Joshua 14:1--22:34
Eleazar <0499> [which Eleazar.]
drawing lots <01486> [lot.]
Though God had sufficiently pointed out by the predictions of Jacob and Moses what portions he designed for each tribe, yet we readily discern an admirable proof of His wisdom, in the orders he gave to decide them by lot. By this means the false interpretations which might have been given to the words of Jacob and Moses were prevented; and by striking at the root of whatever might occasion jealousies and disputes among the tribes, he evidently secured the honesty of those appointed to distribute the conquered lands of Canaan. Besides, the success of this method gave a fresh proof of the divinity of the Jewish religion, and the truth of its oracles. Each tribe finding itself placed by lot exactly in the spot where Jacob and Moses foretold, it was evident that Providence had equally directed both the predictions and that lot; and it would be the greatest folly and presumption not to acknowledge the inspiration of God in the words of Jacob and Moses; the direction of his hand in the lot, and his providence in the event.
Moses <04872> [Moses.]
Levites <03881> [but unto.]
descendants <01121> [the children.]
cities <05892> [save cities.]
Gilgal <01537> [Gilgal.]
Caleb <03612> [Caleb.]
Kenizzite <07074> [Kenezite.]
know <03045> [Thou knowest.]
man <0376> [the man.]
Kadesh Barnea <06947> [Kadesh-barnea.]
sent .... Kadesh Barnea <07971 06947> [sent me.]
back <07725> [I brought.]
remained <04390> [wholly.]
forty-five <0705> [forty.]
traveled <01980> [wandered. Heb. walked.]
Anakites <06062> [the Anakims.]
assuming <0194> [if so be.]
conquer <03423> [I shall.]
empower <01288> [blessed.]
Caleb <05414 03612> [gave unto.]
remained <04390> [because.]
called <08034> [And the name.]
land <0776> [And the land.]
allotted <01486> [A.M. 2561. B.C. 1443. An. Ex. Is. 48. This then was the lot.]
The geography of the sacred writings presents many difficulties, occasioned by the changes which Canaan has undergone, especially for the last 2,000 years. Many of the ancient towns and villages have had their names so totally changed that their former appellations are no longer discernible; several lie buried under their own ruins, and others have been so long destroyed that not a vestige of them remains. On these accounts it is very difficult to ascertain the precise situation of many places mentioned in these chapters; but this cannot in any measure affect the truth of the narrative.
border <01366> [even to the.]
Salt Sea <03220 04417> [the salt sea.]
<03956> [bay. Heb. tongue.]
Scorpion Ascent <04610> [Maaleh-acrabbim. or, the going up to Acrabbim.]
Zin <06790> [Zin.]
Addar <0146> [Adar.]
Probably the same as Hazar-addar, Nu 34:4.
Karka <07173> [Karkaa.]
Supposed to be the Coracea of Ptolemy, in Arabia Petr‘a Eusebius places a castle called Carcaria at the distance of a day's journey from Petra.
Azmon <06111> [Azmon.]
The last city they possessed towards Egypt; east of the River of Egypt or Rhinocorura.
Stream <05158> [river.]
Beth Hoglah <01031> [Beth-hogla.]
Probably the Bethagla mentioned by Jerome is the same as the "threshing-floor of Atad," (Ge 50:10,) situated three miles from Jericho, and two from Jordan; and belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, though serving as a frontier to the tribe of Judah.
Stone <068> [the stone.]
Debir <01688> [Debir.]
Valley <06010> [the valley.]
Gilgal <01537> [Gilgal.]
Adummim <0131> [Adummim.]
A town and mountain of Benjamin (Jos 18:17,) near Jericho, towards Jerusalem.
En Shemesh <05885> [En-shemesh.]
Situated east of Jerusalem, on the confines of Judah and Benjamin.
En Rogel <05883> [En-rogel.]
Supposed to be the same as the fountain of Siloam, east of Jerusalem, at the foot of mount Zion.
Valley ... Ben ......................... Valley <01121 01516> [valley of the son.]
A valley near to Jerusalem.
Jebusites <02983> [the Jebusite.]
Valley .... Rephaites <07497 06010> [valley of the giants.]
Situated apparently west of Jerusalem and mount Moriah.
Valley ........................... Valley ............... Valley <01516 06010> [the valley of Rephaim.]
Nephtoah <05318> [Nephtoah.]
Baalah <01173> [Baalah.]
A city near Bethshemesh, and, according to Eusebius, nine miles from Jerusalem, in going towards Diospolis.
Kiriath Jearim <07157> [Kirjath-jearim.]
Beth Shemesh <01053> [Beth-shemesh.]
Placed by Eusebius ten miles east from Eleutheropolis, towards Nicopolis.
Timnah <08553> [Timnah.]
Ekron <06138> [Ekron.]
