won by Othniel, Caleb's yoimger brother (Judges 1.13; 3.9). This was the occasion of drawing out tlie latent energies of him who was destined to be the first judge in Israel. 18. as she came unto him i. e., wlien about to remove from her father's to her husband's house. Slie suddenly alighted from her travelling equipage—a raarli; of respect to her father, and a sign of making some request. She had urged Othniel to broach the matter, but he not wishing to do what appeared like evincing a grasping disposition, she resolved herself to speak out, and taking the advantage of the parting scene, when a parent's heart was likely to be tender, begged that, as her marriage portion consi.sted of a field which, having a southern exposure, was comparatively an arid and barren waste, he would add the adjoining one, which aljoun<led in excellent springs. The request being reasonable, was granted ; and the story conveys this important lesson in religion, that trict, and lience it was promised as the reward of Caleb's trutl), piety, and faithfulness. 13, 14. Joshua hlessed him, and gave Hehron unto Caleb for an Inheritance —.Joshua, who was fully cognizant of the whole circumstances, not only admitted the claim, but in a public and earnest manner prayed for the Divine blessing to succour the efforts of Caleb in driving out the idolatrous occupiers. 15. Kirjath-arba — i. e., the city of Arba— a warrior among the native race remarkable for strength and stature, tlie land Iiad rest from war—Most of the kings having been slain and the natives dispirited, there was no general or systematic attempt to resist the progress and settlement of the Israelites.
if earthly parents are ready to bestow on their oliildren that which is good, much more will our heavenly Father give every necessary blessing to them who ask him.
CHAPTER XV.
21-63. Cities of Judah. 31-33. tlie uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah—There is given a
Ver. 1-12. Borders of the Lot of Judah. 1. This then wag the lot of the tribe of Judah—In what manner the lot was drawn on this occasion the sacred historian does not say; but it is probable that tlie method adopted was similar to that descril)ed in cli. 18. Though the general survey of the country hfid not been completed, some rough drauglit or delineation of the first conquered part must have been made, and satisfactory evidence olitained, that It was large enough to furnish three cantons, before all the tribes cast lots for them; and they fell to Judah, Epiiralm, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The lot of Judah came first, m token of the pre-eminence of that tribe overall the others; and its destined superiority thus received the visible sanction of God. The territory assigned to It as a possession, was large and extensive, being bounded on the south by the wlldern<'ss of Zin, and the southern extremity of the Salt Sea (Number.s 34. .3-5) ; on th« east, by that sea, extending to the point where it receives the waters of tlie Jordan ; on the north, by a line drawn nearly parallel to Jerusalem, across the country, from the northern extremity of the Salt Sea to the southern limits of the Philistine territory, and to the Meditej-ranean ; aii<l on the west tliis sea was its boundary, a.s far as Slhor (Wady EI-Arish). tt, the bay—IIeb., the " tongue." It pushes Its waters out in this form to a great distance. [Uobinson.] 3. Maaleh - akrabbim list of cities within the trilial territory of .Indali, arranged in four divisions, corresponding to the districts of which it consisted—the cities in the southern part (21-32)—tin se in the lowlands (33-47), and those in the higlilands (4S-60) —those in the desert (61, 62). Tlie best idea of the relative situation of these cities will be got from looking at the map.
CHAPTEE XVI.
Ver. 1-J. The General Borders of the Sons o» Joseph. 1. The lot of the children of .Tosopli fell Heb., went forth, referring eitlier to the lot as drawn out of the urn, or to the tract of land thereby assigned. The first four verses describe the territoi-y allotted to the family of Joseph in the rich domains of central Palestine, It was drawn in one lot, that the brethren might be contiguously situated; but it was afterwards divided. The southern boundary only is described here, that on the north being irregular and less defined (ch. 17. 10, 11), is not mentioned, mount Betli-el—llu' ridge south of Both-el. water of .Terlclio (2 Kings 2. 1!))—at the point of its junction with the Jcudan. Having described the position of Joseph's family generally, tlie historian proceeds to define the territory ; first, of Ephraim.
