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Text -- Joshua 18:7-28 (NET)
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics
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collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Wesley: Jos 18:9 - -- Or, according to the cities, to which the several parties or territories belonged.
Or, according to the cities, to which the several parties or territories belonged.
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Wesley: Jos 18:11 - -- Wherein we see the wisdom of Divine Providence, this being the only place in which that prophecy, Deu 33:12, could have been accomplished. Providence ...
Wherein we see the wisdom of Divine Providence, this being the only place in which that prophecy, Deu 33:12, could have been accomplished. 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.
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Wesley: Jos 18:14 - -- jearim - The Israelites changed the name, to blot out the remembrance of Baal.
jearim - The Israelites changed the name, to blot out the remembrance of Baal.
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The place where the mountain ends, and the valley begins.
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That is, in the prospect of that valley.
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Which extends unto this other valley on the north - side of it.
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To that part where the Jebusites lived, which was in and near Jerusalem.
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For tho' the city was destroyed, the territory remained.
JFB: Jos 18:4-9 - -- Though the lot determined the part of the country where each tribe was to be located, it could not determine the extent of territory which might be re...
Though the lot determined the part of the country where each tribe was to be located, it could not determine the extent of territory which might be required; and the dissatisfaction of the children of Joseph with the alleged smallness of their possession gave reason to fear that complaints might arise from other quarters, unless precautions were taken to make a proper distribution of the land. For this purpose a commission was given to twenty-one persons--three chosen from each of the seven tribes which had not yet received their inheritance, to make an accurate survey of the country.
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JFB: Jos 18:9 - -- Dividing the land according to its value, and the worth of the cities which it contained, into seven equal portions. This was no light task to underta...
Dividing the land according to its value, and the worth of the cities which it contained, into seven equal 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 Egypt. Accordingly, JOSEPHUS says that the survey was performed by men expert in geometry. And, in fact, the circumstantial account which is given of the boundaries of each tribe and its situation, well proves it to have been the work of no mean or incompetent hands.
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JFB: Jos 18:10 - -- Before the tabernacle, where the divine presence was manifested, and which associated with the lot the idea of divine sanction.
Before the tabernacle, where the divine presence was manifested, and which associated with the lot the idea of divine sanction.
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JFB: Jos 18:11 - -- It has been supposed that there were two urns or vessels, from which the lots were drawn: one containing the names of the tribes, the other containing...
It has been supposed that there were two urns or vessels, from which the lots were drawn: one containing the names of the tribes, the other containing those of the seven portions; and that the two were drawn out simultaneously.
Clarke: Jos 18:7 - -- The priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance - We have already seen that the priests and Levites had the sacrifices, oblations tithes, first-frui...
The priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance - We have already seen that 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.
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Clarke: Jos 18:9 - -- And described it in a book - This as far as I can recollect, is the first act of surveying on record. These men and their work differed widely from ...
And described it in a book - This as far as I can recollect, is the first act of surveying on record. These men and their work differed widely from those who had searched the land in the time of Moses; they went only to discover the nature of the country, and the state of its inhabitants; but these went to take an actual geographical survey of it, in order to divide it among the tribes which had not yet received their portions. We may suppose that the country was exactly described in a book, that is, a map, pointing out the face of the country, accompanied with descriptions of each part.
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Clarke: Jos 18:11 - -- And the lot - of Benjamin came up - On the manner of casting the lot, see on Jos 14:2 (note), and Num 26:55 (note). There were probably two urns, on...
And the lot - of Benjamin came up - On the manner of casting the lot, see on Jos 14:2 (note), and Num 26:55 (note). There were probably two urns, one of which contained the names of the seven tribes, and the other that of the seven portions. They therefore took out one name out of the first urn, and one portion out of the second, and thus the portion was adjudged to that tribe.
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Clarke: Jos 18:12 - -- 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...
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.
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Clarke: Jos 18:16 - -- 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 side of Jebusi - The mountain of Zion, that was near Jerusalem; for Jebusi, or Jebus, was the ancient name of this city.
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Clarke: Jos 18:17 - -- En-shemesh - The fountain of the sun; a proof of the idolatrous nature of the ancient inhabitants of this land
En-shemesh - The fountain of the sun; a proof of the idolatrous nature of the ancient inhabitants of this land
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Clarke: Jos 18:17 - -- 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...
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.
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Clarke: Jos 18:19 - -- The north bay of the Salt Sea - As the word לשון leshon signifies the tongue, it may here refer to the point of the Dead or Salt Sea. Of thes...
The north bay of the Salt Sea - As the word
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Clarke: Jos 18:21 - -- Now the cities - Some of these cities have been mentioned before, and described; of others we know nothing but the name.
Now the cities - Some of these cities have been mentioned before, and described; of others we know nothing but the name.
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Clarke: Jos 18:24 - -- And Gaba - Supposed to be the same as Gibeah of Saul, a place famous for having given birth to the first king of Israel; and infamous for the shocki...
And Gaba - Supposed to be the same as Gibeah of Saul, a place famous for having given birth to the first king of Israel; and infamous for the shocking act towards the Levite’ s wife, mentioned Jdg 19:16-30, which was the cause of a war in which the tribe of Benjamin was nearly exterminated. Judges 20:29-48.
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Clarke: Jos 18:25 - -- Gibeon - See before, Jos 10:1-14 (note). This place is famous for the confederacy of the five kings against Israel, and their miraculous defeat. Ram...