Mount Baalah <01173 02022> [mount Baalah.]
western ..... Mediterranean Sea <03220 01419> [the great sea.]
Caleb <03612> [Caleb.]
<0704 07151> [the city of Arba. or, Kirjath-arba.]
Othniel <06274> [Othniel.]
Kenaz <07073> [Kenaz.]
Acsah <05915> [Achsah.]
got down <06795> [she lighted.]
give .... special present ..... given ........ give ... springs ...... gave ....... springs <05414 01293 01543> [Give me.]
special present <01293> [a blessing.]
Kabzeel <06909> [Kabzeel.]
Eder <05740> [Eder.]
Kedesh <06943> [Kedesh.]
Hazor <02674> [Hazor.]
The LXX. read [Hasori¢nain,] for Hazar-Ithnan, regarding these two as one city.
Ziph <02128> [Ziph.]
Eusebius and Jerome say, that Ziph was a village in their time eight miles east from Hebron.
Telem <02928> [Telem.]
Hazor <02674> [Hazor.]
Or, rather, Hazar-hadattah, or, as the LXX., Alexandrian, and Vulgate render [Has¢r L‚ kain‚,] {Asor nova,} "New Hazor," to distinguish it from the preceding (ver. 28,) and following Hazor. Eusebius and Jerome say it was a village in their time, on the eastern confines of Askelon.
Kerioth <07152> [Kerioth.]
Or, rather, Kerioth-Hezron: LXX. [hai poleis] (Alex. [polis]) [Haser¢n,] "the cities (city) of Hezron."
Moladah <04137> [Moladah.]
Probably the same as Malatha, a city frequently mentioned by Eusebius; from whom it appears to have been situated in the southern border of Judah, about twenty miles from Hebron.
Hazar Gaddah <02693> [Hazar-gaddah.]
This is apparently the city which Eusebius calls [Aser;] which he says, was, in his time, a town situated between Askalon and Ashdod.
Beth Pelet <01046> [Beth-palet.]
Hazar Shual <02705> [Hazar-shual.]
Beer Sheba <0884> [Beer-sheba.]
Biziothiah <0964> [Bizjoth-jah.]
Instead of Bizjothjah, the LXX. read, "and their towns and villages."
Baalah <01173> [Baalah.]
Ezem <06107> [Azem.]
Hormah <02767> [Hormah.]
Ziklag <06860> [Ziklag.]
Ain <05871> [Ain.]
Probably the [bethanin] of Eusebius, four miles from Hebron.
Rimmon <07417> [Rimmon.]
Eshtaol <0847> [Eshtaol.]
This town is placed by Eusebius ten mile from Eleutheropolis, towards Nicopolis: and it is supposed to be a wretched village, called Esdad, about 15 miles south of Yebna.
Zorah <06881> [Zoreah.]
A town near to Eshtaol, placed at ten miles' distance N. of Eleutheropolis by Eusebius.
Tappuah <08599> [Tappuah.]
Jarmuth <03412> [Jarmuth.]
Adullam <05725> [Adullam.]
Socoh <07755> [Socoh.]
Eusebius says, there were two cities of Socoh, an upper and lower, nine miles from Eleutheropolis, towards Jerusalem.
Azekah <05825> [Azekah.]
Eusebius and Jerome say there was a town of this name in their time, between Jerusalem and Eleutheropolis.
Shaaraim <08189> [Sharaim.]
Adithaim <05723> [Adithaim.]
Eusebius mentions two cities, called Adatha, one towards Gaza, and the other east of Lydda.
Gederothaim <01453> [and Gede-rothaim. or, or. fourteen cities.]
There are fifteen in all; but the two last seem to be only two names of the same city.
Mizpah <04708> [Mizpeh.]
Joktheel <03371> [Joktheel.]
Lachish <03923> [Lachish.]
Bozkath <01218> [Bozkath.]
Eglon <05700> [Eglon.]
Makkedah <04719> [Makkedah.]
Libnah <03841> [Libnah.]
Ether <06281> [Ether.]
Keilah <07084> [Keilah.]
Aczib <0392> [Achzib.]
Mareshah <04762> [Mareshah.]
Ekron <06138> [Ekron.]
vicinity <03027> [near. Heb. by the place of.]
Gaza <05804> [Gaza.]
Stream <05158> [the river.]
Jattir <03492> [Jattir.]
Kiriath Sannah <07158> [Kirjath-sannah.]
Goshen <01657> [Goshen.]
Giloh <01542> [Giloh.]
Dumah <01746> [Dumah.]
Janim <03241> [Janum. or, Janus.]
Kiriath Arba <07153> [Kirjath-arba.]
Maon <04584> [Maon.]
Carmel <03760> [Carmel.]
Ziph <02128> [Ziph.]
Timnah <08553> [Timnah.]
Gedor <01446> [Gedor.]
Kiriath Baal <07154> [Kirjath-baal.]
