Observations Upon the Old Testament, Commentary · Joshua
Joshua.
THE Book of Joshua was not probably written by him; though of, and concerning him; For besides some things contained in it, which are deemed by some, to be done after his death; As that concerning Caleb and his daughter Achsah, Ch. XV. 16,—19. And most surely the Conquering of Leshem or Laish by the Danites, Ch. XIX. 47. Iudg. XVIII. 7.—29. And those things recorded, Ch. XXIV. 29,—33. Some other things seeme to plead, That it was written by some Prophet Long after his death. Whence that phrase remaines unto this day, is so frequently used, Ch. IV. 9. and Ch. VI. 25. and VII. 26. and VIII. 29, and IX. 27. and X. 27. and XIII. 13. and XIV. 14. and XV. 63. And the Book of Iasher is named, Ch. X. 13. which seemes written at soonest in Davids time, as recording an Act of his, 2 Sam. I. 18. unlesse we say, This Book of Iasher in Ioshua's time, to be continued on, and enlarged in after-times, by adding and inserting memorable acts in after-ages; And so in Davids time. And further the Mountains of Iudah, and the Mountains of Israel are mentioned, Iosh. XI. 21. Which many possibly seeme to intimate the Book to be written after the division of the Nation into the two Kingdomes of Iudah and Israel.
Ioshua was the Tribe of Ephraim, Num. XIII. 8. 1 Chron. VII. 27. And he lived one hundred & ten years, Ch. XXIV. 29. and was six full years in conquering the Land; and in the seventh fell to the Dividing of it by Lot; as is gathered out of the age of Caleb, Iosh. XIV. 7, 10. And divers years Ioshua lived and governed after that time; but how many, it doth not appear out of this Book: yet is gathered out of other places to be ten years more: and so this Book to containe an History of seventeen years, from the Beginning of his Government to his Death. The truth of this account stands upon this computation; from the coming out of Egypt, to the fourth of Solomon, are four hundred and eighty years, 1 King. VI. 1. which are made up thus; fourty years in the Wildernesse; seventeen of Ioshua; two hundred ninety nine of the Iudges; counting in the twenty of Sampson, as coincident and concurring with the first twenty years of Eli; twenty years more of Eli; twenty of Samuel; fourty of Saul; fourty of David; four of Solomon: In all, 480.
Within three dayes] This Edict and Proclamation of three dayes, chapter I verse 2 for preparation to passe over Iordan, set down here, doth begin and commence after the History of the two Spies, and their returne to Ioshua; which History yet is recorded after in the Chapter following. And thereupon the mention of the said three dayes is taken up again the second time, Ch. III. 2. when new directions are given for their Passage, and the manner of it.
Rahab] Rahab, chapter II verse 1 an Harlot, because at least she had been so, though now a beleeving Convert, ver. 9, 10, 11. Heb. XI. 31. Iames II. 25. She had her house on the wall of Iericho, ver. 15. which fell not when the rest of wall fell, Ch. VI. 20, 22.
In framing her excuses for the Spies sake, she bewrayes her infirmity, in making equivocations, or untruths rather, ver. 4, 5. In transacting with the Spies, some speeches seeme to passe between them after they were let down the wall, ver. 18.
In pleading for her family, she makes no mention of an Husband, ver. 13. and Ch. VI. 23.