Gibeon - See before, Jos 10:1-14 (note). This place is famous for the confederacy of the five kings against Israel, and their miraculous defeat. Ramah, a place about six or eight miles north of Jerusalem. Beeroth, i.e., wells; one of the four cities which belonged to the Gibeonites, who made peace with the Israelites by stratagem. See Jos 9:3-15.
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Clarke: Jos 18:26 - -- 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 t...
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. It was deemed a sacred place among the Israelites; for we find, from 1 Maccabees 3:46, that the Jews assembled here to seek God, when their enemies were in possession of the temple.
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Clarke: Jos 18:28 - -- And Zelah - This was the burying-place of Saul, Jonathan, and the family of Kish. See 2Sa 21:14
And Zelah - This was the burying-place of Saul, Jonathan, and the family of Kish. See 2Sa 21:14
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Clarke: Jos 18:28 - -- 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;...
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; for that there was another place of the same name, is evident from Joh 3:23. This place, called Salim by the evangelist, is said to be near to Enon, and there John baptized, because there was much water in the place. This, however, must not be confounded with the Salem mentioned above; for that this was a name of Jerusalem, 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.
Calvin: Jos 18:9 - -- 9.And the men went and passed, etc Here not only is praise bestowed on the ready obedience by which their virtue shone forth conspicuous, but the Lor...
9.And the men went and passed, etc Here not only is praise bestowed on the ready obedience by which their virtue shone forth conspicuous, but the Lord gives a signal manifestation of his favor by deigning to bestow remarkable success on pious Joshua and the zeal of the people. Had they crept along by subterranean burrows, they could scarcely have escaped innumerable dangers, but now, when they are taking notes of the cities and their sites, of the fields, the varying features of the districts, and all the coasts, and without meeting with any adverse occurrence, return in safety to their countrymen, who can doubt that their life had been kept safe among a thousand deaths by a wonderful exertion of divine power? It is accordingly said emphatically, that they returned to celebrate the grace of God, which is just equivalent to saying that they were brought back by the hand of God. This made the people proceed more willingly to the casting of lots. For their minds would not yet have been well purged of fastidiousness had they not perceived in that journey a signal display of divine favor, promising them that the final issue would be according to their wish. Joshua is hence said to have divided according to the inheritance of each, as if he were sending them to enter on a quiet possession, though the effect depended on the divine presence, because it ought to have been enough for them that the whole business was carried on by the authority of God, who never deceives his people, even when he seems to sport with them. In what sense the ark of the covenant is called God, or the face of God, I have already explained in many passages.
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Calvin: Jos 18:11 - -- In the lot of Benjamin nothing occurs particularly deserving of notice, unless that a small tribe takes precedence of the others. I admit, indeed, th...
In the lot of Benjamin nothing occurs particularly deserving of notice, unless that a small tribe takes precedence of the others. I admit, indeed, that its limits were narrowed in proportion to the fewness of its numbers, because it obtained only twenty-six cities; but still an honor was bestowed upon it in the mere circumstance of its receiving its inheritance before more distinguished tribes. We may add, that in this way they were conjoined and made neighbors to the other 165 children of Joseph, with whom their relationship was more immediate. For they were placed in the middle between the children of Ephraim and Manasseh on the one side, and those of Judah on the other. They had also the distinguished honor of including Jerusalem in their inheritance, though they afterwards granted it by a kind of precarious tenure to the children of Judah for a royal residence. 166
It is strange, however, that having obtained such a quiet locality, they did not live on peaceful and friendly terms with their neighbors. But we possess the prophecy of Jacob,
“Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf; in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.” (Gen 49:27)
They must, therefore, have been by nature of a covetous and turbulent disposition, or from some necessity not now known to us, they must have been impelled to live upon plunder. In regard to the city of Luz, the other name is added, (“the same is Bethel,”) because then only did the name given by Jacob come into common use. (Gen 28:19) It was at no great distance from Beth-Aven, whose name, as it was opprobrious and infamous, was transferred to Bethel itself, after it was corrupted and polluted by impious superstitions. 167 It is probable that Ciriath-Baal was called Ciriath-Jeharim, to take away the name of the idol, which would have been a stain on its true piety. For it certainly would have been base and shameful that the lips of the people should have been polluted by the name of a protector who was an enemy to the true God.
Defender -> Jos 18:9
Defender: Jos 18:9 - -- The scientific art of surveying is ancient. The Egyptians practiced it, but long before that, the sons of Noah and their descendants used it to divide...
The scientific art of surveying is ancient. The Egyptians practiced it, but long before that, the sons of Noah and their descendants used it to divide the lands for their nations after the flood (Gen 10:32)."
TSK: Jos 18:7 - -- the Levites : Jos 13:14, Jos 13:33; Num 18:20, Num 18:23; Deu 10:9, Deu 18:1, Deu 18:2
and Gad : Josh. 13:8-31; Num 32:29-41; Deu 3:12-17, Deu 4:47, D...