Beth Arabah <01026> [Beth-arabah.]
city of Salt <05898> [the city of.]
This city was situated somewhere in the vicinity, west of the lake Asphaltites; and supposed by some to be the same as Zoar.
En Gedi <05872> [En-gedi.]
En-gedi, or Hazazon-Tamar, was situated, according to Eusebius, in the desert west of the Dead Sea. Josephus says it was 300 stadia from Jerusalem, and not far from the lake Asphaltites; and consequently it could not have been far from Jericho and the mouth of the Jordan. It was celebrated for the abundance of its palm-trees.
extended <03318> [fell. Heb. went forth. the water.]
Bethel <01008> [Beth-el.]
Arkite <0757> [Archi.]
Beth Horon <01032> [Beth-horon.]
Eusebius says that the two Beth-horons were twelve miles from Jerusalem, towards Nicopolis or Emmaus: of which the one, called upper Beth-horon, from its situation, was built (rebuilt) by Solomon, and the other, called nether Beth-horon, was given to the Levites. Josephus places Beth-oron about 100 furlongs from Jerusalem. Dr. Clarke mentions an Arab village called Bethoor, about twelve miles from Jerusalem, a small distance from Rama, which he supposes, from its situation on a hill, to be Beth-horon the upper.
Gezer <01507> [Gezer.]
Probably the [gazara] of Eusebius, four miles from Nicopolis.
westward .................... sea <03220> [the sea]
Ataroth Addar <05853> [Ataroth-addar.]
Micmethath <04366> [Michmethah.]
Taanath Shiloh <08387> [Taanath-shiloh.]
Placed by Eusebius ten miles of Neapolis or Shechem.
Janoah <03239> [Janohah.]
Eusebius calls it [Iano,] in Acrabatene, twelve miles east from Neapolis.
Ataroth <05852> [Ataroth.]
Jericho <03405> [Jericho.]
Tappuah <08599> [Tappuah.]
Valley ... Kanah <07071 05158> [river Kanah.]
westward ........... sea <03220> [the sea.]
conquer <03423> [they drave.]
Canaanites living ..... Canaanites live <03669 03427> [the Canaanites dwell.]
firstborn son ........... firstborn <01060> [the firstborn.]
Makir <04353> [Machir.]
Gilead ........... Gilead <01568> [Gilead.]
rest ....... assigned <03498> [the rest.]
descendants ........... descendants .............. descendants .... son <01121> [the children.]
Abiezer <044> [Abiezer.]
[Jeezer. children of Asriel.]
descendants ........... descendants ....... Hepher ........ descendants .... son <02660 01121> [children of Hepher.]
Eleazar <0499> [Eleazar.]
told <03068 06680> [The Lord commanded.]
ten shares <06235 02256> [ten portions.]
As there were six sons and five daughters, among whom this division was to be made, there should be eleven portions: but Zelophehad, son of Hepher, having left five daughters in his place, neither he nor Hepher is reckoned. The lot of Manasseh therefore was divided into ten parts; five for the five sons of Gilead, Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, and Shemida; and five for the five daughters of Zelophehad, Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
land <0776> [beside.]
Asher <0836> [Asher.]
Eusebius says this was a town in his time not far from Neapolis, towards Scythopolis or Bethshan; between which towns it is also placed by the old Jerusalem Itinerary.
Micmethath <04366> [Michmethah.]
Situated, probably, east of Shechem, though its precise situation, as well as that of many others, cannot, at this distance of time, be ascertained. Many of these towns were small, and we may rationally conclude, slightly built; and consequently have perished more than two thousand years ago. It would therefore be useless now to look for such places; though in many instances, their ancient names have been preserved, and their sites identified. Several towns even in England, mentioned by C‘sar and other ancient writers, are no longer discernible; several have changed their names, and not a few their situation.
Shechem <07927> [Shechem.]
Tappuah ...... Tappuah <08599> [of Tappuah.]
[river Kanah. or, brook of reeds.]
The brook Kanah seem to be what is now called Nahr el Kasab, which falls into the Mediterranean a few miles south of C‘sarea of Palestine, mentioned by the Hon. C. L. Irby, and J. Mangles.
cities ..... cities <05892> [these cities.]
ended <08444> [the out-goings.]
sea <03220> [the sea. The Mediterranean.]
Manasseh <04519> [Manasseh.]
Beth-shean, the Scythopolis of the Greek and Roman writers, was situated in the plain of Jordan, west of that river, 120 furlongs (south) from Tiberias, according to Josephus, and 600 furlongs (north) from Jerusalem. (2 Mac 12:29.) It was the largest city of the Decapolis, and the only one on that side of Jordan. It is now called Bisan, 8 hours or 24 miles from Tiberias; and described by Dr. Richardson, exclusive of its ruins, as a "collection of miserable hovels, containing 200 inhabitants." .# 1Sa 31:10,12
[Beth-shan.]
