677 lines
31 KiB
HTML
677 lines
31 KiB
HTML
<HTML>
|
|
<HEAD>
|
|
<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [Joshua, Chapter XIII].</TITLE>
|
|
<meta name="aesop" content="information">
|
|
<meta name="description" content=
|
|
"This site is for those friends and family members who may or may not know Our Lord Jesus Christ, and if not, they may come to know Our Lord through His Prophets."> <meta name="author" content="Brian Duncalfe">
|
|
<meta name="keywords" content=
|
|
"Prophecy, Rapture,hope,bible map,bible maps, God, tribulation,Second Coming,Christ,large print bible,commentary,complete">
|
|
</HEAD>
|
|
<body background="../sueback.jpg" bgproperties="fixed" >
|
|
<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
|
|
on the Whole Bible</h1>
|
|
<h3><a href="http://www.biblesnet.com" target="_blank">Back to Biblesnet.com Home Page</a>
|
|
</h3>
|
|
</center>
|
|
|
|
<HR>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%">
|
|
<TR>
|
|
<TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC06012.HTM">Previous</A>]
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC06014.HTM">Next</A>]<BR>
|
|
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
|
|
Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1708)
|
|
</TD></TR></TABLE>
|
|
<HR>
|
|
|
|
<!-- (Begin Body) -->
|
|
|
|
<CENTER>
|
|
<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>J O S H U A</B></FONT>
|
|
<BR>
|
|
<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. XIII.</FONT>
|
|
<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
|
|
</CENTER>
|
|
|
|
<FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
At this chapter begins the account of the dividing of the land of
|
|
Canaan among the tribes of Israel by lot, a narrative not so
|
|
entertaining and instructive as that of the conquest of it, and yet it
|
|
is thought fit to be inserted in the sacred history, to illustrate the
|
|
performance of the promise made to the fathers, that this land should
|
|
be given to the seed of Jacob, to them and not to any other. The
|
|
preserving of this distribution would be of great use to the Jewish
|
|
nation, who were obliged by the law to keep up this first distribution,
|
|
and not to transfer inheritances from tribe to tribe,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+36:9">Num. xxxvi. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is likewise of use to us for the explaining of other scriptures: the
|
|
learned know how much light the geographical description of a country
|
|
gives to the history of it. And therefore we are not to skip over these
|
|
chapters of hard names as useless and not to be regarded; where God has
|
|
a mouth to speak and a hand to write we should find an ear to hear an
|
|
eye to read; and God give us a heart to profit! In this chapter,
|
|
|
|
I. God informs Joshua what parts of the country that were intended in
|
|
the grant to Israel yet remained unconquered, and not got in
|
|
possession,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:1-6">ver. 1-6</A>.
|
|
|
|
II. He appoints him, notwithstanding, to make a distribution of what
|
|
was conquered,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:7">ver. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
III. To complete this account, here is a repetition of the distribution
|
|
Moses had made of the land on the other side Jordan; in general
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:8-14">ver. 8-14</A>),
|
|
|
|
in particular, the lot of Reuben
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:15-23">ver. 15-23</A>),
|
|
|
|
of Gad
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:24-28">ver. 24-28</A>),
|
|
|
|
of the half tribe of Manasseh,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:29-33">ver. 29-33</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
</FONT>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_1"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_2"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_3"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_4"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_5"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_6"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Distribution of Canaan.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1445.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>1 Now Joshua was old <I>and</I> stricken in years; and the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> said
|
|
unto him, Thou art old <I>and</I> stricken in years, and there
|
|
remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.
|
|
2 This <I>is</I> the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the
|
|
Philistines, and all Geshuri,
|
|
3 From Sihor, which <I>is</I> before Egypt, even unto the borders of
|
|
Ekron northward, <I>which</I> is counted to the Canaanite: five lords
|
|
of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the
|
|
Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:
|
|
4 From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah
|
|
that <I>is</I> beside the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the borders of the
|
|
Amorites:
|
|
5 And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the
|
|
sunrising, from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into
|
|
Hamath.