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TSK: Jos 18:8 - -- Go : Gen 13:17
that I may here : Jos 18:6, Jos 18:10, Jos 7:16-18, Jos 13:7, Jos 14:1, Jos 14:2, Jos 15:1; 1Sa 14:41; Act 1:24-26; Rom 14:19
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TSK: Jos 18:9 - -- described : The surveyors seem to have formed some kind of map of the country, as well as a description of it in writing. The Egyptians, from the sit...
described : The surveyors seem to have formed some kind of map of the country, as well as a description of it in writing. The Egyptians, from the situation of their fields, as annually overflowed by the Nile, acquired great skill in mensuration and land surveying; and some of the Israelites had, no doubt, learned these from them, without a knowledge of which they could not properly have divided the land. This is probably the first act of surveying on record.
into seven : Act 13:19
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TSK: Jos 18:10 - -- cast lots : Jos 18:6, Jos 18:8; Pro 18:18; Eze 47:22, Eze 48:29; Mat 27:35; Act 13:19
before the Lord : Psa 16:5, Psa 16:6, Psa 47:4, Psa 61:5; Joh 17...
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TSK: Jos 18:12 - -- Jericho : Jos 2:1, Jos 3:16, Jos 6:1, Jos 16:1
the wilderness : Jos 7:2; Hos 4:15, Hos 5:8, Hos 10:5
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TSK: Jos 18:13 - -- side of Luz : Jos 16:2; Gen 28:19; Jdg 1:22-26
Bethhoron : Jos 10:11, Jos 16:3, Jos 21:22
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TSK: Jos 18:14 - -- Kirjathbaal : Jos 15:9, Jos 15:60; 1Sa 7:1, 1Sa 7:2; 2Sa 6:2; 1Ch 13:5, 1Ch 13:6
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TSK: Jos 18:16 - -- the valley of the son : Jos 15:8; 2Ki 23:10; 2Ch 28:3, 2Ch 33:6; Isa 30:33; Jer 7:31, Jer 7:32, Jer 19:2, Jer 19:6, Jer 19:11; Jer 32:35
the valley of...
the valley of the son : Jos 15:8; 2Ki 23:10; 2Ch 28:3, 2Ch 33:6; Isa 30:33; Jer 7:31, Jer 7:32, Jer 19:2, Jer 19:6, Jer 19:11; Jer 32:35
the valley of the giants : See note on Jos 15:8. Jos 18:16; 1Ch 14:9
Jebusi : Mount zion, south of Jerusalem; for Jebusi or Jebus was the ancient name of that city. Jos 18:28, Jos 15:63; Jdg 1:8, Jdg 1:21, Jdg 19:10
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TSK: Jos 18:17 - -- Enshemesh : The fountain of the Sun; whether a town, or simply a fountain, is uncertain.
Geliloth : Geliloth is probably the same as Gilgal; though as...
Enshemesh : The fountain of the Sun; whether a town, or simply a fountain, is uncertain.
Geliloth : Geliloth is probably the same as Gilgal; though as the word may signify border or limits, some think that it is probably not the proper name of a place: ""And went forth towards the borders which are over against the ascent to Adummim.""Others render Geliloth circuits or roundings, or the hills about Jordan, tumuli Jordanis . Vulgate: pertransit usque ad tumulos .
the stone : Jos 15:6
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TSK: Jos 18:19 - -- bay : Heb. tongue, Jos 15:2 *marg. Isa 11:15
the salt : Jos 3:16, Jos 12:3; Gen 14:3, Gen 19:25; Num 34:3; Deu 3:17
this was the : The borders of this...
bay : Heb. tongue, Jos 15:2 *marg. Isa 11:15
the salt : Jos 3:16, Jos 12:3; Gen 14:3, Gen 19:25; Num 34:3; Deu 3:17
this was the : The borders of this tribe on the north were the same as those of Ephraim on the south, and his southern boundaries the same as the northern borders of Judah; but drawn from west to east, instead of from east to west (Jos 15:1-12; Jos 16:1). As the inheritance of Benjamin did not extend to the Mediterranean sea, and no other sea or lake is known to have been in those parts, perhaps this depression, ""compassed the corner of the sea southward,""(Jos 18:14), should be rendered, ""made a circuit on the side next the sea towards the south;""for it seems to connect the northern border, in the preceding verses, with the southern which follows.
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TSK: Jos 18:21 - -- Jericho : Jos 18:12, Jos 2:1, Jos 6:1; Luk 10:30, Luk 19:1
Bethhoglah : Jos 18:19, Jos 15:6
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TSK: Jos 18:22 - -- Betharabah : Jos 18:18, Jos 15:6
Zemaraim : Gen 10:18; 2Ch 13:4
Bethel : 1Ki 12:29-32
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TSK: Jos 18:24 - -- Ophni : Probably the same as Gophna ( ע being often pronounced as G); which, according to Josephus, was about fifteen miles from Jerusalem, towards ...
Ophni : Probably the same as Gophna (
Gaba : Gaba or Geba, according to Josephus, was not far from Rama, forty stadia from Jerusalem, and, according to Eusebius, five miles from Gophna, towards Shechem. Jos 21:17; Ezr 2:26; Neh 7:30
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TSK: Jos 18:25 - -- Gibeon : Jos 9:17, Jos 10:2; 1Ki 3:4, 1Ki 3:5, 1Ki 9:2; Isa 28:21
Ramah : Situated, according to Eusebius, six miles from Jerusalem towards Bethel; th...
Gibeon : Jos 9:17, Jos 10:2; 1Ki 3:4, 1Ki 3:5, 1Ki 9:2; Isa 28:21
Ramah : Situated, according to Eusebius, six miles from Jerusalem towards Bethel; though Jerome places it near Gaba, seven miles from Jerusalem. 1Sa 1:1, Ramathaim-zophim, Jos 7:17, Jos 15:34; Jer 31:15; Mat 27:57, Arimathea
Beeroth : Eusebius says Beeroth was seven miles from Jerusalem, towards Nicopolis or Emmaus. Jerome, however, reads Neapolis or Shechem; but Reland prefers the former.