Ibleam <02991> [Ibleam.]
[Bileam.]
Dor <01756> [Dor.]
Dor, according to Eusebius, was situated on the Mediterranean, nine miles from C‘sarea Palestine, towards Carmel. The village of Tortura, four leagues north of C‘sarea, is supposed to nearly occupy it site.
En Dor <05874> [Endor.]
Taanach <08590> [Taanach.]
Megiddo <04023> [Megiddo.]
strong <02388> [waxen strong.]
Canaanites <05414 03669> [put the.]
one ... allotment <01486 0259> [one lot.]
many <07227> [a great.]
many <07227> [If thou be.]
Perizzites <06522> [the Perizzites.]
Rephaites <07497> [giants. or, Rephaims.]
chariots <07393> [chariots.]
Beth Shean <01052> [Beth-shean.]
Jezreel <03157> [Jezreel.]
many .... great <07227> [Thou art a great.]
hill country <02022> [the mountain.]
conquer <03423> [for thou shalt.]
Shiloh <07887> [Shiloh.]
Shiloh was situated on a hill in the tribe of Ephraim, though near the borders of Benjamin, about fifteen miles north of Jerusalem, and, according to Eusebius, twelve, or according to Jerome, ten miles (south) from Shechem or Nablous. It was but a little north from Bethel or Ai, and near the road from Shechem to Jerusalem. (Jud 21:19.) In Jerome's time, Shiloh was ruined; and nothing remarkable was extant, but the foundations of the altar of burnt offerings which had been erected when the tabernacle stood there.
<07931> [set up.]
put off <07503> [How long are.]
three <07969> [three.]
make a map <03789> [describe.]
Judah ... stay .............. its <03063 05975> [Judah shall.]
family <01004> [the house.]
will draw <03384> [that I may cast.]
Levites <03881> [the Levites.]
Gad <01410> [and Gad.]
<03212> [Go.]
<07993> [that I may here.]
mapped it ..... out <03789> [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.
seven <07651> [into seven.]
drew lots <07993 01486> [cast lots.]
before ... Lord <06440 03068> [before the Lord.]
Benjamin .......... Judah ... Joseph <01121> [between the children.]
Jericho <03405> [Jericho.]
desert <04057> [the wilderness.]
Luz .... slope ... Luz <03870 03802> [side of Luz.]
Beth Horon <01032> [Beth-horon.]
Kiriath Baal <07154> [Kirjath-baal.]
Nephtoah <05318> [Nephtoah.]
Valley ................... Valley <01516 01121> [the valley of the son.]
Valley ........ Valley .... Rephaites ......... Valley <01516 07497 06010> [the valley of the giants. See on ch.]
Jebusites <02983> [Jebusi.]
Mount zion, south of Jerusalem; for Jebusi or Jebus was the ancient name of that city.
En Rogel <05883> [En-rogel.]
En Shemesh <05885> [En-shemesh.]
The fountain of the Sun; whether a town, or simply a fountain, is uncertain.
Geliloth <01553> [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.}
Stone <068> [the stone.]
Arabah ......... Arabah <06160> [Arabah. or, the plain.]
tip <03956> [bay. Heb. tongue.]
Salt <04417> [the salt.]
southern <05045> [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 (ch. 15:1-12; ch. 16.) 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," (ver. 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.
Jericho <03405> [Jericho.]
Beth Hoglah <01031> [Beth-hoglah.]
Beth Arabah <01026> [Beth-arabah.]
Zemaraim <06787> [Zemaraim.]
Bethel <01008> [Beth-el.]
Ophrah <06084> [Ophrah.]
Situated, according to Eusebius, five miles east of Bethel.
Ophni <06078> [Ophni.]
Probably the same as Gophna (['Ayin] being often pronounced as G); which, according to Josephus, was about fifteen miles from Jerusalem, towards Shechem, says Eusebius, (Onom. in [pharaux botrous.])
Geba <01387> [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.
Gibeon <01391> [Gibeon.]
Ramah <07414> [Ramah.]
Situated, according to Eusebius, six miles from Jerusalem towards Bethel; though Jerome places it near Gaba, seven miles from Jerusalem.
[Ramathaim-zophim.]
[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.
Mizpah <04708> [Mizpeh.]
Situated not far from Rama, forty stadia from Jerusalem.
Kephirah <03716> [Chephirah.]
Zelah <06762> [Zelah.]
Jebusite <02983> [Jebusi.]
Gibeah <01394> [Gibeath.]
[Gibeah. according.]
second lot <01486 08145> [second lot.]
[Beer-sheba, Sheba, and Moladah.]
[Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, Bethuel.]
Hazar Shual <02705> [Hazar-shual.]
Eltolad <0513> [Eltolad.]