She was after married to Salmon, eldest sonne of Nahshon, which Nahshon was great-grand-childe to Hezron or Esrom that went down with Iacob into Egppt, Gen. XLVI. 12. And was Prince of Iudah, at the numbring of the people, Num. I. 7. at the marshalling of the Camps, Num. II. 3. at the Dedication of the Altar, Num. VII. 12. and at the setting forward in their journeys, Num. X. 14. But died in the Wildernesse, Num. XIV. 29. This marriage of Rahab to Salmon, now Prince of Iudah, is not recorded in the Old Testament: But mentioned, Matth. I. 5. in the Genealogy of our Saviour; wherein, as Rachab; so Thamar, Ruth, and Bathshebah, are mentioned. Now there being four hundred and eighty years from the coming of the children of Israel out of Egypt to the Building of the Temple, in the fourth year of Solomon, 1 Kings VI. 1. whereof fourty years were spent in the wildernesse, and seventy in Davids life time, 2 Sam. V. 4. and four in Solomons reigne; The Remaining time between Rahabs receiving the Spies, and Davids Birth must be 366. which may, and must be made up in some such reckoning as this; viz. Supposing Rahab to be eighteen years old when she received the Spies; and sixty six when she did bear Boaz to Salmon; then of necessity must Boaz beget Obed, and Obed beget Iesse, and Iesse beget David, each about the age of 106. Which well considered, evidenceth and evinceth these two things. 1. That the years of the six Oppressors in the times of the Judges, Ch. III. 8, 14. and IV. 3. and VI. 1. and X. 8. and XIII. 1. which amount to 111. years, cannot be reckoned distinct and apart; But are to be included within the years of the Judges, and of the Rest of the Land. For otherwise the years between Rahabs receiving the two Spies, and Davids birth, would rise to 477. which cannot be true. And secondly, that the years 480. which is that famous Link of time, 1 King. VI. 1. cannot possibly be forced to any more then 480. much lesse to 580. as some learned men of late would have it; and contrary to that sacred text, 1 King. VI. 1. which never received any veri…s Lection; and contrary to the clear evidence and notation of pa…cular times set down in Scripture, which exacty make up that summe of 480. as was now shewed: viz. fourty in the Wildernesse; seventeen in Ioshuah's Government; 299. in the Judges times, eighty in Eli, Samuel, and Sauls times; fourty in Davids; and four in Solomons.
Ark] The Ark here leads the way before the hoast, chapter III verse 3 into Iordan and Canaan; without any more mention of the Pillar of Cloud and Fire.
Two thousand Cubits] The distance of two thousand Cubits from the Ark, verse 4 Josh. III. 4. was on either side of it; and seemes to be the same distance that was kept from it, in their Campings or Pitchings, and in their Journeyings in the Wildernesse: And may well be deemed to be the Sabbath-dayes journey mentioned, Acts I. 12. Comparing together John XI. 18. and Luke XXIV. 50.
Rose up upon an heap] When the Israelites passed through Jordan, verse 16 the waters were not as a wall unto them, on the right hand, and on the left; as likely they were when Elias, and Elizeus divided them with a mantle, 2 King. II. 8, 14. And as certainly the waters of the redsea were, Exod. 14. 21, 22. But God stopped the waters of the river that came down from above, and they stood and rose upon an heap, very farre from the City Adam: And thereupon those waters that came down from Adam to the Salt and Dead Sea, and Lake of Sodom and Asphaltites, did run away, failed, were cut off.
Midst] The often mentioning the midst of the river of Iordan to be the place where the Priests feet stood bearing the Ark of the Lord; verse 17 the place where twelve stones were erected; and the place whence twelve stones were taken to be set up in Gilgal, Iosh. III. 17. and IV. 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 18. doth induce me to take the word midst in its proper signification, having no maner of inconvenience in it for so doing, rather then to transferre it to the Channel close by the further side and banck.
Passed over] The place of their passage over Jordan, chapter IV verse 1 may seeme to be called afterwards Beth-barah, in the Tribe of Reuben, beyond Jordan, Judg. VII. 24. And Bethabara, John. I. 28. (not Bethania, as the Trent-Bible erroneously there hath it) where John baptized Jesus; as well as others. And Betharabah seemes to be a City not farre from the Passage on the other side, a City of Benjamin, bordering upon Judah, Josh. XV. 6. 61. and XVIII. 22. Though some not so rightly place the foresaid town higher upon the river more then twenty miles above Adam; and farre off from the border of Judah. At this Passage the Altar Ed seemes to be builded in the Tribe of Reuben, Josh. XXII. 11.
Twelve men] Reuben, verse 2 and Gad, are here included in the twelve; though their Possessions were beyond Iordan. And of these two Tribes, and half Manasseh, about fourty thousand armed men passed over Iordan to the warre, ver. 13. which were yet but a few more then one third part of their military men, Num. XXVI. 7, 18, 34. The rest stayed behinde for their many necessary occasions.
Came up] They came over Iordan, verse 19 on the tenth day of the first monethmonth; were Circumcised the eleventh; And did eate the Passeover on the fourteenth, Ch. V. 2, 10. Both which were omitted in the wildernesse; at least since the Returne of the twelve Spies, and after that Passeover at Mount Sinai, Num. IX. 5. See Iosh. V. 5, 7. And on the XVI. day Manna ceased, ver. 12.