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TSK: Jos 18:26 - -- Mizpeh : Situated not far from Rama, forty stadia from Jerusalem. Jdg 10:17
Chephirah : Jos 9:17; Ezr 2:25
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TSK: Jos 18:28 - -- Zelah : 2Sa 21:14
Jebusi : Jos 18:16, Jos 15:8, Jos 15:63; 2Sa 5:8
Gibeath : Jdg 19:12-15, Jdg 20:4, Jdg 20:5; 1Sa 10:26, 1Sa 13:15, 1Sa 13:16; Isa 10...
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collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes -> Jos 18:10; Jos 18:11-28
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Barnes: Jos 18:11-28 - -- See the marginal references. There are many indications found in this and the next chapter that the text is in great disorder, and many of the place...
See the marginal references. There are many indications found in this and the next chapter that the text is in great disorder, and many of the places are still unknown.
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 "Valley of Keziz,"or "Emek-Keziz,"is perhaps the "Wady el Kaziz,"at no great distance east of Jerusalem.
Zemaraim, i. e. "two wooded hills,"is supposed to be the ruins called "Es-Sumrah,"on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho.
Ophrah (Jos 15:9 note), to be distinguished here and in 1Sa 13:17 from the Ophrah of Jdg 6:11, is probably the Ephrain of 2Ch 13:19, and the Ephraim of Joh 11:54. It is conjecturally identified with "Et-Taiyibeh,"on the road from Jerusalem to Bethel.
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
Ramah - i. e. "lofty;"probably the native town and abode of Samuel 1Sa 1:19; 1Sa 25:1. Its exact site is uncertain.
Mizpeh - See Jos 11:3. 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. Its site is identified with "Neby Samwil,"about five miles northwest of Jerusalem.
Poole: Jos 18:8 - -- The Levites have no part among you; therefore it shall be divided only into seven parts, as I have said.
The Levites have no part among you; therefore it shall be divided only into seven parts, as I have said.
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Poole: Jos 18:9 - -- By cities or, according to the cities , to which the several parts or territories belonged.
By cities or, according to the cities , to which the several parts or territories belonged.
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Poole: Jos 18:11 - -- Wherein we see the wisdom of Divine Providence, this being the only place in which that prophecy, Deu 33:12 , could have been accomplished.
Wherein we see the wisdom of Divine Providence, this being the only place in which that prophecy, Deu 33:12 , could have been accomplished.
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Poole: Jos 18:12 - -- A place distinct from, but near unto Beth-el, as may be gathered from Jos 16:1 .
A place distinct from, but near unto Beth-el, as may be gathered from Jos 16:1 .
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Poole: Jos 18:14 - -- Kirjath-jearim the Israelites changed the name, to blot out the remembrance of Baal. Compare Jos 15:9 Num 32:38 .
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Poole: Jos 18:15 - -- The south quarter the same with the north quarter of Judah. See Jos 15:5,6,11 .
The south quarter the same with the north quarter of Judah. See Jos 15:5,6,11 .
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Poole: Jos 18:16 - -- To the end of the mountain i.e. the place where the mountain ends, and the valley begins.
Before the valley of the son of Hinnom i.e. in the prospe...
To the end of the mountain i.e. the place where the mountain ends, and the valley begins.
Before the valley of the son of Hinnom i.e. in the prospect of that valley; or, that reacheth to that valley on the south.
In the valley of the giants on the north which extends to this other valley on the north side of it.
To the side of Jebusi to that part where the Jebusites lived, which was in and near Jerusalem.
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Poole: Jos 18:17 - -- Geliloth called also Gilgal , as appears from Jos 15:7 Jud 3:19 ; but differing from that Gilgal by Jordan.
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Poole: Jos 18:20 - -- At the north bay of the Salt Sea where an arm of that sea runs into the land, which is opposed to the south bay that was in the south border of the t...
At the north bay of the Salt Sea where an arm of that sea runs into the land, which is opposed to the south bay that was in the south border of the tribe of Judah, Jos 15:2 . At the south end of Jordan , where it enters into the Salt Sea, which is here opposed to the north end of it, or the spring-head, which was in the north.
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Poole: Jos 18:21 - -- Jericho for though the city was destroyed, the territory remained, and some houses probably were built and inhabited there, though it was not made a ...
Jericho for though the city was destroyed, the territory remained, and some houses probably were built and inhabited there, though it was not made a city with walls and gates, which was the only thing forbidden, Jos 6:26 .
Keziz or, Emec-keziz , the proper name of a city or great town.
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Poole: Jos 18:25 - -- Zemaraim which either gave name to, or took name from, that mountain, 2Ch 13:4 .
Zemaraim which either gave name to, or took name from, that mountain, 2Ch 13:4 .
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Poole: Jos 18:27 - -- Mizpeh near Ramah, in the same mountain where Silo was. There were divers other cities of that name.
Mizpeh near Ramah, in the same mountain where Silo was. There were divers other cities of that name.
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Poole: Jos 18:28 - -- Which is Jerusalem: so it seems this city did properly and primarily belong to Benjamin, although the tribe of Judah had also an interest in it, eith...