Hormah <02767> [Hormah.]
Ziklag <06860> [Ziklag.]
Hazar Susah <02701> [Hazar-susah.]
[Hazar-susim.]
Beth Lebaoth <01034> [Beth-lebaoth.]
Ain <05871> [Ain.]
Rimmon <07417> [Remmon.]
[Rimmon. Ether.]
Baalath Beer <01192> [Baalath-beer.]
Ramah <07414> [Ramath.]
[Ramoth.]
large <07227> [too much.]
<01121> [therefore.]
third <07992> [third.]
Zebulun <02074> [Zebulun.]
valley <05158> [the river.]
The river Kishon, which empties itself into the Mediterranean near mount Carmel, in the vicinity of which Jokneam was situated.
Jokneam <03362> [Jokneam.]
[Jokmeam.]
Kisloth Tabor <03696> [Chisloth-tabor.]
Called Chasalus by Eusebius and Jerome, and placed at the foot of mount Tabor, eight miles east of Dioc‘sarea.
Daberath <01705> [Daberath.]
Josephus, who calls this town Dabaritta, or Darabitta, places it in the plain of Jezreel, or Esdraelon, on the confines of Samaria and Galilee. It is probably the Dabira which Jerome place towards amount Tabor, in the district of Dioc‘sarea; and the Debora or Daboura, mentioned by travellers as a village at the foot of mount Tabor.
[Dabareh.]
Japhia <03309> [Japhia.]
Probably Japha, a city of Galilee, near Jotapata, mentioned by Josephus.
Gath Hepher <01662> [Gittah-hepher.]
Placed by Jerome two miles from Sephoris, or Dioc‘sarea, towards Tiberias.
[Gath-hepher. methoar. or, which is drawn.]
Kattah <07005> [Kattath, etc.]
[Nahalol. Shimron.]
Bethlehem <01035> [Beth-lehem.]
Jezreel <03157> [Jezreel.]
Kesulloth <03694> [Chesulloth.]
Probably the same as Chisloth-tabor.
Shunem <07766> [Shunem.]
Hapharaim <02663> [Hapharaim.]
A town called Aiphraim, in the time of Eusebius, six miles north of Legio.
[Shihon.]
A town called Seon by Eusebius, at the foot of mount Tabor.
En Gannim <05873> [En-gannim.]
Tabor <08396> [Tabor.]
Beth Shemesh <01053> [Beth-shemesh.]
The lot Asher lay upon the coast of the great sea. We read of only one remarkable person of this tribe, and that was Anna, the prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, a widow of about four-score and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Helkath <02520> [Helkath.]
Beten <0991> [Beten.]
Probably the same as Bebeten or Batnai, mentioned by Eusebius, eight miles east from Ptolemais; and perhaps the Ecbatana which Pliny places not far from Ptolemais.
Acshaph <0407> [Achshaph.]
Mishal <04861> [Misheal.]
Situated, according to Eusebius, near mount Carmel, on the sea coast.
[Marshal. Carmel.]
Beth Dagon <01016> [Beth-dagon.]
Zebulun <02074> [Zebulun.]
Situated on the sea coast, near Ptolemais.
Valley <01516> [valley.]
Cabul <03521> [Cabul.]
Supposed to be the same town which Josephus calls [Choboulo,] and which he says was situated near the sea side, near Ptolemais.
Rehob <07340> [Rehob.]
Kanah <07071> [Kanah.]
This seems a different Cana from that in Lower Galilee; and to be that which is placed in some maps east of Tyre, between Libanus and Antilibanus, and south of the river Cassimer, or Leitani.
[Cana. great.]
Ramah <07414> [Ramah.]
Probably the Rama mentioned by Theodoret as a city of Syria; and placed in some maps between Sarepta and Sidon, eastward, near Lebanon.
Tyre <06865> [Tyre. Heb. Tzor.]
Aczib <0392> [Achzib.]
Aphek <0663> [Aphek.]
Rehob <07340> [Rehob.]
Zaanannim <06815> [Zaanannim.]
[Zaanaim.]
turned <07725> [turneth.]
Aznoth Tabor <0243> [Aznoth-tabor.]
Apparently the same as Azanoth, which Eusebius places in the plain not far from Dioc‘sarea or Sephoris.
<03063> [Judah.]
As it is certain that the tribe of Naphtali did not border upon that of Judah, there being several tribes between, we should probably omit Judah, with the Septuagint; though it may have been a town so called.
Hammath <02575> [Hammath.]
[Hamath. Chinnereth.]
[Chinneroth.]
[Gennesaret.]
Hazor <02674> [Hazor.]
Kedesh <06943> [Kedesh.]
Beth Anath <01043> [Beth-anath.]
Eusebius mentions a town of the name of [Batanaian,] fifteen miles from C‘sarea. (Dioc‘sarea or Sephoris probably.)
