About Joshua

Joshua records the conquest and division of the Promised Land, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham.

Author: JoshuaWritten: c. 1400-1370 BCReading time: ~4 minVerses: 33
ConquestFaithfulnessObedienceInheritanceLeadershipCovenant

King James Version

Joshua 13

33 verses with commentary

Land Yet to Be Conquered

Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed. to: Heb. to possess it

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse marks transition from conquest to settlement, introducing the land distribution section (chapters 13-21). The phrase 'Joshua was old and stricken in years' (<em>Yehoshua zaqen ba bayamim</em>, יְהוֹשֻׁעַ זָקֵן בָּא בַּיָּמִים) literally means 'Joshua was old, coming in days'—advanced in age. God's statement 'Thou art old' acknowledges human limitation; Joshua's mortality required comple...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**XIII. DESCRIPTION OF THE TERRITORY TO BE DIVIDED** (Joshua 13:1-14). (b) According to its boundaries. (1) **Joshua was old and stricken in years.**—Rather, *he had aged, and was advanced in days. *Old is too absolute a word. He did not live beyond a hundred and ten years (Joshua 24:29), and this was not a great age for the time. But in several instances the Hebrew word here employed is used not ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3-5. ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war. ... Thus shalt thou do six days, &amp;c.--**Directions are here given as to the mode of procedure. Hebrew, "horns of jubilee"; that is, the bent or crooked trumpets with which the jubilee was proclaimed. It is probable that the horns of this animal were used at first; and that afterwards, when metallic trumpets were introduced, the primitive nam...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 13 Chapter Outline Bounds of the land not yet conquered.(1-6) Inheritance of Reuben.(7-33) **Verses 1-6** At this chapter begins the account of the dividing of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel by lot; a narrative showing the performance of the promise made to the fathers, that this land should be given to the seed of Jacob. We are not to pass over these chapt...
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This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,

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KJV Study Commentary

God identifies remaining unconquered territory: 'all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri.' Despite Israel's victories, significant territories remain unconquered. The Philistines along the Mediterranean coast would remain Israel's persistent opponents throughout Judges and into the monarchy. Geshur (northeastern region) also remained independent. This incomplete conquest has theologica...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6-7. Joshua ... called the priests--**The pious leader, whatever military preparations he had made, surrendered all his own views, at once and unreservedly, to the declared will of God.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 13 Chapter Outline Bounds of the land not yet conquered.(1-6) Inheritance of Reuben.(7-33) **Verses 1-6** At this chapter begins the account of the dividing of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel by lot; a narrative showing the performance of the promise made to the fathers, that this land should be given to the seed of Jacob. We are not to pass over these chapt...
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From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which 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:

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KJV Study Commentary

Geographic detail: 'From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which 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.' The Sihor (likely the 'River of Egypt,' Wadi el-Arish) marked the southern boundary. The five Philistine cities—Gaza, Ashdod, Ashke...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6-7. Joshua ... called the priests--**The pious leader, whatever military preparations he had made, surrendered all his own views, at once and unreservedly, to the declared will of God.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 13 Chapter Outline Bounds of the land not yet conquered.(1-6) Inheritance of Reuben.(7-33) **Verses 1-6** At this chapter begins the account of the dividing of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel by lot; a narrative showing the performance of the promise made to the fathers, that this land should be given to the seed of Jacob. We are not to pass over these chapt...
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From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the borders of the Amorites: Mearah: or, the cave

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KJV Study Commentary

More unconquered territory: 'From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the borders of the Amorites.' The extensive catalog—Canaanite lands, Mearah, Sidonian territory, Aphek, Amorite borders—shows significant unconquered regions, particularly in Phoenician (Sidonian) territory along the northern coast. These wealthy, advanced civilizati...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 6:8-19. The City Compassed Six Days. **8-11. the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets ... passed on before the Lord--**before the ark, called "the ark of the covenant," for it contained the tables on which the covenant was inscribed. The procession was made in deep and solemn silence, conforming to the instructions given to the people by their leader at the outset, that they were to refra...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 13 Chapter Outline Bounds of the land not yet conquered.(1-6) Inheritance of Reuben.(7-33) **Verses 1-6** At this chapter begins the account of the dividing of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel by lot; a narrative showing the performance of the promise made to the fathers, that this land should be given to the seed of Jacob. We are not to pass over these chapt...
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And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising , from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath.