The second time] Not that these were Circumcised once before. chapter V verse 2 See ver. 7. It was neglected, or omitted many years for some reasons. And at this time upon many reasons renewed, and again injoyned by God. See the Annotations upon this text.
Gilgal] Of this place, verse 9 see the Annotations on Hos. IV. 15.
A man] This Captain of the Lords hoast, verse 13 was not Gabriel, or any other created Angel; but Michael the Archangel, Iude 9. Michael the great Prince of Gods people, Dan. X. 21. and XII. 1. the Angel of the Covenant, Mal. III. 1. Christ the Sonne of God; Appearing here, and sundry other times, in the shape of man, as a foregoing presage and prologue, to typifie his future Incarnation. And this appeareth, by Ioshua's Adoration of him, as his Lord Jehovah, Ch. VI. 2. and by His acceptance of it, which an Angel would have refused, Apoc. XIX. 10. by his Commanding Joshua to put off his shoes, because the place was holy; like to that, Exod. III. 5. Not that the Place was capable of any inherent holinesse in it self, but hallowed by Gods holy presence in it, and in that relation onelyonly so esteemed; and which ceased so to be when his Presence was withdrawn from it. This Captain instructs Joshua about the maner of besieging, and conquering Jericho, Ch. VI. 2,—5.
Seventh day] chapter VI The Sabbath-day must needs be one of the seven wherein the Camp of Israel did march round about the walls of Jericho; verse 4 if not the seventh wherein they compassed the Citie seven times, and took it. And this by the command of him who is the Sovereigne Lord of the Sabbath.
Priests shall blow with the Trumpets] Priests, not Levites. And Priests, not Levites carry the Ark. See the Observations on Num. X. 8. and on Ch. VII. v. 1,—9.
Achan] Achan is called also Achar, chapter VII verse 1 1 Chron. II. 7. which signifieth a Troubler; and the Place of his execution is called the Valley of Achor, v. 26., that is trouble. He was Grand-childe of Zabdi; otherwise called Zimri, 1 Chron. II. 6.
Ai] Ai is called Hai, verse 2 Gen. XII. 8. and Aijah, Neh. XI. 31. in the tribe of Benjamin, very near to Bethel, Ezra II. 28. Neh. VII. 32. and differs from that Ai, situate between Heshbon and Rabbah, in the tribe of God; yet taken by the Ammonites; whereof see Jeremie XLIX. 3.
Bethaven] Bethaven, and Bethel, two distinct townes, not farre asunder, near the North bounds of the Tribe of Benjamin. Yet Hosea calls Bethel by the name of Bethaven, the house of vanity, and vaine Idols, in scorne and derision, for Jeroboams golden Calf there set up, Hos. IV. 15. and V. 8. and X. 5. See the Observations on 1 King. XII. 29, 32. verse 14
Taketh] By Divine instinct and command Lots are here used; In which case their judgement is infallible. Of Lots, see my Annotations on Ionah. I. 7. verse 24
And his sonnes] Gods severe judgement upon his whole family, ver. 24, 25. is warranted by Him, who is sole Dispensor, and Sovereigne Lord over his own Law, Deut. XXIV. 16. And at the most, his Sacriledge, was but the Occasion, not the Cause of Gods judgement upon his family; They having sinne enough in themselves otherwise, for Gods justice to work upon, though they had no hand in this sacrilegious act. chapter VIII verse 2
Ambush] God appoints both the End, and the Means, 1 Chron. XIV. 14, 15. And Gods people having the assurance of Gods Particular Promises, do yet carefully use the Meanes; as Josh. XI. 7. and X. 9. Acts XXVII. 24, 31. Iudg. XX. 28, 29. Stratagems in warre are lawful. verse 3
Chose out] Not likely that the 30000. did lie in wait behinde Ai Westward, between Ai and Bethel; but onelyonly 5000. ver. 12, 17.