Beth Shemesh <01053> [Beth-shemesh.]
Zorah <06881> [Zorah.]
Situated on the frontiers of Dan and Judah, tens miles north from Eleutheropolis, towards Nicoplis, according to Eusebius, not far from Caphar Sorek.
[Zoreah.]
Ir Shemesh <05905> [Irshemesh.]
Supposed by some to be the same as Beth-shemesh in the tribe of Judah; but this latter city is evidently distinguished from it by being assigned by the tribe of Judah to the Levites. (ch. 21:16.) Ir-shemesh rendered [polis Sammaus] by the LXX., seems to be the same as Emmaus or Nicopolis, 22 miles south-east from Lydda, according to the Old Jerusalem Itinerary.
Shaalabbin <08169> [Shaalabbin.]
Eusebius calls it [Salaba,] and places it in Samaria: and Jerome calls it Salebi, (Eze 48,) and joins it to Ajalon and Emmaus.
[Shaalbim. Ajalon.]
This appears to be the Ajalon which Jerome places two miles from Nicopolis or Emmaus, in the road to Jerusalem.
Timnah <08553> [Thimnathah.]
[Timnath. Ekron.]
Ekron is placed by Eusebius between Ashdod and Jamnia, eastward; and probably the ruined village of Tookrair, mentioned by Dr. Richarson, situated on the top of a hill, and which he says seems to have been a place of considerable consequence, occupies its site.
Gibbethon <01405> [Gibbethon.]
Baalath <01191> [Baalath.]
Gath Rimmon <01667> [Gath-rimmon.]
front <04136> [before. or, over against. Japho. or, Joppa.]
territory <01366> [the coast.]
Leshem .................. it ... renamed <03959 07121> [called Leshem.]
[Laish.]
gave <05414> [gave.]
Timnath <08556> [Timnath-serah.]
[Timnath-heres.]
land <05159> [These are.]
Shiloh <07887> [in Shiloh.]
instructed <01696> [spake.]
select <05414> [Appoint.]
[your refuge.]
entrance <06607> [at the entering.]
bring <0622> [take.]
stay <03427> [that he may.]
So ... selected <06942> [appointed. Heb. sanctified. Kedesh.]
Kedesh, called Cadesa, or Caidesa, by Josephus, was situated in Upper Galilee, twenty miles south-east from Tyre, according to Eusebius. The cities of refuge were distributed through the land at proper distances from each other, that they might be convenient to every part of the land; and it is said they were situated on eminences, that they might be easily seen at a distance; the roads leading to them being broad, even, and always kept in good repair. Kedesh and Hebron were at the two extremities of the land, the former being in Galilee, and the latter in Judah, both in mountainous districts, and Shechem was in mount Ephraim, nearly in the centre. Bezer was east of Jordan, in the eastern part of the plain opposite Jericho; Ramoth was about the midst of the country of the two tribes and a half, being about the middle of the mountains of Gilead; and Golan, the capital of Gaulonitis, was situated in the tribe of Manasseh, in the land of Bashan. As this institution is considered as a type of Christ, some expositors observe a significancy in the names of these cities with application to Him as Our Refuge. Kedesh signifies holy, and our refuge is the holy Jesus. Shechem, a shoulder, "and the government is upon his shoulder." Hebron, fellowship, and believers are called into the fellowship of Christ Jesus our Lord. Bezer, a fortification, for he is a strong hold to all them that trust in him. Ramoth, high, or exalted, for him hath God exalted with his own right hand. Golan, joy, or exultation, for in him all the saints are justified, and shall glory.
Shechem <07927> [Shechem.]
Kiriath Arba <07153> [Kirjath-arba.]
hill country ....... hill country ............ hill country <02022> [mountain.]
Bezer <01221> [Bezer.]
Ramoth <07216> [Ramoth.]
Golan <01474> [Golan.]
cities <05892> [the cities.]
reviewed <05975> [until he stood.]
leaders ................... leaders <07218> [the heads.]
Eleazar <0499> [Eleazar.]
Shiloh <07887> [Shiloh.]
Lord <03068> [The Lord.]
Levites <03881> [unto the Levites.]
descendants <01121> [the children.]
tribes <04294> [the tribe.]
These tribes furnished more habitation to the Levites, in proportion, than any of the other tribes, because they possessed a more extensive inheritance, agreeably to what Moses had commanded (Nu 35:8.) It is worthy of remark, that the principal part of this tribe, whose business was to minister at the sanctuary, which sanctuary was afterwards established at Jerusalem, had their appointment nearest to that city; so that they were always within reach of the sacred work which God had appointed them.
lot <01486> [by lot.]
Lord <03068> [as the Lord.]
cities <05892> [these cities.]
listed <07121> [mentioned. Heb. called.]
assigned <05414> [And they.]
<0704 07151> [the city of Arba. or, Kirjath-arba.]