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KJV Study Commentary

Continuing the catalog: 'And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising, from Baal-gad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath.' The Giblites (from Gebal/Byblos, famous Phoenician city) remain unconquered. 'All Lebanon' with its famous cedar forests and the territory from Baal-gad to Hamath represents significant northern regions never fully possessed. Mount Hermon ma...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 6:8-19. The City Compassed Six Days. **8-11. the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets ... passed on before the Lord--**before the ark, called "the ark of the covenant," for it contained the tables on which the covenant was inscribed. The procession was made in deep and solemn silence, conforming to the instructions given to the people by their leader at the outset, that they were to refra...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 13 Chapter Outline Bounds of the land not yet conquered.(1-6) Inheritance of Reuben.(7-33) **Verses 1-6** At this chapter begins the account of the dividing of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel by lot; a narrative showing the performance of the promise made to the fathers, that this land should be given to the seed of Jacob. We are not to pass over these chapt...
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All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim, and 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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim, and 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.</strong><br><br>This verse addresses the tension between completed conquest (11:23) and remaining territory. God acknowledges that significant a...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 6:8-19. The City Compassed Six Days. **8-11. the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets ... passed on before the Lord--**before the ark, called "the ark of the covenant," for it contained the tables on which the covenant was inscribed. The procession was made in deep and solemn silence, conforming to the instructions given to the people by their leader at the outset, that they were to refra...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 13 Chapter Outline Bounds of the land not yet conquered.(1-6) Inheritance of Reuben.(7-33) **Verses 1-6** At this chapter begins the account of the dividing of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel by lot; a narrative showing the performance of the promise made to the fathers, that this land should be given to the seed of Jacob. We are not to pass over these chapt...
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Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh,

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KJV Study Commentary

God commands Joshua to divide the land among the nine and a half tribes west of Jordan. Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh had already received Transjordan territories (13:8-32). The imperative 'divide this land' (<em>challeq et-haarets hazot</em>, חַלֵּק אֶת־הָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת) demands immediate action despite unconquered areas. This demonstrates faith principle: distribute promised inheritance before c...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 6:8-19. The City Compassed Six Days. **8-11. the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets ... passed on before the Lord--**before the ark, called "the ark of the covenant," for it contained the tables on which the covenant was inscribed. The procession was made in deep and solemn silence, conforming to the instructions given to the people by their leader at the outset, that they were to refra...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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Division of Land East of Jordan

With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them;

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KJV Study Commentary

Beginning distribution: 'With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them.' The half-tribe of Manasseh, along with Reuben and Gad, received Transjordan territory. The phrase 'which Moses gave them' emphasizes prior authorization—this wasn't Joshua's innovation but continuing Mose...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-14. Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord--**The second day's procession seems to have taken place in the morning. In all other respects, down even to the smallest details, the arrangements of the first day continued to be the rule followed on the other six.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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From Aroer, that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon;