5-9. TuE Borders of the Inheritance of Kphbaijc
The Lot of Manas teh. JOSHUA XVII, XVIII. The Tabernacle Set up at Shiloh,
tlie border of their Inlieritauce was Atarotli-adar near to each other, and tliej are generally mentioned in Scripture together. They were both royal and strongly
—Atarolh-adar (now Atara), four miles south of Jetta (RoBixsoN], is fixed on as a centre, through which a line fortified places (see on Judges 1. 27).
12,13. Canaanites NOT DmVEN Out. 13, 13. Manasseh could not drive out the Inhabitants of tliose cities—indolence, a love of ease; perhaps a mistaken humanity, arising from a disregard or forgetfuluess of the Divine command, a decreasing principle of faith and zeal in the service of God, were the causes of 'heir
Is drawn from Upper BeDi-horon to Michniethali, showing thfc western limit of their actual possessions. The tract bej ond that line to the sea was still unconciuered. G, 7. Mit-ltmi'tliali on tlie itortk side—The uoi lliern boundary is traced from this point eastwai'd to the Jordan. 8. from TappuaU -westward luito tlie river Ivaiiali— it is retraced from east to west, to describe the prospective and intended boundary, which was to reach to the sea. Kanah (reedy) flows into the Mediterranean. 0. separate cities for tUe childk-eii of Eplu'aim were aiitoug tike Inlieritauce of Maiiasseli— (ch. 17. 9), because it was found that the tract allotted to Ephraim was too small in proportion to its population and power. 10. Tliey drave not out tlie Caiiaaiiites, but tlie Caiinaiiites dwell among tUe Epttraimites unto tliis day, and serve under tri Juite—This is the first mention of flie fatal failure.
14-18. The Children of Joseph Sue for Another Lot. 14-lS. The children of Joseph spake unto Joshua—The two tribes join in laying a complaint before the leader, as to the narrow boundaries of their allotment, and its insulticiency to be the residence of trilies so vastly increased. But Joshua's answer was full of wisdom aa well as patriotism. Knowing their character, he treated them accordingly, and sarcastically turned all their arguments i\gainst themselves. Thus he rebuked their uidielief and cowardice. Mount Kphraini—called so lu re by anticipation. The Gilboa range between Beth-sliean and the plain of Jezreel is meivnt, anciently covered with an extensive forest, iron chariots—unusually strengthened with that metal, and perhaps armed with projecting scythes.
policj' of the Israelites, in neglecting the Divine command (Deuteronomy 20. Iti) to exterminate the idolaters.
CHAPTER XVII.
Ver. 1-6. I.OT OF Manasseh. 1. There M-as also a lot for the fritie of MajiasseU—Ephraim was menlioned, as the more numerous and powerful branch of tlie family of Joseph (Genesis J.S. ID, a)) ; but Manasseh still retained the
CHATTER XVITI.
Ver. ]. The Tabeunaci.e set up at Shiloh. 1. The whole congregation assembled togetlier at ShilpT.i—The main bod.v of the Israelites had been diminished by the separation of the three tribes, Judali, Kpliraim, and Manasseh into their respective allotments, and the country having been in a great measure subdued, the camp was removed to Shi loll—now Seilun. It M"as twenty or twentyriglit of primogeniture, and had a separate inheritance assigned. Machir—liis descendants, the father of Gilead
—though he had a son of that name (Numbers 'iO. 20; 27. 1), yet, as is evident from the use of the Jhb. a'rticlo, reference is made, not to the person, but the province of Gilead. Father here means lord or possessor of Gilead; and this view is confirmed by the fact, that it was not Machir, but his descendants, who subdued Gilead and Baslian (Numbers 82.41; Deuteronomy 3. l:?-!.*)). These Wacliiriles h;Hl tlieir jjortion on tlie east side of Jordan. The western portion of land, allotted to the tribe of Manasseh, was divided into ten portions, because the male descendants who had sous consisted of five famifive miles north of Jerusalem, twftlve north of Bethel, and ten south of Shechem, and embosomed in a rugged and romantic glen. This sequestered spot in the heart of the country might have been r(-coinmended b.v the dictates of convenience; there the allotment of fbe territory could be most conveniently made, north, .south, east, and west, to the different tribes. But "the tabernacle of the congregation was also set up there," and it3 removal therefore must have been made or sanctioned by Divine intimation. (Deuteronom.v 12.11.) It remained iu Shiloh for more than :!(K) years. (1 .Samuel 1. 1-11.)