|
|
6 All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto
|
|
Misrephothmaim, <I>and</I> all the Sidonians, them will I drive out
|
|
from before the children of Israel: only divide thou it by lot
|
|
unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here,
|
|
|
|
I. God puts Joshua in mind of his old age,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
1. It is said that Joshua was <I>old and stricken in years,</I> and he
|
|
and Caleb were at this time the only old men among the thousands of
|
|
Israel, none except them of all those who were numbered at Mount Sinai
|
|
being now alive. He had been a man of war from his youth
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+17:10">Exod. xvii. 10</A>);
|
|
|
|
but now he yielded to the infirmities of age, with which it is in vain
|
|
for the stoutest to think of contesting. It should seem Joshua had not
|
|
the same strength and vigour in his old age that Moses had; all that
|
|
come to old age do not find it alike good; generally, the days of old
|
|
age are evil days, and such as there is no pleasure in, nor expectation
|
|
of service from.
|
|
|
|
2. God takes notice of it to him: <I>God said to him, Thou art old.</I>
|
|
Note, It is good for those who are <I>old and stricken in years</I> to
|
|
be put in remembrance of their being so. Some have <I>gray hairs here
|
|
and there upon them, and perceive it not</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ho+7:9">Hos. vii. 9</A>);
|
|
|
|
they do not care to think of it, and therefore need to be told of it,
|
|
that they may be quickened to do the work of life, and make preparation
|
|
for death, which is coming towards them apace. But God mentions
|
|
Joshua's age and growing infirmities,
|
|
|
|
(1.) As a reason why he should now lay by the thoughts of pursuing the
|
|
war; he cannot expect to see an end of it quickly, for there remained
|
|
much land, more perhaps than he thought, to be possessed, in several
|
|
parts remote from each other: and it was not fit that at his age he
|
|
should be put upon the fatigue of renewing the war, and carrying it to
|
|
such distant places; no, it was enough for him that he had reduced the
|
|
body of the country. "Let him be gathered to rest with honour and the
|
|
thanks of his people for the good services he had done them, and let
|
|
the conquering of the skirts of the country be left for those that
|
|
shall come after." As he had entered into the labours of Moses, so let
|
|
others enter into his, and bring forth the top-stone, the doing of
|
|
which was reserved for David long after. Observe, God considers the
|
|
frame of his people, and would not have them burdened with work above
|
|
their strength. It cannot be expected that old people should do as they
|
|
have done for God and their country.
|
|
|
|
(2.) As a reason why he should speedily apply himself to the dividing
|
|
of that which he had conquered. That work must be done, and done
|
|
quickly; it was necessary that he should preside in the doing of it,
|
|
and therefore, he being <I>old and stricken in years,</I> and not
|
|
likely to continue long, let him make this his concluding piece of
|
|
service to God and Israel. All people, but especially old people,
|
|
should set themselves to do that quickly which must be done before they
|
|
die, lest death prevent them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+9:10">Eccl. ix. 10</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. He gives him a particular account of the land that yet remained
|
|
unconquered, which was intended for Israel, and which, in due time,
|
|
they should be masters of if they did not put a bar in their own door.
|
|
Divers places are here mentioned, some in the south, as the country of
|
|
the Philistines, governed by five lords, and the land that lay towards
|
|
Egypt
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:2,3"><I>v.</I> 2, 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
some westward, as that which lay towards the Sidonians
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>),
|
|
|
|
some eastward, as all Lebanon
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>),
|
|
|
|
some towards the north, as that in the entering in of Hamath,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
Joshua is told this, and he made the people acquainted with it,
|
|
|
|
1. That they might be the more affected with God's goodness to them in
|
|
giving them this good land, and might thereby be engaged to love and
|
|
serve him; for, if this which they had was too little, God would
|
|
moreover <I>give them such and such things,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+12:8">2 Sam. xii. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
2. That they might not be tempted to make any league, or contract any
|
|
dangerous familiarity with these their neighbours so as to learn their
|
|
way, but might rather be jealous of them, as a people that kept them
|
|
from their right and that they had just cause of quarrel with.