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KJV Study Commentary

Detailing Transjordan: 'From Aroer, that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon.' This continues the detailed geographic description of Reuben and Gad's territory (verses 9-13 parallel verses 2-7, providing comprehensive record). The repetition emphasizes memorial function—precise records ensure future generations...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-14. Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord--**The second day's procession seems to have taken place in the morning. In all other respects, down even to the smallest details, the arrangements of the first day continued to be the rule followed on the other six.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon.</strong> This verse describes part of the territorial inheritance given to the tribe of Reuben east of the Jordan River. The mention of "Sihon king of the Amorites" recalls Israel's first major military victory after the wilderness wandering (Numbers 21:21-31; Deuteronomy 2...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-14. Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord--**The second day's procession seems to have taken place in the morning. In all other respects, down even to the smallest details, the arrangements of the first day continued to be the rule followed on the other six.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon</strong>—this verse details the territorial boundaries of the Transjordan inheritance. <strong>Gilead</strong> (גִּלְעָד, Gil'ad) means 'heap of witness' or 'rocky region,' referring to the mountainous territory east of the Jordan known for balm (Jeremiah 8:22). <strong>Mount Hermon</strong> (הַר חֶרְמוֹן, ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15. on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city ... seven times--**on account of the seven circuits they had to make that day. It is evident, however, that the militia only of the Israelites had been called to the march--for it is inconceivable that two millions of people could have gone so frequently round the city in a day.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants</strong>—Og was the last of the <strong>Rephaim</strong> (רְפָאִים, Repha'im), a race of giant warriors whose bed measured thirteen feet long (Deuteronomy 3:11). His defeat under Moses demonstrated God's power over seemingly invincible foes. <strong>Ashtaroth</strong> (עַשְׁת...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16. it came to pass at the seventh time, ... Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city--**This delay brought out their faith and obedience in so remarkable a manner, that it is celebrated by the apostle (He 11:30).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites</strong>—the tragic word <strong>nevertheless</strong> (וְלֹא, velo) introduces Israel's disobedience. Despite God's command to drive out all inhabitants (Deuteronomy 7:1-5), Israel tolerated these peoples in their midst. The verb <strong>expelled</strong> (הוֹרִישׁוּ, horishu) means to dispossess or driv...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17-19. And the city shall be accursed--**(See on Le 27:28). The cherem, or "anathema," was a devotion to utter destruction (De 7:2; 20:17; 1Sa 15:3). When such a ban was pronounced against a hostile city, the men and animals were killed--no booty was allowed to be taken. The idols and all the precious ornaments on them were to be burned (De 7:25; compare 1Ch 14:12). Everything was either to be d...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them.</strong><br><br>Levi's unique position—receiving no territorial inheritance—reiterates the arrangement established in Numbers 18:20-24. The Hebrew construction emphasizes the exception: "Only" (<em>raq</em>, רַק) unto Levi "none" (<em>lo</...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17-19. And the city shall be accursed--**(See on Le 27:28). The cherem, or "anathema," was a devotion to utter destruction (De 7:2; 20:17; 1Sa 15:3). When such a ban was pronounced against a hostile city, the men and animals were killed--no booty was allowed to be taken. The idols and all the precious ornaments on them were to be burned (De 7:25; compare 1Ch 14:12). Everything was either to be d...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families</strong>—Reuben (רְאוּבֵן), Jacob's firstborn, received his inheritance east of the Jordan. The phrase <em>l'mishpechotam</em> (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם, "according to their families") emphasizes that land distribution was organized by clan structure, ensuring fairness and order. Though Reuben lost his b...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**DESCRIPTION OF THE TERRITORY DISTRIBUTED BY MOSES ON THE EAST OF JORDAN** (Joshua 13:15-33). (15) **Reuben.**—See also Numbers 32:33-42 and Deuteronomy 3:16, &c.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17-19. And the city shall be accursed--**(See on Le 27:28). The cherem, or "anathema," was a devotion to utter destruction (De 7:2; 20:17; 1Sa 15:3). When such a ban was pronounced against a hostile city, the men and animals were killed--no booty was allowed to be taken. The idols and all the precious ornaments on them were to be burned (De 7:25; compare 1Ch 14:12). Everything was either to be d...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon</strong>—Aroer (עֲרוֹעֵר) was a fortified city on the northern rim of the Arnon gorge, marking Reuben's southern boundary. The Arnon River (נַחַל אַרְנוֹן) served as a natural fortress, a deep canyon cutting through the Moabite plateau. This boundary had been established when Israel defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-21. So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets--**Towards the close of the seventh circuit, the signal was given by Joshua, and on the Israelites' raising their loud war cry, the walls fell down, doubtless burying multitudes of the inhabitants in the ruins, while the besiegers, rushing in, consigned everything animate and inanimate to indiscriminate destruction (De 20:16, 1...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plain; Dibon, and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon, Bamothbaal: or, the high places of Baal, and house of Baalmeon