Hebron <02275> [is Hebron.]
hill country <02022> [in the hill.]
assigned <05414> [they gave.]
Hebron <02275> [Hebron.]
city <05892> [a city.]
Libnah <03841> [Libnah.]
Jattir <03492> [Jattir.]
Jattir or Jether, according to Eusebius, was situated in the district of Daroma, or the southern part of Judah, 20 miles (south) from Eleutheropolis, towards the city of Malatha.
Eshtemoa <0851> [Eshtemoa.]
Eusebius says Eshtemoa, or Esthema, was a great city in the south of Judah, and in the district of Eleutheropolis, north of that city.
[Eshtemoh.]
Holon <02473> [Holon.]
[Hilen. Debir.]
Ain <05871> [Ain.]
[Ashan. Juttah.]
Eusebius says Juttah was a great town 18 miles south from Eleutheropolis.
Beth Shemesh <01053> [Beth-shemesh.]
Gibeon <01391> [Gibeon.]
Geba <01387> [Geba.]
[Gaba.]
Anathoth <06068> [Anathoth.]
Anathoth was situated about three miles northward from Jerusalem according to Eusebius and Jerome (in Jer ch. 1:20;) or twenty furlongs, according to Josephus. Ant. I. viii. c. 10.
Almon <05960> [Almon.]
[Alemeth.]
Shechem <07927> [Shechem.]
Gezer <01507> [Gezer.]
Beth Horon <01032> [Beth-horon.]
Eltekeh <0514> [Eltekeh.]
Gibbethon <01405> [Gibbethon.]
Probably the Gabatha mentioned by Eusebius and Jerome, as situated in the south of Judah, 12 miles from Eleutheropolis, where the prophet Habakkuk's sepulchre was shown.
Aijalon <0357> [Aijalon.]
[Ajalon.]
Gath Rimmon <01667> [Gathrimmon.]
Gathrimmon is said by Jerome to be a great town 10 miles from Diospolis, or Lydda, towards Eleutheropolis.
Aner and Bileam are mentioned in Chronicles, instead of Tanach and Gath-rimmon. (1 Ch 6:70.) Either the cities had at this time different names, or afterwards their names were changed; or the Levites, being by some means dispossessed of the cities first assigned them, received others from their brethren. A careful examination of the marginal references will discover other variations of this kind, which may be accounted for in the same manner.
Taanach <08590> [Tanach.]
<01121> [And unto.]
Golan <01474> [Golan.]
Beeshtarah <01203> [Beesh-terah.]
It is very probable that Beesh-terah is a contraction of {baith ashtaroth,} "the house of Ashtaroth," and the same as Ashtaroth, which is the reading in 1 Ch 6:71.
Daberath <01705> [Dabareh.]
Jarmuth <03412> [Jarmuth.]
This seems to be the same city with Remeth, Jos 10:19, 21, and Ramoth, 1 Ch 6:73, mentioned with Engannim.
Mishal <04861> [Mishal.]
[Misheal.]
[Mashal.]
Rehob <07340> [Rehob.]
See the note on Nu 13:21.
Kedesh <06943> [Kedesh.]
Hammoth Dor <02576> [Hammoth-dor.]
Supposed by many to be the same as Tiberias; so called from the hot-baths, as the word {Chammoth} may denote, in its vicinity.
[Hammath. Kartan.]
Supposed to be the same as Kirjathaim.
clans <04940> [And unto.]
Jokneam <03362> [Jokneam.]
Dimnah <01829> [Dimnah.]
This and the following verse are wholly omitted by the Masora, and many Hebrew Bibles which are esteemed very highly; though, without them, neither the twelve cities of the Merarites in particular (ver. 40,) nor the forty-eight Levitical cities in general (ver. 41), nor the six cities of refuge, can be made up. But these two verses, are thus absolutely necessary for the truth and consistency of this chapter, are happily preserved in no less than 149 MSS. collated by Dr. Kennicott, and upwards of 40 collated by De Rossi.
Bezer <01221> [Bezer.]
Jahaz <03096> [Jahazah.]
[Jahzah.]
Ramoth <07433> [Ramoth.]
Mahanaim <04266> [Mahanaim.]
Heshbon <02809> [Heshbon.]
Jazer <03270> [Jazer.]
[Jaazer.]
within <08432> [within.]
forty-eight <0705> [forty.]
At the last census, the tribe of Levi amounted only to 23,000 (Nu 36:62); and it is thought by some that forty-eight cities was too great a proportion for this tribe. But it should be considered, that cities in ancient times were little more than villages.
Joshua <03091> [Joshua.]
Reubenites <07206> [Reubenites.]