|
|
|
|
3. That they might keep themselves in a posture for war, and not think
|
|
of putting off the harness so long as there remained any land to be
|
|
possessed. Nor must we lay aside our spiritual armour, nor be off our
|
|
watch, till our victory be completed in the kingdom of glory.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. He promises that he would make the Israelites masters of all those
|
|
countries that were yet unsubdued, though Joshua was old and not able
|
|
to do it, old and not likely to live to see it done. Whatever becomes
|
|
of us, and however we may be laid aside as despised broken vessels, God
|
|
will do his own work in his own time
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>I will drive them out.</I> The original is emphatic: "<I>It is I
|
|
that will do it,</I> I that can do it when thou are dead and gone, and
|
|
will do it if Israel be not wanting to themselves." "I will do it by my
|
|
Word," so the Chaldee here, as in many other places, "by the eternal
|
|
Word, the captain of the hosts of the Lord." This promise that he would
|
|
drive them out from before the children of Israel plainly supposes it
|
|
as the condition of the promise that the children of Israel must
|
|
themselves attempt their extirpation, must go up against them, else
|
|
they could not be said to be driven out before them; if afterwards
|
|
Israel, through sloth, or cowardice, or affection to these idolaters,
|
|
sit still and let them alone, they must blame themselves, and not God,
|
|
if they be not driven out. We must work out our salvation, and then God
|
|
will work in us and work with us; we must resist our spiritual enemies,
|
|
and then God will tread them under our feet; we must go forth to our
|
|
Christian work and warfare, and then God will go forth before us.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_7"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_8"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_9"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_10"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_11"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_12"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_13"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_14"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_15"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_27"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_28"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_29"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_30"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_31"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_32"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Jos13_33"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>7 Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the
|
|
nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh,
|
|
8 With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their
|
|
inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward,
|
|
<I>even</I> as Moses the servant of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> gave them;
|
|
9 From Aroer, that <I>is</I> upon the bank of the river Arnon, and
|
|
the city that <I>is</I> in the midst of the river, and all the plain
|
|
of Medeba unto Dibon;
|
|
10 And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which
|
|
reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon;
|
|
11 And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and
|
|
Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;
|
|
12 All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth
|
|
and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for
|
|
these did Moses smite, and cast them out.
|
|
13 Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the
|
|
Geshurites, nor the Maachathites: but the Geshurites and the
|
|
Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day.
|
|
14 Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the
|
|
sacrifices of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> God of Israel made by fire <I>are</I> their
|
|
inheritance, as he said unto them.
|
|
15 And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben
|
|
<I>inheritance</I> according to their families.
|
|
16 And their coast was from Aroer, that <I>is</I> on the bank of the
|
|
river Arnon, and the city that <I>is</I> in the midst of the river,
|
|
and all the plain by Medeba;
|
|
17 Heshbon, and all her cities that <I>are</I> in the plain; Dibon,
|
|
and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon,
|
|
18 And Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,
|
|
19 And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of
|
|
the valley,
|
|
20 And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth,
|
|
21 And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of
|
|
Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses
|
|
smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and
|
|
Hur, and Reba, <I>which were</I> dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the
|
|
country.
|
|
22 Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the
|
|
children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain
|
|
by them.
|
|
23 And the border of the children of Reuben was Jordan, and the
|
|
border <I>thereof.</I> This <I>was</I> the inheritance of the children of
|
|
Reuben after their families, the cities and the villages thereof.
|
|
24 And Moses gave <I>inheritance</I> unto the tribe of Gad, <I>even</I>
|
|
unto the children of Gad according to their families.
|
|
25 And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and
|
|
half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that <I>is</I>
|
|
before Rabbah;
|
|
26 And from Heshbon unto Ramathmizpeh, and Betonim; and from
|
|
Mahanaim unto the border of Debir;
|
|
27 And in the valley, Betharam, and Bethnimrah, and Succoth,
|
|
and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon,
|
|
Jordan and <I>his</I> border, <I>even</I> unto the edge of the sea of
|
|
Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.
|
|
28 This <I>is</I> the inheritance of the children of Gad after their
|
|
families, the cities, and their villages.
|
|
29 And Moses gave <I>inheritance</I> unto the half tribe of
|
|
Manasseh: and <I>this</I> was <I>the possession</I> of the half tribe of
|
|
the children of Manasseh by their families.
|
|
30 And their coast was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the
|
|
kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which
|
|
<I>are</I> in Bashan, threescore cities:
|
|
31 And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the
|
|
kingdom of Og in Bashan, <I>were pertaining</I> unto the children of
|
|
Machir the son of Manasseh, <I>even</I> to the one half of the
|
|
children of Machir by their families.
|
|
32 These <I>are the countries</I> which Moses did distribute for
|
|
inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by
|
|
Jericho, eastward.