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plain</strong>—Heshbon (חֶשְׁבּוֹן) was the former capital of Sihon, king of the Amorites (Numbers 21:26), making it a strategic and symbolic prize. The Hebrew <em>ha-mishor</em> (הַמִּישֹׁר, "the plain") refers to the high plateau east of the Dead Sea, excellent grazing land. This verse lists cities conquered from Sihon, now assigned to Reuben: ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-21. So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets--**Towards the close of the seventh circuit, the signal was given by Joshua, and on the Israelites' raising their loud war cry, the walls fell down, doubtless burying multitudes of the inhabitants in the ruins, while the besiegers, rushing in, consigned everything animate and inanimate to indiscriminate destruction (De 20:16, 1...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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And Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jahaza, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath</strong>—This verse continues the listing of cities in Reuben's territory. Jahaza (יַהְצָה) was the site where Israel defeated Sihon (Numbers 21:23, Deuteronomy 2:32), transforming it from a place of battle into a permanent inheritance. Kedemoth (קְדֵמוֹת, "eastern places") marked the wilderness from which Moses sent peace messengers to Sihon before t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 6:22-25. Rahab Is Saved. **22-23. Joshua had said ... Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath--**It is evident that the town walls were not demolished universally, at least all at once, for Rahab's house was allowed to stand until her relatives were rescued according to promise.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of the valley,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zareth-shahar in the mount of the valley</strong>—Kirjathaim (קִרְיָתַיִם, "double city") was originally Moabite (Genesis 14:5) and later appears on the Moabite Stone, indicating contested territory between Israel and Moab throughout history. Sibmah (שִׂבְמָה) was famous for its vineyards; Isaiah 16:8-9 and Jeremiah 48:32 lament its destruction, suggesting e...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 6:22-25. Rahab Is Saved. **22-23. Joshua had said ... Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath--**It is evident that the town walls were not demolished universally, at least all at once, for Rahab's house was allowed to stand until her relatives were rescued according to promise.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah , and Bethjeshimoth, Ashdothpisgah: or, springs of Pisgah, or, the hill

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Beth-peor, and Ashdoth-pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth</strong>—Beth-peor (בֵּית פְּעוֹר, "house of Peor") was the infamous site where Israel committed fornication and idolatry with Moabite women, worshiping Baal-peor (Numbers 25:1-9). That 24,000 Israelites died there in divine judgment, yet the location became part of Reuben's inheritance, demonstrates redemptive transformation. Ashdoth-p...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24. burned the city ... and all ... therein--**except the silver, gold, and other metals, which, as they would not burn, were added to the treasury of the sanctuary.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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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, which were dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites</strong>—This verse summarizes Reuben's inheritance: the entire Moabite plateau (<em>ha-mishor</em>, הַמִּישֹׁר) and Sihon's former kingdom. Sihon (סִיחוֹן) represents Israel's first major military victory west of the wilderness, a defining moment when God demonstrated His faithfulness to the new generation ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **The princes of Midian . . . which were dukes of Sinon, dwelling in the country.**— The conquest of the Midianites is recorded in Numbers 31. The orders given were, “Avenge the Lord of Midian” (Joshua 13:3); “avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites” (Joshua 13:2), because they tempted Israel to idolatry and uncleanness. But this verse in Joshua supplies us with a further reason for h...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**25. she--**Rahab **dwelleth in Israel unto this day--**a proof that this book was written not long after the events related. Jos 6:26, 27. The Rebuilder of Jericho Cursed.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them. soothsayer: or, diviner

