Set up the tabernacle — By God's appointment. It was removed from Gilgal, partly for the honour and conveniency of Joshua, that he being of the tribe of Ephraim, and seating himself there, might have the opportunity of consulting with God as often as he needed; and partly for the conveniency of all... [ Continue Reading ]
How long are you slack — This slackness is supposed to arise from an opinion of the impossibility of making any regular distribution of the parts, 'till the whole were more exactly surveyed, which accordingly is here done. Likewise, being weary of war, and having sufficient plenty of all things, the... [ Continue Reading ]
Three men — Three, not one, for more exact observation both of the measure and quality of the several portions, and for greater assurance of their care and faithfulness in giving in their account. Of each tribe — One of each of these tribes, who were yet unprovided for.... [ Continue Reading ]
Seven parts — Which were of equal extent or worth: for no tribe was so great, but one of these parts in its full extent would abundantly suffice them; and there was no reason why the portions should be greater or less according as the tribes at present were more or fewer in number, because of the va... [ Continue Reading ]
Before the Lord — That is, before the ark or tabernacle, that God may be witness and judge, and author of the division, that each may be contented with his lot, and that your several possessions may be secured to you as things sacred.... [ Continue Reading ]
By cities — Or, according to the cities, to which the several parties or territories belonged.... [ Continue Reading ]
And the children of Joseph — Wherein we see the wisdom of Divine Providence, this being the only place in which that prophecy, Deuteronomy 33:12, could have been accomplished. Providence cast Benjamin next to Joseph on the one hand, because Benjamin was own and only brother to Joseph, and next to Ju... [ Continue Reading ]
Kirjath — jearim — The Israelites changed the name, to blot out the remembrance of Baal.... [ Continue Reading ]
The end of the mountain — The place where the mountain ends, and the valley begins. Before the valley — That is, in the prospect of that valley. In the valley on the north — Which extends unto this other valley on the north — side of it. Of Jebusi — To that part where the Jebusites lived, which was... [ Continue Reading ]
Jericho — For tho' the city was destroyed, the territory remained.... [ Continue Reading ]