Gibeon] Gibeon was a great City, chapter IX verse 3 a royal City of the Hivites, and all the men mighty, Ch. X. 2. and XI. 19. allotted afterwards to Benjamin; and out of that Tribe to the Priests, Ch. XXI. 13, 17. The Tabernacle, and Altar were here in Davids and Solomons time, 1 Chron. XXI. 20. 2 Chron. I. 3. David orders the service of it here, 1 Chron. XVI. 30. Solomon sacrificeth at this High Place: God appears to him here: And he brings the Tabernacle, and Altar thence, to the Treasuries of the Temple, 1 King. III. 4. Here Ioshua vanquished the five Kings of the Amorites, Ch. X. And had the Sunne stand still upon his prayer. Here David smote the Philistines, 1 Chron. XIV. 16. By the poole of Gibeon was that mortal fight between twelve of Abners, and twelve of Ioabs men; whence the place was called the field of strong men in Gibeon. Here Abner in his flight slayeth Asabel the brother of Ioab; And Ioab pursueth Abner by the way of the Wildernesse of Gibeon, 2 Sam. II. 12, 16, 24. and Ch. III. 30. At the great stone in Gibeon Ioab slew Amasa, his Cousen-german, 2 Sam. XX. 8. And by the great waters that are in Gibeon, Iohanan fighteth, and puts to flight Ishmael, Ier. XLI. 12. The Gibeonites were Hivites, Iosh. IX. 7. yet called also by the more general name of Amorites, 2 Sam. XXI. 2. They were those which in after-times were called Nethinims, &c. that is, Deodands, given and devoted to that Drudgery, ver. 23, 27. Of whom see 2 Sam. XXI. 2. 1 Chron. IX. 2. Ezra II. 43, 58, 62, 70. and VII. 7, 24. and VIII. 17, 20. Neh. VII. 46, 60, 73. and X. 28. and XI. 3, 21. Something like to these were those other of these Nations, on whom Solomon did raise a tribute of Bondage, 1 King. IX. 20, 21. Of whom see more on that place.
The Oath and League made with the Gibeonites, and their Cities, ver. 17. though surreptitiously and fraudulently gotten, and also rashly granted, yet seemes in the substance of it to be lawful; otherwise an unlawful Oath should be broken: whereas this was kept with all faithfulnesse; Joshua fighting in their defence, and that by the Lords approbation and encouragement, Ch. X. 7, 8. And this seemes lawful, because they sued for Peace before they were besieged; and willingly submitted to all Conditions, without any reservation of their Lands, Goods, Lawes, Liberties, much lesse of their superstitions and idolatries, (which otherwise might have ensnared the Israelites); but of their Lives onelyonly, and they to be employed in the Israelites service. Cities, and People of other Nations then these, very farre off, might be received upon farre easier termes and conditions. But upon all these Conditions, others of these Nations themselves might have been spared their lives. Yet God in his providence so ordered, That there was not a City that made peace with the Israelities, saving these Hittites of Gibeon onelyonly, and their Cities: All other they took in battel; for it was of the Lord so to harden their hearts, that they might be destroyed, Ch. XI. 19, 20. And therefore, the Congregation here murmured unjustly (haply through ignorance) against Joshua, and the Princes, for this League and Oath: And Saul was justly punished, and that grievously, in his posterity; and the Land also with famine, many ages after this, because he sought to slay and destroy them from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel, contrary to this League and Oath; though Soul did it in a pretended or wrong zeale to the children of Israel and Judah, 2 Sam. XXI. 1,—6.
Adoni-Zedek seemes, chapter X verse 1 in after-ages to have succeeded that Melchizede…, Gen. XIV. 18. But Adoni-bezeck, Judg. I. 7. seemes not any successor to this Adonizedeek, much lesse himself; He himself being slaine; ver. 23, 26. But Adoni-bezeck was Lord or King, not of Jerusalem; but of Bezeck, in the Tribe of Judah; where Saul numbred against Nahash 330000. men, 1 Sam. XI. 8.