Which is Jerusalem: so it seems this city did properly and primarily belong to Benjamin, although the tribe of Judah had also an interest in it, either because some part of it was allotted to them, or because the Benjamites gave them a share in it, for the assistance which either they had received or did expect from that potent tribe, for the getting or defending of that very important place. See Poole "Jos 15:63" . It is more than probable that all the cities belonging to this tribe are not here named, because Anathoth and Almon are omitted here, but expressed Jos 21:18 .
Haydock: Jos 18:7 - -- Priesthood, and the rights attached to it, tithes, &c. (Calmet) ---
It was therefore necessary to make eight portions. (Menochius)
Priesthood, and the rights attached to it, tithes, &c. (Calmet) ---
It was therefore necessary to make eight portions. (Menochius)
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Haydock: Jos 18:9 - -- Book. Hebrew, "described it, according to the cities, into seven parts, in a volume," (Haydock) or table, resembling a map. The ancients commonly w...
Book. Hebrew, "described it, according to the cities, into seven parts, in a volume," (Haydock) or table, resembling a map. The ancients commonly wrote on boards covered with wax, and engraved on stone, lead, &c.
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Haydock: Jos 18:11 - -- First. A person might proclaim that the tribe, whose name was drawn first out of the urn, should have the territory which was described in the book ...
First. A person might proclaim that the tribe, whose name was drawn first out of the urn, should have the territory which was described in the book by the land surveyors; or the names of the seven tribes might be in one urn, and seven parcels of land in another. (Calmet)
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Haydock: Jos 18:12 - -- Bethaven, or Bethel. Josephus says, (Antiquities v. 3,) that the territory of Benjamin extended as far as the Mediterranean: but it only went to Ata...
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Haydock: Jos 18:15 - -- Sea, on the west. (Haydock) ---
The northern limits of Juda form the southern ones of Benjamin, only here Josue proceeds in a contrary direction, f...
Sea, on the west. (Haydock) ---
The northern limits of Juda form the southern ones of Benjamin, only here Josue proceeds in a contrary direction, from west to east. (Menochius) See chap. xv. 5, 8.
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Haydock: Jos 18:16 - -- Part. Hebrew, "end, or summit." (Calmet) ---
That is, &c., and explication added by St. Jerome. Some say this dreadful vale (Haydock) was on t...
Part. Hebrew, "end, or summit." (Calmet) ---
That is, &c., and explication added by St. Jerome. Some say this dreadful vale (Haydock) was on the south of Jerusalem. (Button.)
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Haydock: Jos 18:19 - -- Towards, ( contra linguam ) " the bay on the north," &c. (Haydock) ---
There is another on the south, chap. xv. 2.
Towards, ( contra linguam ) " the bay on the north," &c. (Haydock) ---
There is another on the south, chap. xv. 2.
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Haydock: Jos 18:21 - -- Vale of Casis, "incision," so called, as some pretend, on account of the balm, which was extracted by cutting the bark with a stone, or with glass....
Vale of Casis, "incision," so called, as some pretend, on account of the balm, which was extracted by cutting the bark with a stone, or with glass. But this etymology seems too far fetched, and there is no proof that balm was cultivated there in the days of Josue. (Calmet) ---
Some of the cities of Benjamin have been here omitted, as two others are mentioned, chap. xxi. 18. (Menochius)
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Haydock: Jos 18:24 - -- Ophni, the Gophna so celebrated in latter times, fifteen miles from Gabaa. St. Jerome attributes it to Ephraim, as perhaps it was chiefly inhabited ...
Ophni, the Gophna so celebrated in latter times, fifteen miles from Gabaa. St. Jerome attributes it to Ephraim, as perhaps it was chiefly inhabited by people of that tribe. ---
Gabee. The wickedness of its citizens almost involved the whole tribe in destruction, Judges xix. It was twenty mile north of Jerusalem. (Josephus, [Antiquities?] v. 2.)
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Haydock: Jos 18:26 - -- Mesphe, where Samuel assembled the people, 1 Kings vii. 5. It was regarded as a place of devotion, while the temple was in the hands of the profane,...
Mesphe, where Samuel assembled the people, 1 Kings vii. 5. It was regarded as a place of devotion, while the temple was in the hands of the profane, 1 Machabees iii. 46.
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Haydock: Jos 18:28 - -- Jebus. The city was called Salem in the days of Abraham, Genesis xiv. 18., and Psalm lxxv. 3. St. Jerome supposes that Melchisedec resided near Scy...
Jebus. The city was called Salem in the days of Abraham, Genesis xiv. 18., and Psalm lxxv. 3. St. Jerome supposes that Melchisedec resided near Scythopolis, at Salem. (Genesis xxxiii. 17., ep. ad Evag.) Usher thinks he lived at Salim, John iii. 23. ---
Gabaath. There seems to have been two cities of this name; one famous for the tomb of Habacuc, (St. Jerome) and the other in the tribe of Ephraim, chap. xxiv. 33. (Calmet)
Gill: Jos 18:7 - -- But the Levites have no part among you,.... And so needed not to send any men out of their tribe to measure the land on their account, and is a reason...
But the Levites have no part among you,.... And so needed not to send any men out of their tribe to measure the land on their account, and is a reason why the remaining part of the land was to be divided into seven parts only:
for the priesthood of the Lord is his inheritance; not only the office, but what appertained to it, all the perquisites of it, the tithes, firstfruits, parts of the sacrifices, &c. see Jos 13:14,
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; and so had no share in the division of the land of Canaan, being sufficiently provided for.
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Gill: Jos 18:8 - -- And the men arose, and went away,.... The seven tribes took the advice of Joshua, chose three men out of each tribe, and presented them to him, who ga...