lies, to wliich, consequently, five shares were given; and the Kixth family, viz., the posterity of Hoplier, being all females, the five daughters of Zelopliehad were, on application to the \aluators, endowed each with an inheritance ill land (see on Numbers 27. 1).
2-0. Tin-, Remainder ok the L.\nd Desckihed. 3. there remaineil seven trllies which had not yet received their inheritance-The selection of Shiloh for the
7-11. This Coast. 7-11. the coast of Itlanasseh was ft-om Asher to Michmethah—the southern boundary is here traced from tlie east. Asher (now Yasir), tlie starting-point, was a lown fifteen Uoman miles east of Sicliein, and anciently a place of importance, it. the c€>ast descended unto the river Kanah, southward of the river—The line which separated the possessions of the two brothers from each other ran to tlie south of the Btreain; and thus the river was in the territory of Manasseh ; but the cities wlii<-h were upon the river, though seat of worship, together with the con.sequent ri>moval of the camp thither, had necessarily interrupted the casting of lots, which was commenced by fi.xliig localities for tlio trll)es of Judah and Joseph. Various causes led to a long dela.v in r(\suming it. The satisfaction of the peoiile with their change to so pleasant and fertile a district, their preference of a nomad lite, a love of ease, and reluctance to renew the war, seem to have made them IndKlerent to the iiossessioii of a settled Inheritance. But Joshua was too much alive to the duty laid on him by the Lord to let matters continue in tliat state;'and acco Vdingly, since a general conquest of the land had been made, he resolve<l all were within the limits of Manasseh's possessions, were as.signed partl.y to Kpliraim, ami partly to Manasseh; those on the south .side being given to the former; those upon the north to the latter. [Kkii,.] It appear.s to jiroo Mvl immediately with the lot, believing that when each tribe should receive Its inheritance, a new motive would arls(- to lead tlu>m to exert themselves in securing the full iiossessiou. :t. liow long are ye slack to go to possess Die land which the Lord <>od of your falhei-g hath given you—This reproof conveys an impression that the si'ven tribes Wvro dilatory to a criminal extent. 4-0. give out from among you lliree men for each trll>e —Though the lot determined the part of the country where each tribe was to be located. It could not determino the extent of territory which might be required ; !ind the dis.satisfactlon of the children of Joseph with the alleged smallness of their possession gave reason to f(vir that complaints might arise from other quarti'rs, unless precautions were taken to make a proper distribution of the land. For this purpose acommission was given to Vventvone persons—three chosen IVom each of Ihesi ven trtoes which Imd not yet received their inluuitauce, to make tUft
(u. lOi that Mannsseh was still further Interlaced with Other iii ighboui'liig triltes. Keth-shean and B>er towii.s — rvr., Scythopolis (now lieisaii), in the valle.v of the.Iordan, towards the east end of the plain of Jezreel. " IJethshean" means "house orest;" so called from Its lieing the halling-pliice for caravans travelling bet ween Syria, or Midiaii, and Egypt, and the great station for the commcici' between these countries for ma iiy c<-iit uries. Ibleaivi aiKl lier towns—In the nciglibourliood of Megidilo (2 Kings 0. 27). the Inhabitants of lior and her towns—(now Tantoura), anciently a strong fortress; a wall of wild precipitous rock defended the shore fortit Uatlons against attack from the land side. Kn-dor and her towns—situaleil on a, rock.v e iilnence, four Kniiiaii miles Bouth of Tabor, three counti 'es—districts or pidvinces.
It Is computed that Manasseh possessed In Asher and Issachar portions of ground to he extent of more than
900 Bquare miles. Taunach nuu niegtddo—These were 154