Jerusalem, is called also Jebus, Judg. XIX. 10. 1 Chron. XI. 4, 5. of Jebusi the sonne of Canaan, Gen. X. 16. And Salem, Gen. XIV. 18. Psal. LXXVI. 2. The name seemes composed of them. If not; then of Jireh, and Salem, the place Salem [Gen. XIV. 18. Psal. LXXVI. 2.] where God appeared [Gen. XXII. 14.] Or, Jiereh Shalem, signifying the Vision of Peace, or Possession of Peace, or Peace shall be seene or provided, a place of providence, Gen. XXII. 14. See Hebr. VII. 1, 2. And it is of the Dual number, being a double City, belonging to two Tribes, Judah, and Benjamin; Josh. XV. 8, 63. and XVIII. 28. Judg. I. 8, 21. Jer. XXXIX. 3. The Southern and higher part belonging to Judah, wherein the strong hold of Zion was; taken at last by David presently after his anointing King over all Israel; and built and called his City, 2 Sam. V. 6,—9. 1 Chron. XI. 4,—8. And became the Burial-place of the Kings of Judah. And Davids Sepulcher continued there till the Apostles times, Acts II. 29. near 1100. years. And the Ark for a time, was placed there, 2 Sam. VI. 12,—17. whereupon Zion is called the City of God, Gods holy Hill. The Northerne, and lower part, belonging to Benjamin; wherein the Temple stood, on Mount Moriah, 2 Chon. III. 1. Honourable things are spoken of this City, Psal. LXXXVII. 2, 3. This City is called the City of God, of the Lord of Hoasts, of the great King; the holy place of the Tabernacles of the most High, Psal. XLVI. 4. and XLVIII. 8. The Throne of the Lord, Jer. III. 17. Jehovah-Shammah (in that visionarie Description) Ezek. XLVIII. 35. It is called the City of Solemnities, Esay XXXIII. 20. a City of Righteousnesse, Esay V. 26. a City of Truth, Zech. VIII. 3. a Faithful City, Esay I. 26. a City sought out, and not forsaken, Esay LXII. 12. The walls thereof are called Salvation; and her gates Praise; and they are ever in Gods sight, Esay XLIX. 16. and LX. 18.
Hoham] These other four Kings were all South of Jerusalem: chapter X verse 3 And all five did after belong to the Tribe of Judah.
Lachish] Of this City see the Annotations on Micah I. 13.
The Lord said] The Lord spake to Joshua; verse 8 sometimes immediately by himself; sometimes being consulted with by Urim and Thummim.
Hailestones] Gods two Miracles in this battel. verse 11 I. By wondrous Hailestones; like those in Egypt, Exod. IX. 18,—25. which killed more Amorites then were slaine by the sword; braining likely the body of their hoast, as they fled, where they were thickest, and those that were formost in the flight; and not hurting the Pursuers, who were intermingled, yet likely mostwhat in the Reare of the enemy. II. By the miraculous standing still (upon Joshua's Prayer, first privately made, and granted; after publikely pronounced in the sight of Israel) of the Sunne, and of the Moone; and with them of the whole frame of Heaven; about a whole day, till the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies.
Jasher] The Book of Jasher records the Miracle. verse 13 No Heathen History being so ancient. This Book seemes to be carried on, and enlarged still with the story of things acted in after-ages. For there is mention of it in Davids time, 2 Sam. I. 18. And this Book being no part of Canonical inspired Scripture; but a Civil Chronicle or Annals among the Jewes, is since perished; as divers others of like nature; Among which are those books of Chronicles, not Canonical, but Civil, so often cited in our two books of the Kings.
No day] That day in Hezekiah's time, verse 14 was in some things like this, 2 King. XX. 11. But that, not till many ages after; And this book first written.
Returned] If Joshua here resolved to return to Gilgal, verse 15 Yet many other victories, in the Southern parts, even from Kadesh-barnea, unto Gaza, in a short time, intervened, ver. 16,—42. before he actually returned thither, ver. 43.
Ioshua] And c. XI. verse 36 31. Ioshua took Hebron, or Kiriath-Arba, and Debir, or Kiriath-Sepher, and cut off the Anakims. Yet under the conduct of Caleb this was perfected; Ioshua assigning him, out of his army, the Tribe of Iudah, for his assistance therein, Ch. XIV. 6,—15. and Ch. XV. 13,—19. which thing seems to be repeated, Iudg. I. 10,—15. rather then a new Conquest made again after the death of Ioshua.
Goshen] And Ch. XI. verse 41 16. and Ch. XV. 51. This Goshen in Canaan; differing from that in Egypt.
Sand] Hyperbolees much used in Scripture. chapter XI verse 4 So Gen. XXII. 17. and XLI. 49. Iudg. VII. 12. and Ch. XX. 16. 1 Sam. XIII. 5. 2 Sam. I. 23. 1 King. I. 40. and IV. 20, 29. 2 King. XIX. 24. 1 Chron. XII. 8. and XVI. 33. 2 Chron. I. 9. and XXVIII. 9. Job. XX. 6. and XXII. 24. and XL. 23. Psal. VI. 6. Esay XXXIV. 3, 5, 7, 9. and XLVIII. 19. Jer. IV. 24. and XV. 8. Ioel. III. 18. Amos II. 9. and IX. 13. Iohn XXI. 25.