|
|
33 But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not <I>any</I> inheritance:
|
|
the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> God of Israel <I>was</I> their inheritance, as he said unto
|
|
them.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here we have,
|
|
|
|
I. Orders given to Joshua to assign to each tribe its portion of this
|
|
land, including that which was yet unsubdued, which must be brought
|
|
into the lot, in a believing confidence that it should be conquered
|
|
when Israel was multiplied so as to have occasion for it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Now divide this land.</I> Joshua thought all must be conquered
|
|
before any must be divided. "No," said, God, "there is as much
|
|
conquered as will serve your turn for the present; divide this, and
|
|
make your best of it, and wait for the remainder hereafter." Note, We
|
|
must take the comfort of what we have, though we cannot compass all we
|
|
would have. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The land must be divided among the several tribes, and they must not
|
|
always live in common, as now they did. Which way soever a just
|
|
property is acquired, it is the will of that God who has given the
|
|
earth to the children of men that there should be such a thing, and
|
|
that every man should know his own, and not invade that which is
|
|
another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right, by the
|
|
law of equity, not of arms.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. That it must be divided for an inheritance, though they got it by
|
|
conquest.
|
|
|
|
(1.) The promise of it came to them as an inheritance from their
|
|
fathers; the land of promise pertained to the children of promise, who
|
|
were thus beloved for their fathers' sakes, and in performance of the
|
|
covenant with them.
|
|
|
|
(2.) The possession of it was to be transmitted by them, as an
|
|
inheritance to their children. Frequently, what is got by force is
|
|
soon lost again; but Israel, having an incontestable title to this land
|
|
by the divine grant, might see it hereby secured as an inheritance to
|
|
their seed after them, and that God kept this mercy for thousands.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. That Joshua must not divide it by his own will. Though he was a very
|
|
wise, just, and good man, it must not be left to him to give what he
|
|
pleased to each tribe; but he must do it by lot, which referred the
|
|
matter wholly to God, and to his determination, for he it is that
|
|
appoints the bounds of our habitation, and every man's judgment must
|
|
proceed from him. But Joshua must preside in this affair, must manage
|
|
this solemn appeal to Providence, and see that the lot was drawn fairly
|
|
and without fraud, and that every tribe did acquiesce in it. The lot
|
|
indeed <I>causeth contention to cease,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+18:18">Prov. xviii. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
But, if upon this lot any controversy should arise, Joshua by his
|
|
wisdom and authority must determine it, and prevent any ill
|
|
consequences of it. Joshua must have the honour of dividing the land,
|
|
|
|
(1.) Because he had undergone the fatigue of conquering it: and when,
|
|
through his hand, each tribe received its allotment, they would thereby
|
|
be made the more sensible of their obligations to him. And what a
|
|
pleasure must it needs be to a man of such a public spirit as Joshua
|
|
was to see the people that were so dear to him eating of the labour of
|
|
his hands!
|
|
|
|
(2.) That he might be herein a type of Christ, who has not only
|
|
conquered for us the gates of hell, but has opened to us the gates of
|
|
heaven, and, having purchased the eternal inheritance for all
|
|
believers, will in due time put them all in possession of it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. An account is here given of the distribution of the land on the
|
|
other side Jordan among the Reubenites, and Gadites, and half the tribe
|
|
of Manasseh. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. How this account is introduced. It comes in,
|
|
|
|
(1.) As the reason why this land within Jordan must be divided only to
|
|
the nine tribes and a half, because the other two and a half were
|
|
already provided for.
|
|
|
|
(2.) As a pattern to Joshua in the work he had now to do. He had seen
|
|
Moses distribute that land, which would give him some aid in
|
|
distributing this, and thence he might take his measure; only this was
|
|
to be done by lot, but it should seem Moses did that himself, according
|
|
to the wisdom given unto him.