We have already seen, that a detachment of 40,000 men, of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, had passed over Jordan armed, with their brethren, according to their agreement with Moses. The war being now concluded, the land divided, and their brethren settled, Joshua assembles these warriors; and with commendations for their services and fidelity, he dismisses them, having fist given them the most pious and suitable instructions. They had now been about seven years absent from their respective families; and though there was only the river Jordan between the camp of Gilgal and their own inheritance, yet it does not appear that they had, during that time, ever revisited their home, which they might have done at any time of the year, except the harvest, as the river was at other times easily fordable.
carried out <08104> [Ye have.]
<08085> [obeyed.]
secure <05117> [given rest.]
<03212> [get.]
<03966> [take.]
Love <0157> [love.]
loyal <01692> [cleave.]
serve <05647> [serve.]
<07725> [Return.]
Divide <02505> [divide.]
land .......... land ... Gilead <01568 0776> [the country of Gilead.]
Reubenites Gadites <01121> [the children.]
This verse should probably be rendered, "And when they came to the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, Then built an altar by (or beyond, {al}) Jordan, a great altar to the view." It would appear, that when they came to the river, they formed the purpose of building the altar; and when they crossed it they put that purpose into execution. It is evident that they did not build it west of the Jordan, for that was not in their territories, and the next verse expressly says that it was built over against the land of Canaan.
built <01129> [built.]
received <08085> [heard.]
side <05676> [at the passage.]
community <05712> [the whole.]
Supposing they had built this altar for sacrifice, in opposition to the command of God, they considered them as rebels against God and the Israelitish constitution.
sent <07971> [sent.]
Phinehas <06372> [Phinehas.]
leaders ............ family <05387 01004> [chief house. Heb. house of the father. an head.]
[the whole.]
[trespass.]
[to turn.]
[rebel.]
sin <05771> [Is the iniquity.]
purified <02891> [from which.]
following <0310> [following.]
rebelling <04775> [and it will.]
anger <07107> [he will be.]
impure <02931> [unclean.]
Lord's ...... Lord .............. Lord ................ Lord <03068> [wherein.]
Reubenites Gadites <01121> [Then the children.]
The conduct and answer of these Reubenites and the associates are worthy of admiration and imitation. Though conscious of their innocence, they permitted Phinehas to finish his speech, though composed of little else than accusations, without any interruption; and taking in good part the suspicions, reproofs, and even harshness of their brethren, with the utmost meekness and solemnity they explain their intention, give all the satisfaction in their power, and with great propriety and reverence, appeal to that God against whom they were supposed to have rebelled.
answered <06030> [answered.]
leaders <07218> [heads.]
El .... Lord El .... Lord ................. Lord <0410 03068> [Lord God.]
[Yeh“vƒh <\\See definition 03068\\> el“hŒym <\\See definition 0430\\> ˆl <\\See definition 0410\\>,] {El Elohim Yehowah,} literally "The strong God, Elohim Jehovah," which is nearly the version of Luther, {der starte Gott, der Herr,} "The strong God, the Lord."
knows ....... know <03045> [he knoweth.]
Israel <03478> [Israel.]
rebelled <04777> [if it be.]
Lord .................... Lord <03068> [let the Lord.]
worried <01674> [for fear.]
future <04279> [In time to come. Heb. To-morrow.]
right to worship <02506> [ye have.]
way <07673> [make.]
reminder <05707> [a witness.]
honor <05647> [that we.]
See <07200> [Behold.]
Far be it <02486> [God forbid.]
building <01129> [to build.]
satisfied <03190> [it pleased them. Heb. it was good in their eyes.]
It is remarkable, that Joshua is not once named in this transaction; but this only shews, that he did not in his old age assume any regal authority, but left the elders and magistrates to conduct the general business, only acting himself when great occasions made it necessary. Yet we cannot doubt, that his wisdom and piety influenced the counsels of the elders and people at this time.
Lord ... among ......... Lord ............ Lord's <03068 08432> [the Lord is.]
Now <0227> [now. Heb. then.]
back <07725> [and brought.]
report <01697> [the thing.]
gave thanks <01288> [blessed.]
[Ed. i.e, a witness.]
The word witness, or testimony, is not found in the common editions of the Hebrew Bible; and is supplied in Italics by our venerable translators, at least in our modern copies; for in the first edition of this translation, it stands in the text without any note of this kind; but it is found in several of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS., and also in the Syriac and Arabic. Several also of the early printed editions of the Hebrew Bible have the word {ed,} either in the text or in the margin; and it must be allowed to be necessary to complete the sense. It is very probable that an inscription was put on this altar, signifying the purpose for which it was erected. Thus was this affair most happily terminated.
Lord ... God <0430 03068> [the Lord is God.]
Several manuscripts read more emphatically, [yeh“vƒh <\\See definition 03068\\>,] [h–w' <\\See definition 01931\\>] [el“hŒym <\\ See definition 0430\\>,] {Yehowah, hoo Elohim,} "Jehovah he is God."
