.33. to thecording prediction 19.) CHAPTEE XX. of Moses. (Deuteronomy
Lots of Simeon, etc. JOSHUA XIX, XX. The Citie.1 of Refuge Commavdei.
accurate survey of tlie country. "They went and passed through the land and described it by cities in seven parts in a book" (D. 9); dividing the land according to its value, and tlie worth of the cities which it contained, into seven ecjui. portions. This was no light task to undertake. It required learning and intelligence which they or their instructors had, in all probability, brought with them out of Kgypt. Accordingly, Josephus says that the survey W!is performed by men expert in geometry. And, in fact, the circ-imstiintial iiccount which is given of the boundaries of each trilie and its situation, well proves it to have been tiie work of no mean or incompetent hands.
Zebul an and Naphtali, and ran northwards as faras Cabin, with otlier towns, amongst which is mentioned {v. 28) "great Zidon," so called on account of itsbeiugcven then the flourishing metropolis of the I'hcenicians. Though included in the inheritance of Asher, this town was never possessed by tliem. (Judges 1. 31.) ao. and llien tlie coast tunietli to Ramah—now El-IIanua, which stood where the Leontes (Litany) ends its soutlunn course and flows westward, and to the strong city Tyre—tlie original city appears to have stood on the main land, and was well fortified. From Tyre the boundary ran to Ilosah, an inland town; and then passing the unconquered district of Achzib (Judges 1. 31), terminated at the sea-coast.
10. DivinEn nv Lot. 10. Joshua cast lots for tliem
III SJilloh before tUe Loitl—before the tabernacle, where the 1 li vijie presence was manifested, and which associated Willi tlulot llie idea of Divine sanction. 11. tJie lot of fSeiijaiuin cniue up—l. has been supposed that here were two urns or vessels, from wliicli the lots were drawn : one containing the names of tlie tribes, the other containing those of the seven portioi...-;; ami lhat the two were drawn out simultaneously. The coast of their lot cniuc forth between the clitlitrcii of .lutlah and the cliilclreii of Joseph—Thus the prophesy of Moses respecting the inheritance of l)en.jainin was remarkably accomplished.
32-39. Of NaphtaIvI. 3^39. the sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali—Althougii tlie cities mentioned have not been discovered, it is evident, from Zaanannim, which is by Kedesh, i.e., on tlie nortii-west of Lake Merom (Judges 4. 11), that the boundary described
(),'. 34) ran from the south-west towards tlie north-east, up to the sources of the Jordan. Axnot3I-t.^^>or—on the east of Tabor towards the Jordan, for the border ran thence to Hukkok, touching upon that of Zebulun; and as the territory of Zelmlun did not extend as far as tlie Jordan, Aznotli-tabor and Ilukkok must have been border towns on the line which separated Naphtali from Issachar. to •Ixidah «ipon Jordan toward tlte sms-rising—The sixty
'.See on Deuteronom.v 3:!. 1'2.)
CHAPTER XIX.
cities, Ilavoth-Jair, wliich were on tiie eastern side of the Jordan, opposite Naphtali, were reckoned as belonging to .Tudah, because Jair, their possessor, was a descendant of Judah (1 Clironicles 2. 4-22). [Keil.]
Ver. l-n. TllK Lot OF Si.MKOX. 1. the secoml lot came foi-th to .Simeon—The next lot that was tirawn at Sliiloli, giving tlie triljeof Sinu'or, his inheritance witliin theter-
41)—IS. Of Dan. 40-46. the sevemtlx lot came out for tlie tribe of Dan— It lay on the west of Benjamin, and consisted of portions surrendered by Judah and f;phraini. Its boundaries are not stated, as the.v were easil.v <listinguishable from the relative position of Dan to the three adjoining tribes. 47. the children of Dan went np to tight against Leshem—Tlie Danites, finding their inheritance too small, meditated enlarging its boundaries ritor.v, wliich liad been assigned to that of Jndah. The knowledge of Canaan possessed b.v the Israelites, when tlie division of the land commenced, was but very genei-al, being di'rived from the rapid sweep tliey had made over it (hiring the course of conquest; and it was on tlie ground of that rough survey alone, that the distribution proceeded, by which Judah received an inheritance. Time showed that this territor.v was too large (y. 9), either for their numbers, however great, to occup.v, and their arms to defend, or too large In proportion to the allotments of the other tribes. Justice therefore required, what kind and brotherly feeling readily dictated, a modification of thei r possession, and a part of it was appropriate<l to Simeon. B}^ thus establishing it within the original domain of another tribe, the prophesy of Jacob in regard to Simeon was fulfilled (Genesis ^19. 7); for from its boundaries being not traced, there is reason to conclude that its people were divided and dispersed among those of Judah; and though one group of its cities named (2-0), give the idea of a compact district, as it is usually represented by mapmakers, the other group (7, 8) were situated, two in the south, and two elsewhere, with tracts of the country around them.
b,v the sword; and, having conquered Leshem (Laish), planted a colony there, calling the new settlement by the name of Dan (see on Judges IS).