|
|
|
|
(3.) As an inducement to Joshua to hasten the dividing of this land,
|
|
that the nine tribes and a half might not be kept any longer than was
|
|
necessary out of their possession, since their brethren of the two
|
|
tribes and a half were so well settled in theirs; and God their common
|
|
Father would not have such a difference made between his children.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The particulars of this account.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Here is a general description of the country that was given to the
|
|
two tribes and a half, <I>which Moses gave them, even as Moses gave
|
|
them,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
The repetition implies a ratification of the grant by Joshua. Moses
|
|
settled this matter, and, as Moses settled it, so shall it rest; Joshua
|
|
will not, under any pretence whatsoever, go about to alter it. And a
|
|
reason is intimated why he would not, because Moses was the servant of
|
|
the Lord, and acted in this matter by secret direction from him and was
|
|
faithful as a servant. Here we have,
|
|
|
|
[1.] The fixing of the boundaries of this country, by which they were
|
|
divided from the neighbouring nations,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:9-12"><I>v.</I> 9</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c. Israel must know their own and keep to
|
|
it, and may not, under pretence of their being God's peculiar people,
|
|
encroach upon their neighbours, and invade their rights and properties,
|
|
to which they had a good and firm title by providence, though not, as
|
|
Israel, a title by promise.
|
|
|
|
[2.] An exception of one part of this country from Israel's possession,
|
|
though it was in their grant, namely, the Geshurites and the
|
|
Maachathites,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
They had not leisure to reduce all the remote and obscure corners of
|
|
the country in Moses's time, and afterwards they had no mind to it,
|
|
being easy with what they had. Thus those who are not straitened in
|
|
God's promises are yet straitened in their own faith, and prayers, and
|
|
endeavours.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) A very particular account of the inheritances of these two tribes
|
|
and a half, how they were separated from each other, and what cites,
|
|
with the towns, villages, and fields, commonly known and reputed to be
|
|
appurtenances to them, belonged to each tribe. This is very fully and
|
|
exactly set down in order that posterity might, in reading this
|
|
history, be the more affected with the goodness of God to their
|
|
ancestors, when they found what a large and fruitful country, and what
|
|
abundance of great and famous cities, he put them in possession of
|
|
(God's grants look best when we descend to the particulars); and also
|
|
that the limits of every tribe being punctually set down in this
|
|
authentic record disputes might be prevented, and such contests between
|
|
the tribes as commonly happen where boundaries have not been adjusted
|
|
nor this matter brought to a certainty. And we have reason to think
|
|
that the register here prescribed and published of the lot of each
|
|
tribe was of great use to Israel in after-ages, was often appealed to,
|
|
and always acquiesced in, for the determining of <I>meum</I> and
|
|
<I>tuum</I>--<I>mine</I> and <I>thine.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] We have here the lot of the tribe of Reuben, Jacob's first-born,
|
|
who, though he had lost the dignity and power which pertained to the
|
|
birthright, yet, it seems, had the advantage of being first served.
|
|
Perhaps those of that tribe had an eye to this in desiring to be seated
|
|
on that side Jordan, that, since they could not expect the benefit of
|
|
the best lot, they might have the credit of the first. Observe,
|
|
<I>First,</I> In the account of the lot of this tribe mention is made
|
|
of the slaughter,
|
|
|
|
1. Of Sihon, king of the Amorites, who reigned in this country, and
|
|
might have kept it and his life if he would have been neighbourly, and
|
|
have suffered Israel to pass through his territories, but, by
|
|
attempting to oppose them, justly brought ruin upon himself,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+21:21-25">Num. xxi. 21</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c.
|
|
|
|
2. Of the princes of Midian, who were slain afterwards in another war
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+31:8">Num. xxxi. 8</A>),
|
|
|
|
and yet are here called <I>dukes of Sihon,</I> and are said to be
|
|
<I>smitten with him,</I> because they were either tributaries to him,
|
|
or, in his opposition to Israel, confederates with him, and hearty in
|
|
his interests, and his fall made way for theirs not long after.