A long time] After the battel at the waters of Merom, verse 18 Ioshua did make warre a long time with all those Northern Kings in Canaan: about sixe years; as is gathered out of Ch. XIV. 6,—15.
Arnon] Arnon the River, chapter XII verse 1 ariseth not farre from the head-spring of the River Iabbok; and both from rocky Mountains that lie in the East part of the Tribe of Gad. It runneth Southward, and falls into the North-East corner of the Dead Sea. It is the border between Sihon, or Reuben on the West, and Ammon on the East; and between Sihon or Reuben on the North, and Moab on the South.
Iabbok] Iabbok the River, verse 2 ariseth as Arnon; but runneth North a little; and after turneth his streame West; and falleth into Iordan a little below the Sea of Galilee. It divided the Land of Gilead between Sihon and Og; and afterwards between Gad, on the South, and halfe Manasseh on the North.
Remaineth yet] The Land both Conquered, chapter XIII verse 1 and Unconquered, was to be divided by Lot among the nine Tribes and a half; so Iosh. XXIII. 4, 5. Begun at Gilgal, Ch. XIV. 6. and Ch. XV. and Ch. XVI. and Ch. XVII. Resumed, and Perfected at Shiloh, Ch. XVIII. and XIX. But we never read, That they did Conquer the whole Land, and all their several Shares and Lots; through their own default and breach of Covenant with God, by Disobedience, Chapt. XXIII. 13.
Aroer] The City Aroer was neere the Rise of the River Arnon; verse 16 and in the confines between the Reubenites and Gadites; as also Heshbon, Dibon, and Ataroth; which being bordering Cities, are said to belong to them both, sometimes to the one, sometimes to the other; To Reuben, Iosh. XIII. 16, 17. Num. XXXII. 37. To Gad, Iosh. XXI. 39. Num. XXXII. 34. 1 Chron. VI. 81.
Distributed] The whole Countrey, chapter XIV verse 1 seemes to be divided into so many parts as there were Tribes to possesse them. Yet so, as that the Bounds of every part or Province were not so precisely limited before the Tribe had drawn the Lot, but that afterwards they might be enlarged or lessened, according to the greatnesse or smalnesse of the number that belonged to it, Num. XXVI. 53,—56. and Chap. XXXIII. 54. which last point of division was left to the wisdome of the High Priest, Ioshua, and the Elders, whom God had appointed to divide it, ver. 1. and Ch. XVII. 14,—18.
By lot] Lots fell out providentialy to the twelve Tribes, chapter XIV verse 2 in the Division of the Land; in relations, partly to their Birth, partly to the Prophetical Blessings of them by Jacob, Gen. XLIX. and Moses, Deut. XXXIII. And so in the Cities of the Levites; the Lot cast the thirteen Cities of the Priests in the Tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Simeon, which were nearest the Temple, Josh. XXI. 9, 10, 17. when it was builded.
Old] Calebs age, verse 7 when he was sent among the Spies from Kadeshbarnea was fourty. At this Division of the Land eighty five. So that fourty five years intervened, viz. 38. in the wildernesse, and seven of Joshua's Government untill this time. And Caleb here, ver. 9,—14. And Joshua, Ch. XIX. 49, 50. did both aske, and both had certain inheritances given them two, according to the word of the Lord. The City and Suburbs of Hebron were given to the Priests, for a City of refuge: The fields and Villages thereof to Caleb, Ch. XXI. 11, 12, 13.
Caleb] Not that Caleb, chapter XV verse 16 1 Chron. II. 18, 42. the sonne of Hezron, unlesse by sonne we understand great-grand-childe; But Caleb that is constantly called the sonne of Jephunne; And Othniel constantly called the sonne of Kenaz, are here yet called brethren: And Othniel is again called the younger brother of Caleb, Judg. I. 13. and III. 9. which could not be except by one mother: But Othniel marrying the daughter of Caleb, ver, 17. And cosen-germans, Nephews, and the like being often called brethren in Scripture, It is likely that either Iephunne, and Kenaz were brethren, and so Caleb and Othniel cosen-germans; or that Caleb and Kenaz were brethren, and so Othniel Calebs Nephew; or that the Kenezite mentioned, Num. XXXII. 12. might be Grandfather to them both. But no certainty appears for any further determination.
Separate] The bordering Cities of the children of Ephraim, chapter XVI verse 9 were between or among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh. See also, ch. XVII. 8, 9. And as Ephraim had part in Manasseh, so Manasseh had Cities in Issachar, and in Asher, ch. XVII. 11.