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>With the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba</strong>—These five Midianite princes (נְשִׂיאֵי מִדְיָן, <em>nesi'ei Midyan</em>) were vassals or allies of Sihon. Their names are preserved in Scripture as historical record and theological testimony: Evi (אֱוִי), Rekem (רֶקֶם), Zur (צוּר), Hur (חוּר), and Reba (רֶבַע). Numbers 31:8 records their deaths during Israel'...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26. Joshua adjured them at that time--**that is, imposed upon his countrymen a solemn oath, binding on themselves as well as their posterity, that they would never rebuild that city. Its destruction was designed by God to be a permanent memorial of His abhorrence of idolatry and its attendant vices. **Cursed be the man ... that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho--**that is, makes the dar...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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And the border of the children of Reuben was Jordan, and the border thereof. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben after their families, the cities and the villages thereof.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword</strong>—Balaam (בִּלְעָם בֶּן־בְּעוֹר) appears as a tragic figure: a prophet who knew God's will yet loved wages of wickedness (2 Peter 2:15, Jude 11). The term <em>ha-qosem</em> (הַקֹּסֵם, "the soothsayer/diviner") is striking—though Balaam prophesied truth in Numbers 22-24, his character was that...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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And Moses gave inheritance unto the tribe of Gad, even unto the children of Gad according to their families.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Moses gave inheritance unto the tribe of Gad, even unto the children of Gad according to their families</strong>—Gad (גָּד), Jacob's seventh son born to Leah's handmaid Zilpah, received territory north of Reuben. The repetition <strong>"unto the tribe of Gad, even unto the children of Gad"</strong> emphasizes certainty and completeness—no Gadite was excluded. The phrase <em>l'mishpecho...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that is before Rabbah;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead</strong>—Jazer (יַעְזֵר) was a fortified Amorite city conquered by Israel (Numbers 21:32), located in a fertile region suitable for livestock (Numbers 32:1). Gilead (גִּלְעָד) refers here specifically to the southern portion, though the name could designate the entire Transjordan highlands. The Hebrew word derives from <em>gal</em> (ג...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 7 Jos 7:1. Achan's Trespass. **1. the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing--**There was one transgressor against the cherem, or ban, on Jericho, and his transgression brought the guilt and disgrace of sin upon the whole nation. **Achan--**called afterwards "Achar" ("trouble") (1Ch 2:7). **Zabdi--**or Zimri (1Ch 2:6). **Zerah--**or Zarah, son of Judah and Tam...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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And from Heshbon unto Ramathmizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim unto the border of Debir;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And from Heshbon unto Ramath-mizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim unto the border of Debir</strong>—This verse delineates Gad's northern boundaries. Ramath-mizpeh (רָמַת הַמִּצְפֶּה, "height of the watchtower") served as a military observation point. Betonim (בְּטֹנִים) was a town of uncertain location. Mahanaim (מַחֲנַיִם, "two camps") holds rich biblical history: where Jacob encountere...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 7:2-26. The Israelites Smitten at Ai. **2. Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai--**After the sacking of Jericho, the next step was to penetrate into the hills above. Accordingly, spies went up the mountain pass to view the country. The precise site of Ai, or Hai, is indicated with sufficient clearness (Ge 12:8; 13:3) and has been recently discovered in an isolated tell, called by the natives Te...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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And in the valley, Betharam, and Bethnimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and his border, even unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And in the valley, Beth-aram, and Beth-nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon</strong>—The Hebrew <em>ba'emeq</em> (בָּעֵמֶק, "in the valley") refers to the Jordan Valley portion of Gad's territory, contrasting with the highland cities previously mentioned. Beth-aram (בֵית הָרָם) and Beth-nimrah (בֵית נִמְרָה, "house of leopard") were fortified cities with good water sources. Succoth (סֻכּוֹת, "b...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. Let not all the people go up, ... for they are but few--**As the population of Ai amounted to twelve thousand (Jos 8:25), it was a considerable town; though in the hasty and distant reconnoitre made by the spies, it probably appeared small in comparison to Jericho; and this may have been the reason for their proposing so small a detachment to capture it.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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This is the inheritance of the children of Gad after their families, the cities, and their villages.