49-r)l. The CminitEN of Israel give an Inheritance TO JOSHTJA. 49-31. According to the word of the Lord, tliey gave htm the city %vhic8i he aslked—It was most proper that the great leader should receive an inheritance suited to his dignit.y, and as a reward for his public services. But the gift was not left to the spontaneous feelings of a grateful people. It was conferred "accoiding to the word of the Lord"—probal)ly an unrecorded promise, similar to what had been made to Caleb
(ch. 14. 9). Timnath-serali—or Heres, on Mount Gaasli (Judges 2. 9). Joshua founded it, and was afterwards buried there (ch. 24. 30). 51. 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.
10-1(). Of Zkbi'I.un. 10-14. the third lot came up for Hie children of Zebnlmi—The boundaries of the possession assigned to them extended from the Lake of Cinneroth (Sea of Galilee) on the east, to the Mediterr.anean on the west; for although the.v do not seem at first to have touched on the western shore—a part of Manasseh running north into Asher (ch. 17. 10)—tliey afterwards did, according to the prediction of Moses. (Deuteronomy .33. 19.) The extent from north to south cannot be verv exactly traced ; the sites of many of the places through which the boundary line is drawn being unknown. Some of the cities were of note.
CHAPTEE XX.
Ver. 1-6. The Lord Commands the Cities of Refuge.
1. the Liord spake iinto .Joshua, Appoint out for you cities of refuge—(See Numbers 35. 9-28 ; Deuteronomy 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 affbrd the homicide protection from the vengeance of the deceased's relatives, until It should have been ascertained whether tliedwith had resulted from accident and momentary passion, or from premeditated malice. The institution of the cities of
17-23. Of Ishaciiab. 17-20. the fonrth lot cnme ont to Issachar—Instead Of describing the boundaries of til is tribe, the inspired historian gives a list of its principal cities. These cities are all In the eastern part of the plain of Esdraelon.
Of Asher. 84-31. the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Aslier—The western boun<iary is traced from north to south through the cities mentioned ; the site of which, however, is unknown. to Carmeland Shilior-ltbnatli—i.e., the black or muddy river; probably the Nahr Belka, below Dor (Tantoura); for that town belonged lO Asher (ch. 17. 10). Thence the boundary line tnrned eastward to Beth dagon, a town at the Junction of refuge, together with the rules prescribed for the guidance of those who sought an as.ylum within their walls, was an important provision, tending to secure the ends of justice as well as of mercy. 4. lie that doth flee unto one of thoae cities shall stand at the entering of tb*
Fi/ny-eiglil Cities given to the Levites. JOSHUA XXI,.XXII. Altar of Testimony ButU.
gate of the city—It was the place of public resort, and on arriving tliere he related his tale of distress to tlie elders, who were bound to give him shelter and the means of support, until the local authorities {v. 6), having carefullyinvestigated the case, should have pi'onounced the decision. 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, until tJie deatU of tlie liigli priest—his death secured the complete deliverance of the manslayer fi-ora liis sin, only because he had been anointed with tlie holy oil (Numbers 3,5. '25), tlie symbol of the Holy Glrost; and thus the death of the earthly high priest became a type of that of the heavenlyone (Hebrews 9. M, 15).
from ch. 13., which narrates the occupation of the land by the Israelites. All the promises made, whether to the people or to Joshua (ch. 1. 5), had been, or were in the course of being fulfilled; and the recorded experience of the Israelites (u. 45), is a ground of hope and confidence to the people of God in every age, that all other promises made to the Church will, in due time, be accomplished.
CHAPTER XXII.
Ver. 1-9. Joshua Dismisses the T-\vo Tribes and a half with a Blessing. 1. then Joshua called the Reubenitcs and the Gadites, and the Italf trihc of Manasseli—The general war of invasion being ended, and the enemy being in so dispirited and isolated a condition, that each tribe, by its own resoui ces, or with the aid of its neighbouring tribe, was able to repress any renewed hos-
7-9. The Israelites Appoint by Name the Cities OF Refuge. 7-9. tliey appointed cities— There were six; three on the west, and three on the east, of Jordan. In the first instance, they were a provision of the criminal law of the Hebrews, necessary in the circumstances of that people (see on Numbers 35.9-15; Deuteronomy tilities, the auxiliary Israelites from the eastern side of the Jordan were now discharged from service. Joshua dismissed them with high commendations of their fidelity, and earnest admonitions to cultivate perpetual piety in life. The redundancy of the language is remarkable, and shows how important, in the judgment of the veuei'able leader, a steadfast observance of the Divine law was to personal happiness, as well as national prosperity. 3. ye have not left your brethren these many days unto this day—For the space of seven years. 4-7. get ye unto your tents i. e., home ; for their families had been
19.); and at the same time they wei'e designed also typically to point out the sinner's way to Christ (Hebrews
6. 18). CHAPTER XXI.
left in fortified towns (Numbers 32. 17). 8. he spalce unto tliem, saying, Return with much riches—In cattle, clothes, and precious metals, divide the spoil of yom* enemies with your hrethren—see on Numbers 31. 2.T-39.