The Portion] Ten portions to Manasseh; chapter XVII verse 5 that is, five portions to the five sons, mentioned, ver. 2. And the portion of the sixth son, who was Hopher, was divided into five portions among his grandchildren, the daughters of Zelophahad; which so made up ten portions, though the five last were but as big, as one of the former five.
One lot] Both Ephraim and Manasseh seek for a larger portion and Lot then what did befall them in the General Division. verse 14
Shiloh] Shiloh was on the North-side of Bethel, chapter XVIII verse 1 on the East-side of the high-way from Bethel to Shechem, on the South of that Lebanon, Judg. XXI. 19. And so situated on the border between Ephraim and Benjamin; yet belonged to Ephraim, not to Benjamin, Judg. XXI. 1, 21. There was the Tabernacle, as was formerly said. There were the Lots cast for seven Tribes. Josh. XVIII. 8. Thence were the two Tribes and a half dismissed to their Possessions, after the warre, Josh. XXII. 9. And thither were the whole Congregation of Israel gathered to go up to warre against them, upon a wrong surmise concerning the Altar Ed, ver. 12. Thither came all the other Tribes to aske counsel of the Lord in their warre against the Tribe of Benjamin, and there was their Camp, Judg. XX. 18. and XXI. 12. and XIX. 18. Thither came Elkanah and Hannah to worship; and Samuel ministred there before the Lord, 1 Sam. I. 3. and II. 11. and III. 21. And there the Prophet Ahijah dwelt in the dayes of the first Jeroboam, 1 King. XIV. 2.
Tabernacle] The Tabernacle, coming over Jordan, was first set up in Gilgal; Not that Gilgal of the Nations, Josh. XII. 23. Gen. XIV. 1. Esay IX. 1. (whence haply Galilee might take its name); But that Gilgal in the Tribe of Benjamin, Josh. IV. 19, 20. Afterwards in Joshua's time it was set up here in Shiloh, in the Tribe of Ephraim, near the Center of the Land; which was by Sichem, Ch. XXIV. 1, 25, 26. And Bochim, Judg. II. 1, 5. may seeme to be conjoyned to it. It may seeme to be fetched thence for a present use, to that solemne Assembly at Shechem, in Joshua's time, Ch. XXIV. 1, 26. But being returned to Shiloh, it continued there above three hundred years, at least till the death of Eli, 1 Sam. I. 3, 9, 24. and II. 14. and III. 3, 21. and IV. 3. It may seeme to be again at Gilgal with the Ark, in Samuel and Sauls time, 1 Sam. X. 8. and Ch. XI. 15. But soone after we surely finde it to be at Nob in the Tribe of Benjamin, near Anathoth, Neh. XI. 32. when David came thither in his flight from Saul, 1 Sam. XXI. 1,—9. After that sacrilegious slaughter of eighty five Priests by Saul at Nob, 1 Sam XXII. 18. it was soon removed, in the dayes of David, to Gibeon, in the same Tribe of Benjamin, (and not farre from Bethel;) the City first of the wily Gibeonites Hivites, but after given to the Priests, Josh. IX. and ch. XXI. 17. See 1 Chron. XVI. 39, 40. and XXI. 29. and 2 Chron. I. 3, 5, 6, 13. 1 King. III. ver. 4, 5. And lastly, when Solomon had built the Temple, he brought the Tabernacle thence to Jerusalem, 1 King. VIII. 4. 2 Chron. I. 3 5 6, 13. and ch. V. 5. And placed it likely in and among the Treasuries of the Temple.
For the Ark see the Observations on 1 Sam. IV. 3.
Tabor] A Mountain in the Tribe of Issachar, chapter XIX verse 22 or bordering on it: near to Mount Carmel. See Joshua XIX. 26 34. Here Barak was with his ten thousand men against Sisera, Judg. IV. 6, 12, 14. See more of this in my Annotations on Hos. V. 1.
Tyre] Called the strong City, verse 29 whence it hath its name Tsor in Hebrew, signifying a Rock; situate, like Venice, in the Sea. A famous Port and Mart-town in Phoenicia, the lower part of Syria, whence the whole Countrey is supposed to take the name of Syria, omitting the letter [t] in Tsor. More of this see in my Annotations on Amos. I. 9.