And the men arose, and went away,.... The seven tribes took the advice of Joshua, chose three men out of each tribe, and presented them to him, who gave them their commission and instruction to go and describe the land of Canaan, not yet disposed of, and whether subdued, or not subdued; upon which they prepared for their journey, and took it, after he had given them the following charge:
and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land; before they departed from him:
saying, go and walk through the land; and take particular notice, and an exact survey of it, both of the quality and the quantity of it:
and describe it; its cities and towns, hills and dales, the goodness and badness of the soil, and put it down in a book, or lay it out in a map, that it may be discerned by the eye what number of cities, and what space of ground it contains, and what parts are hilly and woody, and what otherwise:
and come again to me; to make a report of it:
that I may cast lots for you before the Lord in Shiloh; that is, for the several tribes which they belonged to, and by whom they were chosen for this purpose.
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Gill: Jos 18:9 - -- And the men went and passed through the land,.... Undisturbed by the inhabitants that remained; the fear of the Israelites being still upon them, and ...
And the men went and passed through the land,.... Undisturbed by the inhabitants that remained; the fear of the Israelites being still upon them, and the providence of God restraining them, so that the men passed through the whole country, and took a survey of it without any molestation:
and described it by cities, into seven parts, in a book; or map, or rather made seven maps of it, and set down the several cities in each division, with the places adjacent, hills and vales, and marked out a plain and exact chorography of the whole, by which it appears they must be men well skilled in geometry. Josephus b says, that Joshua added to them some that understood geometry; but doubtless the persons each tribe chose and sent were such whom they knew were well versed in that art, and so fit for the business; and which they had, no doubt, learned in Egypt, this being one part of the wisdom and learning of the Egyptians; who boasted of it as an invention of theirs, as Diodorus Siculus c relates; and indeed they were obliged to study it, their country being divided into several homes, and these into lesser districts, and which also were subdivided, and according thereunto were the king's taxes levied upon them; and what with the confusion frequently made by the overflowings of the Nile, they were frequently obliged to measure their land over again; and hence they became expert in this science, which is commonly believed took its rise from them, and passed into Greece, as Herodotus d, and Strabo e, and other authors relate; however, it is certain from this instance in the time of Joshua, that geometry was not the invention of Anaximander, about five hundred years before Christ, as some have asserted f:
and came again to Joshua to the host at Shiloh; where the camp, as well as the people in common, and the tabernacle, were; they returned, as Josephus g says, at the end of seven months; and to measure so much land, and make such divisions of it, and give the plans and maps of each division, must take up a considerable time.
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Gill: Jos 18:10 - -- And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord,.... For the seven tribes, as he had for the two tribes and a half at Gilgal; of the manner of...
And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord,.... For the seven tribes, as he had for the two tribes and a half at Gilgal; of the manner of casting lots; see Gill on Num 26:55,
and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their division: the land that was divided into seven parts, he distributed to the seven tribes, as the lot came up for them, and then divided these several parts according to the families and households in each tribe.
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Gill: Jos 18:11 - -- 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...
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 h 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 33:7.
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Gill: Jos 18:12 - -- And their border on the north side was from Jordan,.... Which was the eastern boundary of the tribe, and hence proceeded from east to west, and formed...
And their border on the north side was from Jordan,.... Which was the eastern boundary of the tribe, and hence proceeded from east to west, and formed its northern border, which is described in like manner as the lot of the children of Joseph, Jos 16:1,
and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side; from Jordan it went to the north of Jericho, and so took in that place, which was within the tribe of Benjamin, Jos 18:21,
and went up through the mountains westward; the mountains that were on the north of Jericho; for, as Strabo says i, Jericho was surrounded with mountains, see Jos 2:16; through these mountains the coast went on towards the western border of the tribe:
and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven: a place near Bethel and Ai, to which there was a wilderness adjoining, see Jos 7:2; here ended the northern border.
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Gill: Jos 18:13 - -- And the border went over from thence towards Luz,.... From Bethaven, where the northern border ended, the western began, and went on to Luz:
to the...
And the border went over from thence towards Luz,.... From Bethaven, where the northern border ended, the western began, and went on to Luz:
to the side of Luz, which is Bethel, southward; that is, passed along, leaving that city to the south, which formerly was called Luz, but now Bethel, which though distinct places formerly, yet being very near, might in process of time be joined; See Gill on Jos 16:2,
and the border descended to Atarothadar, the same with Archiataroth; see Gill on Jos 16:2, and See Gill on Jos 16:5,
near the hill that lieth on 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.
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Gill: Jos 18:14 - -- And the border was drawn thence,.... From Bethhoron:
and compassed the corner of the sea southward; it is hard to say what sea is meant, or what b...
And the border was drawn thence,.... From Bethhoron:
and compassed the corner of the sea southward; it is hard to say what sea is meant, or what by it. Fuller k conjectures, that as the Hebrews call any confluence of water a sea, as we call such a "mere", 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; wherefore it is best to render it the "west quarter", as it is in the latter part of this verse; and so the same word is translated, Jos 18:12; the "west", and not the "sea", as it sometimes is; for the border of Benjamin did not reach the sea any where; though Josephus l makes it to extend to it, and says, that the length of it was from the river Jordan to the sea:
the hill that lieth before Bethhoron southward; the hill that lay to the south of nether Bethhoron, as in Jos 18:13,
and the goings out thereof, the end of the western coast:
were at Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah; of which see Jos 15:9,
this was the west quarter; as thus described.