|
|
|
|
3. Of Balaam particularly, that would, if he could, have cursed Israel,
|
|
and was soon after recompensed <I>according to the wickedness of his
|
|
endeavour</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+28:4">Ps. xxviii. 4</A>),
|
|
|
|
for he fell with those that set him on. This was recorded before
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+31:8">Num. xxxi. 8</A>),
|
|
|
|
and is here repeated, because the defeating of Balaam's purpose to
|
|
curse Israel was the turning of that curse into a blessing, and was
|
|
such an instance of the power and goodness of God as was fit to be had
|
|
in everlasting remembrance. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mic+6:5">Mic. vi. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> Within the lot of this tribe was that Mount Pisgah
|
|
from the top of which Moses took his view of the earthly Canaan and his
|
|
flight to the heavenly. And not far off thence Elijah was when he was
|
|
fetched up to heaven in a chariot of fire. The separation of this tribe
|
|
from the rest, by the river Jordan, was that which Deborah lamented;
|
|
and the preference they gave to their private interests above the
|
|
public was what she censured,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jdg+5:15,16">Judg. v. 15, 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
In this tribe lay Heshbon and Sibmah, famed for their fruitful fields
|
|
and vineyards. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+16:8,9,Jer+47:32">Isa. xvi. 8, 9; Jer. xlvii. 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
This tribe, with that of Gad, was sorely shaken by Hazael king of Syria
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ki+10:33">2 Kings x. 33</A>),
|
|
|
|
and afterwards dislodged and carried into captivity, twenty years
|
|
before the general captivity of the ten tribes by the king of Assyria,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+5:26">1 Chron. v. 26</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] The lot of the tribe of Gad,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:24-28"><I>v.</I> 24-28</A>.
|
|
|
|
This lay north of Reuben's lot; the country of Gilead lay in this
|
|
tribe, so famous for its balm that it is thought strange indeed if
|
|
there be no balm in Gilead, and the cities of Jabesh-Gilead and
|
|
Ramoth-Gilead which we often read of in scripture. Succoth and Penuel,
|
|
which we read of in the story of Gideon, were in this tribe; and that
|
|
forest which is called the <I>wood of Ephraim</I> (from the slaughter
|
|
Jephthah made there of the Ephraimites), in which Absalom's rebellious
|
|
army was beaten, while his father David lay at Mahanaim, one of the
|
|
frontier-cities of this tribe,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
Sharon, famous for roses, was in this tribe. And within the limits of
|
|
this tribe lived those Gadarenes that loved their swine better than
|
|
their Saviour, fitter to be called <I>Girgashites</I> than
|
|
<I>Israelites.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[3.] The lot of the half-tribe of Manasseh,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:29-31"><I>v.</I> 29-31</A>.
|
|
|
|
Bashan, the kingdom of Og, was in this allotment, famous for the best
|
|
timber, witness the oaks of Bashan--and the best breed of cattle,
|
|
witness the bulls and rams of Bashan. This tribe lay north of Gad,
|
|
reached to Mount Hermon, and had in it part of Gilead. Mispeh was in
|
|
this half-tribe, and Jephthah was one of its ornaments; so was Elijah,
|
|
for in this tribe was Thisbe, whence he is called the Tishbite; and
|
|
Jair was another. In the edge of the tribe stood Chorazin, honoured
|
|
with Christ's wondrous works, but ruined by his righteous woe for not
|
|
improving them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[4.] Twice in this chapter it is taken notice of that to the tribe of
|
|
Levi <I>Moses gave no inheritance</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+13:14,33"><I>v.</I> 14, 33</A>),
|
|
|
|
for so God had appointed,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+18:20">Num. xviii. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
If they had been appointed to a lot entire by themselves, Moses would
|
|
have served them first, not because it was his own tribe, but because
|
|
it was God's; but they must be provided for in another manner; their
|
|
habitations must be scattered in all the tribes, and their maintenance
|
|
brought out of all the tribes, and God himself was the portion both of
|
|
their inheritance and of their cup,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+10:9,18:2">Deut. x. 9; xviii. 2</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<!-- (End Body) -->
|
|
|
|
<HR>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%">
|
|
<TR>
|
|
<TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC06012.HTM">Previous</A>]
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC06014.HTM">Next</A>]<BR>
|
|
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
|
|
Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1708)
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
<HR>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%">
|
|
<TR>
|
|
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
|
|
|
|
|
|
<!--Matthew_Henry's_Commentary_on_the_Whole_Bible:_Joshua_XIII.--><a href="http://www.biblesnet.com" target="_blank"><b>Back to Bibles Net . Com - Online Christian Library </b></a><br>
|
|
<a href="http://biblesnet.com/download.html" target="_blank"><br>
|
|
<b>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Free Download</b></a><br>
|
|
<br>
|
|
<A HREF="http://biblesnet.com/contactus.html" target="_blank"><strong>Contact Us </strong></A><br>
|
|
|
|
</TD></TR></TABLE>
|
|
<HR>
|
|
</BODY>
|
|
</HTML>
|