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and his border</strong>—This phrase summarizes Gad's territory as comprising the northern portion of Sihon's former kingdom, with the Jordan River forming the western boundary. The Hebrew <em>g'vul</em> (גְּבוּל, "border/boundary") emphasizes definite limits. The Jordan (יַרְדֵן, <em>Yarden</em>, "descender") served as a natural boun...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4-5. they fled before the men of Ai--**An unexpected resistance, and the loss of thirty-six of their number diffused a panic, which ended in an ignominious rout.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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And Moses gave inheritance unto the half tribe of Manasseh: and this was the possession of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>This is the inheritance of the children of Gad after their families, the cities, and their villages</strong>—This concluding formula parallels verse 15's opening for Reuben, creating a bookend structure. The Hebrew <em>nachalah</em> (נַחֲלָה, "inheritance") emphasizes that land wasn't earned but given—a permanent possession passed through generations. The phrase <em>he'arim v'chatsreyhen</...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4-5. they fled before the men of Ai--**An unexpected resistance, and the loss of thirty-six of their number diffused a panic, which ended in an ignominious rout.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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And their coast was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which are in Bashan, threescore cities:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Moses gave inheritance unto the half tribe of Manasseh</strong>—The division of Manasseh (מְנַשֶּׁה) into two half-tribes created unique dynamics: familial unity split by geographical separation. Joseph's son Manasseh received a double portion through this division (Genesis 48:5-6), fulfilling Jacob's blessing. Yet half dwelling in Transjordan while half inherited within Canaan proper ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6-9. Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth ... before the ark ... he and the elders--**It is evident, from those tokens of humiliation and sorrow, that a solemn fast was observed on this occasion. The language of Joshua's prayer is thought by many to savor of human infirmity and to be wanting in that reverence and submission he owed to God. But, although apparently breathing a spirit of...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And their coast was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan</strong>—The eastern half of Manasseh received the most northern territory, extending from Mahanaim (מַחֲנַיִם) northward through all of Bashan (בָּשָׁן). Og (עוֹג) was the last of the Rephaim giants (Deuteronomy 3:11), making his defeat particularly significant. His iron bedstead measured 13.5 feet long (D...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6-9. Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth ... before the ark ... he and the elders--**It is evident, from those tokens of humiliation and sorrow, that a solemn fast was observed on this occasion. The language of Joshua's prayer is thought by many to savor of human infirmity and to be wanting in that reverence and submission he owed to God. But, although apparently breathing a spirit of...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan</strong>—This verse specifies the major cities within Manasseh's territory. The northern portion of Gilead (גִּלְעָד) was divided between Gad (southern) and Manasseh (northern). Ashtaroth (עַשְׁתָּרוֹת) was named after the Canaanite goddess Astarte, indicating the pagan religious landscape. That this city beca...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6-9. Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth ... before the ark ... he and the elders--**It is evident, from those tokens of humiliation and sorrow, that a solemn fast was observed on this occasion. The language of Joshua's prayer is thought by many to savor of human infirmity and to be wanting in that reverence and submission he owed to God. But, although apparently breathing a spirit of...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance: the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance, as he said unto them.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families</strong>—Machir (מָכִיר) was Manasseh's son, and Gilead was Machir's son (Numbers 26:29). This verse emphasizes that only half of Machir's descendants settled east of Jordan; the other half later received inheritance west of Jordan. The Machirites became renowne...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6-9. Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth ... before the ark ... he and the elders--**It is evident, from those tokens of humiliation and sorrow, that a solemn fast was observed on this occasion. The language of Joshua's prayer is thought by many to savor of human infirmity and to be wanting in that reverence and submission he owed to God. But, although apparently breathing a spirit of...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 7-33** The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will of God that every man should know his own, and not take that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as such, while ev...
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