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Gill: Jos 18:15 - -- And the south quarter was from the end of Kirjathjearim,.... Where the western quarter ended:
and the border went out on the west; not directly so...
And the south quarter was from the end of Kirjathjearim,.... Where the western quarter ended:
and the border went out on the west; not directly south, but somewhat westerly. It is, in the original, "the sea", and should be rendered, "from the sea", or "from the west" m; and Jarchi confesses his ignorance, and says, I know not what sea it is; and well he might, for there was no sea here; but the Mediterranean sea, being to the west of the land of Israel, it is often used for the west in the Hebrew language, and so here:
and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah; See Gill on Jos 15:9;
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Gill: Jos 18:16 - -- And the border came down,.... In the description of the border of Judah, hereabout, it is said to go up, Jos 15:5; because there, as Jarchi observes, ...
And the border came down,.... In the description of the border of Judah, hereabout, it is said to go up, Jos 15:5; because there, as Jarchi observes, the measure was from east to west, but here from west to east:
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; and the same places are mentioned in the description of the one as of the other, see Jos 15:8. The mountain is Mount Moriah,
and which is in the valley of the giants on the north; on the north of the valley of Rephaim:
and descended to the valley of Hinnom; the border from the end of Mount Moriah to that valley:
to the side of Jebusi on the south; to the south side of Jerusalem, having that city on the south:
and descended to Enrogel; of which See Gill on Jos 15:7.
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Gill: Jos 18:17 - -- And was drawn from the north,.... Turning northward, and looking that way from the west to the east:
and went forth to Enshemesh; or the fountain o...
And was drawn from the north,.... Turning northward, and looking that way from the west to the east:
and went forth to Enshemesh; or the fountain of the sun, see Jos 15:7,
and went forth toward Geliloth; called Gilgal, Jos 15:7,
which is over against the going up to Adummim; a place between Jerusalem and Jericho, see Jos 15:7,
and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben; see Jos 15:6.
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Gill: Jos 18:18 - -- And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward,.... The same with Betharabah, Jos 15:6; and so it is called here in the Greek version:...
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Gill: Jos 18:19 - -- 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 i...
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; of which place see Jos 15:6,
and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea; here ended the southern border of Benjamin, even at the bay or creek of the salt sea, which looked northward, as the southern border of Judah began at that bay of it, which looked southward, Jos 15:2,
at the south end of Jordan; where it fell into the salt sea:
this was the south coast; as before described.
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Gill: Jos 18:20 - -- 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 nor...
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:
this was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families; this is the general description of the limits of this tribe, the particular cities in it follow.
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Gill: Jos 18:21 - -- Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin,
according to their families, were Jericho,.... Which though destroyed, and not to be rebui...
Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin,
according to their families, were Jericho,.... Which though destroyed, and not to be rebuilt as a city, was yet a place inhabited, and in future times was rebuilt, and in great splendour, and continued to the time of Christ; of which see Jos 2:1,
and Bethhoglah, where or near to which was the threshing floor of Atad, at which lamentation was made for Jacob; see Gill on Gen 1:10, and See Gill on Jos 15:6,
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, and perhaps might have its name from the incision of the balsam tree there; which, as Pliny n says, was cut with glass or a stone, or with knives made of bone; if cut with iron, it kills it.
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Gill: Jos 18:22 - -- And Betharabah,.... Of the first of these; see Gill on Jos 15:6,
and Zemaraim; one of the sons of Canaan was named Zemira, Gen 10:18; by whom this ...
And Betharabah,.... Of the first of these; see Gill on Jos 15:6,
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.
and Bethel; of the last of these; see Gill on Jos 7:2.
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Gill: Jos 18:23 - -- And Avim, and Parah,.... Of the two first of these we read nowhere else:
and Ophrah is not the same with Ophrah in Jdg 6:11; that belonged to the t...
And Avim, and Parah,.... Of the two first of these we read nowhere else:
and Ophrah 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. Jerom calls this place Aphrah, in the tribe of Benjamin, and says o, in his time there was a village called Effrem, five miles from Bethel to the east, which very probably is the same with this.
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Gill: Jos 18:24 - -- And Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni,.... Of the two first of these no mention is made elsewhere:
and Gaba is the same with Gibeah, a well known place, ...
And Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni,.... Of the two first of these no mention is made elsewhere:
and Gaba is the same with Gibeah, a well known place, because of the foul fact committed there, which had like to have been the ruin of this tribe, Jdg 19:14; and for being the native place of King Saul, hence called "Gibeah of Saul", 1Sa 11:4; it was about six or seven miles from Jerusalem; see Gill on Hos 5:8; twelve cities with their villages; which agrees with the account of them.
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Gill: Jos 18:25 - -- Gibeon,.... Gibeon is the place from whence the Gibeonites came, who deceived Joshua, Jos 9:3. Jerom says p, in his time there was a village shown of ...
Gibeon,.... Gibeon is the place from whence the Gibeonites came, who deceived Joshua, Jos 9:3. Jerom says p, in his time there was a village shown of this name, four miles from Bethel to the east, near Ramah, next mentioned:
and Ramah, which Jerom relates q was six miles from Aelia or Jerusalem to the north, against Bethel. Rauwolff, a traveller in those parts, says r, that the town of Rama is situated on an ascent, in plain fields, which extend themselves for two leagues to the hill of the city of Jerusalem; these fields are very fruitful and well tilled, and sown with corn, cotton, and Indian millet; the town is pretty large, but very open, like unto a village, very pitifully built, where one may still see here and there some signs of old buildings:
and Beeroth was a city that belonged to the Gibeonites, Jos 9:17; and Jerom says s, in his time was shown the village, seven miles from Aelia or Jerusalem, as you go to Neapolis or Shechem.