Bethshemesh] A City in the Tribe of Naphtali, verse 38 ver. 32. and 39. Judg. I. 33. Another in the Tribe of Judah, given to the Priests, Josh. XXI. 16. 1 Chron. VI. 59. 1 Sam. VI. 12. 2 King. XIV. 13. Another also in Egypt, Jer. XLIII. 13. the same as is supposed with On, Gen. XLI. 45. by the Greeks called Heliopolis, and now Damiata. The word signifies a City or House of the Sunne. As also Kirharesheth a City in Moab, Esay XVI. 7. hath the same denomination. And all, because of Temples and Idol-service used there by the ancient inhabitants to the Sunne. From which the Jewes sometimes were not altogether free, 2 King. XXIII. 5, 11.
Cities of refuge] The sixe Cities of refuge belonged to the Levites; chapter XX verse 2 that is, Hebron, and Shechem, to the Koathites; Golan, and Kedesh to the Gershonites; Bezer and Ramoth, to the Merarites, Josh. XX. and XXI Chapters.
In Galilee] Galilee is often mentioned in the Old Testament. verse 7 See ch. XXI. 32. 1 King. IX. 11. 2 King. XV. 29. 1 Chron. VI. 76. Esay IX. 1. Galilee divided into the Upper, in the Tribe of Naphtali; and the Lower, in the Tribe of Zabulon; verse 11 both coasting about the beginning of Jordan. The Upper is called Galilee of the Gentiles because both Populous, and replenished with many Gentiles as lying nearest to them 1 King. IX. 11. Matth. XV. 21. Mar. VII. 31. And so is Harosheth, called Harosheth of the Gentiles, Judg. IV. 2. as lying in that Tribe of Naphtali.
Thirteen] Thirteen Cities with their Suburbs in title and dominion given to the Priests Josh. chapter XXI verse 19 XXI. 4. See the Annotations on 1 Chron. VI. 59. Though one of them at that time, was too much for their present use and habitation; we reading but of three of them in number about fifty years before this time.
Called] The two Tribes and a half dismist, chapter XXII verse 1 likely at the end of sixe or seven years; before the Division of the Land; and stayed not fourteen yeers, till after the Division; which Division might yet possibly be made sooner then so, Josh. XX. 11.
Divide] This Dividing the spoile with their brethren, verse 8 those that stayed at home beyond Jordan, seemes to relate to that, Num. XXXI. 27. And David seemes hereupon to revive and enact that Law of like Division, 1 Saem. XXX. 24, 25.
Mention of the name] The not naming of Idols is mentioned, chapter XXIII verse 7 as here, so, Exod. XXIII. 13. Deut. XII. 3. Psal. XVI. 4. And a like, Ephes. V. 3. Yet the thing in it self is not simply and absolutely unlawful.
Shechem] Shechem was a City in Mount Ephraim, chapter XXIV verse 1 Josh. XX. 7. North-North-East from Shiloh, and Bethel; and close by Mount Gerizim, and Ebal Judg. IX. 7. Here Abraham and Jacob had sojourned; And Jacobs two sonnes, Simeon and Levi, young men, upon Dinah's ravishment, murthered the Citizens, Gen. XXXIV. Here after Gideons death, the Citizens worshipped Baal-Berith; and rebelled with Abimelech; and were after punished and spoyled by him, Judg. IX. This City in Ioshua's time was made a City of Refuge, and given to the Kohathite-Levites, Iosh. XXI. 21. And here Ioshua made a Covenant with all the people to serve the Lord, Chap. XXIV. ver. 25. The Mount Ephraim whereon the City stood, was famous for Burials: Here they buried Iosephs bones in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Iacob bought of the children of Hamor or Emor, Josh. XXIV. 32. Acts VII. 16. Gen. XXXIII. 19. Here was great Ioshua himself an Ephraimite, buried in his inheritance in Timnath-Scrah, or Heres, which is in Mount Ephraim, on the North-side of the hill Goash, Josh. XXIV. 30. Judg. II. 9. And here was the High-Priest Eleazar buried in an Hill that pertained to Phineas his son, which was given him in Mount Ephraim, Josh. XXIV. 33. Here Deborah dwelt, Judg. IV. 5. And Tola the Judge, ch. X. 1. Hither came Rehoboam to be made King: But Jeroboam was there made King in his stead; who built or fortified the City, and dwelt there, 1 King. XII. 1, 20, 25.