Ver. 1-8. Eight and Forty Cities given by Lot ottt OF the other Tribes unto the Levites. 1. Then came near IJie heads of the fathers of the Levites—the most venerable and distinguished members of t)ie tliree
10. They Build the Altar of Testimony on their Journey. 10. when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are In the land of Canaan . . . the e4illdren of Reuben . . . built there an altar—This altar was probably an immense pile of stones and earth. The generality of our translators suppose that it was reared on the banks of the Jordan, within the limits of Canaan proper. But a little closer examination seems to make the conclusion irresistible that its position was on the etistern side of the river, for these two reasons; first, because it is said (v. 11) to have been built "over against," or in the sight of the land of Canaan—not within it; and secondly, because the declared motive of the transjordanic Israelites in erecting it was to prevent their brethren in Canaan ever saying, " in time to come. What have ye to do with the Lord God of Israel ? For the Lord hath made Jordan a barrier between us and you," &c. 8uch a taunt would be obviously prevented or coufutinl by the two tribes and a half having on the eastern side of Jordan, within their own land, a fac-simile of the altar at Shlloh, as a witness they acknowledged the same God, and practised the same rites of worship as the brethren in Canaan.
Ijevitieal families who, on behalf of their trilie, applied for the special provision that had been promised them to be now awarded (see on Numbers 35. 1-5). Their inheritance lay within the territory of every tribe. It was as Blgned in the same place and manner, and by the same commissioners as the other allotments; and wliile the people, knowing the important duties they were to perform, are described (v. 3) a.s readily conceding this " peculiar" to them, it had most probably been specified and reserved for their use while the distriliution of tlie land was in progress. 4r-8. the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites—The Levites were divided into Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites. Among the former the family of Aaron were exclusively appointed to tlie priesthood, and all the rest were ranked in tlio common order of Levites. The first lot was drawn by the Koliatliites; and the first of theirs again by the priests, to whom thirteen cities were granted, and ten to the rest of the Kohathites (v. 5); thirteen to the Gershonites (i'. 6), and twelve to the Merarites (u. 7).
9-42. The Cities of the Priests. 9-49. they gave these cities wliich are mentioned l>y name — It was overruled l)y tlie unerring provideiK-e of the Divine Lawgiver, tliat tlie cities of tlie priests lay williin tlio territories of Judah and Benjamin ; and tliis was a jirovision, the admiralile wisdom and propriety of which were fully manifested on the scliisin tliat toolc plac«! in tlie reign of ReholiOftin. 41. all tlie cities of the Levites wit liin the possession of the children of Israel were forty and eight cities with their suhnrlis—Til is may appear too great a proportion compared witli tliose of tlio other tribes. Hut it must be borne in mind that the list given here contains the names of every Levitlcal city (see on
11-29. Contention Thereupon, 11-29. and the children of Israel liear<1 say—Fame speedily sjiread intelligence of what the transjordanic tribes had done. The act being suspected of some idolatrous design, the whole tribes ro.se In a mass, and repairing to the tabernacle at Shiloh, resolved to declare war against the two tribes and a half as apostates from God. On calmer and more mature coiislchration, however, they diitdrinlned, in the first instance, to send a deputation consisting of the son of the high priest, and ten eminent persons from each tribe, to make ii Kiuiry into tills rumoured rebellion against God (DeuleroiKiniy 13. 13-15). The quality of the deputies evinced the deep solicitude th.at was felt on the occasion to maintain the purity of the Divine worship throughout Israel. In the presumptive belief that the two tribes and a half had really built an altar, the deputies expressed astonishment at their so soon falling Into such n heinous crime as that of violating the unity of divine worship (I'lxodus 20.24; Leviticus 17. S, 9; Deuteronomy 12.5-13), reminded their eastern brethrc'n of the disastrcais consequeiutes that were entailed on the nation at large by the apostasy at Peor and by the sin of Achan, and finally tjv. horted them, If they felt the want of the tabernacle and
1 Chronicles 0.39-00); whereas only those cities of the other tribes are mentioned which lay on the frontier or along the boundary line. Besides, the Levites were not the exclusive inhabitants of those forty-eight cities; for there must have been also a considerable number of people kept there to cultivate the glebe lands and tend the cattle. Still further, the Levitlcal cities had nothing but "their suburbs—a limited circuit of ground—round about them ;" wluM-eas the other cities In Israel possesaed a group of Independent vlllages Csee chaps. 17.-19).
(Joi) Gave TirKM Husr. 43-4.'>. The liord gave unto Israel all tite land which he sware to give unto their fathers-This isa general winding up of tlie history