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Gill: Jos 18:26 - -- And Mizpeh,.... Frequent mention is made of Mizpeh in Scripture; according to Fuller t, it was about eight miles from Gibeah; it was near Ramathon, wh...
And Mizpeh,.... Frequent mention is made of Mizpeh in Scripture; according to Fuller t, it was about eight miles from Gibeah; it was near Ramathon, which Josephus says u was forty furlongs from Jerusalem:
and Chephirah was one of the cities subject to Gibeon, Jos 9:17.
and Mozah; there was a place called Motza, near to Jerusalem, where they used to go to get willows at the feast of tabernacles w.
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Gill: Jos 18:27 - -- And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah. Of these cities there is no mention made elsewhere.
And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah. Of these cities there is no mention made elsewhere.
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Gill: Jos 18:28 - -- And Zelaheath,.... Zelah was the buryingplace of Saul and his family, 2Sa 21:14.
Eleph is nowhere else mentioned; some join it with Zelah, and make...
And Zelaheath,.... Zelah was the buryingplace of Saul and his family, 2Sa 21:14.
Eleph is nowhere else mentioned; some join it with Zelah, and make one city of it, but then the number of cities given could not be completed; both Jarchi and Kimchi say they were two cities, as doubtless they were:
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:
Gibeath was a distinct city both from Gaba and Gibeon; by its being mentioned with Jerusalem, it should seem to be near it. Jerom y speaks of Gabaatha in the tribe of Benjamin, twelve miles from Eleutheropolis, where the grave of the Prophet Habakkuk was shown:
and Kirjath signifies a city, but what city is meant is not known:
fourteen cities with their villages; and just so many are mentioned by name:
this is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families; these cities, with others perhaps not mentioned, were allotted to the tribe of Benjamin for their families to dwell in.
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expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes
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NET Notes: Jos 18:11 Heb “and the territory of their allotment went out between the sons of Judah and the sons of Joseph.”
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NET Notes: Jos 18:19 Heb “to the tongue of the Salt Sea to the north, to the end of the Jordan to the south.” The word “River” is not in the Hebrew...
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NET Notes: Jos 18:20 Heb “This was the inheritance of the sons of Benjamin by its borders round about, by their clans.”
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Geneva Bible: Jos 18:7 But the Levites have no part among you; for the ( f ) priesthood of the LORD [is] their inheritance: and Gad, and Reuben, and half the tribe of Manass...
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Geneva Bible: Jos 18:8 And the men arose, and went away: and Joshua charged them that went to ( g ) describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it,...
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Geneva Bible: Jos 18:10 And Joshua ( h ) cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisi...
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Geneva Bible: 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 ( i ) between the chil...
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Geneva Bible: Jos 18:13 And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which [is] ( k ) Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near...
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Geneva Bible: Jos 18:17 And was drawn from the north, and went forth to ( l ) Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which [is] over against the going up of Adummim, and ...
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Geneva Bible: 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 ( ...
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Geneva Bible: Jos 18:28 And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which [is] ( n ) Jerusalem, Gibeath, [and] Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This [is] the inheritance of th...
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expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> Jos 18:1-28
TSK Synopsis: Jos 18:1-28 - --1 The tabernacle is set up at Shiloh.2 The remainder of the land is described, and divided into seven parts.10 Joshua distributes it by lot.11 The lot...
MHCC -> Jos 18:2-10; Jos 18:11-28
MHCC: Jos 18:2-10 - --After a year or more, Joshua blamed their slackness, and told them how to proceed. God, by his grace, has given us a title to a good land, the heavenl...
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MHCC: Jos 18:11-28 - --The boundaries of each portion were distinctly drawn, and the inheritance of each tribe settled. All contests and selfish claims were prevented by the...
Matthew Henry -> Jos 18:2-10; Jos 18:11-28
Matthew Henry: Jos 18:2-10 - -- Here, I. Joshua reproves those tribes which were yet unsettled that they did not bestir themselves to gain a settlement in the land which God had gi...
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Matthew Henry: Jos 18:11-28 - -- We have here the lot of the tribe of Benjamin, which Providence cast next to Joseph on the one hand, because Benjamin was own and only brother to Jo...
Keil-Delitzsch -> Jos 18:2-10; Jos 18:11-28
Keil-Delitzsch: Jos 18:2-10 - --
Survey of the Land that had yet to be Divided. - Jos 18:2. After the tabernacle had been set up, the casting of the lots and division of the land am...
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Keil-Delitzsch: Jos 18:11-28 - --
Inheritance of the Tribe of Benjamin. - Jos 18:11-20. Boundaries of the inheritance. - Jos 18:11. The territory of their lot (i.e., the territory a...
Constable: Jos 13:1--21:45 - --II. THE DIVISION OF THE LAND chs. 13--21
Chapters 13-24 describe how Joshua divided the land and the results of ...
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Constable: Jos 18:1-10 - --5. Survey of the remaining land 18:1-10
After the process of assigning land to the three tribes ...
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Constable: Jos 18:11--20:1 - --6. The inheritance of the remaining tribes 18:11-19:51
First the two and one-half tribes east of...
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