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: 28
ConquestFaithfulnessObedienceInheritanceLeadershipCovenant

King James Version

Joshua 18

28 verses with commentary

Dividing the Remaining Land

And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse marks a significant transition—establishing Shiloh as Israel's religious center. The phrase 'whole congregation' (<em>kol-adat bnei-Yisrael</em>, כָּל־עֲדַת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל) emphasizes corporate gathering for sacred purpose. The verb 'assembled' (<em>vayiqahalu</em>, וַיִּקָּהֲלוּ) indicates formal, organized gathering. Shiloh, in Ephraim's territory, served as Israel's capital and wo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XVIII. (1) **At Shiloh**.—*Seilûn *(sheet 14), about ten miles due south of Shechem, in the territory of Ephraim. The inheritance of the tribe of Judah was determined in Gilgal. The assignment of the central part of the country to Ephraim and Manasseh brought the leaders of Israel into that district, and as soon as the position of Ephraim, Joshua’s tribe, was settled, the tabernacle was set up the...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:16-27. The Five Kings Hanged. **16-27. these five kings ... hid themselves in a cave--**Hebrew, "the cave." **at Makkedah--**The pursuit was continued, without interruption, to Makkedah at the foot of the western mountains, where Joshua seems to have halted with the main body of his troops while a detachment was sent forward to scour the country in pursuit of the remaining stragglers, a ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance</strong>—This verse introduces a troubling reality: after the initial conquests and allotments to Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh (chapters 14-17), seven tribes remained without their assigned territories. The Hebrew <em>notru</em> (נוֹתְרוּ, "remained") suggests they were left behind, p...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **And there remained . . . seven tribes, which had not yet received . . . inheritance.**—This statement is well worthy of notice, as illustrating the character of the Israelites in a manner which is thoroughly true to nature. The conquest of the Canaanitish armies being completed, the two leading divisions of the host of Israel took possession of their shares of the conquered territory. The ho...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:16-27. The Five Kings Hanged. **16-27. these five kings ... hid themselves in a cave--**Hebrew, "the cave." **at Makkedah--**The pursuit was continued, without interruption, to Makkedah at the foot of the western mountains, where Joshua seems to have halted with the main body of his troops while a detachment was sent forward to scour the country in pursuit of the remaining stragglers, a ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 2-10** After a year or more, Joshua blamed their slackness, and told them how to proceed. God, by his grace, has given us a title to a good land, the heavenly Canaan, but we are slack to take possession of it; we enter not into that rest, as we might by faith, and hope, and holy joy. How long shall it be thus with us? How long shall we thus stand in our own light, and forsake our own ...
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And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?

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KJV Study Commentary

Joshua's rebuke addresses Israel's procrastination in possessing their inheritance. The question 'How long are ye slack' (<em>ad-anah atem mitrapim</em>, עַד־אָנָה אַתֶּם מִתְרַפִּים) uses a Hebrew verb meaning to be loose, remiss, or negligent. The phrase conveys exasperation—why delay when God has already given the land? The infinitive 'to go to possess' (<em>lalechet lareshet</em>, לָלֶכֶת לָרֶ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **And Joshua said . . .**—Joshua, who took no inheritance for himself until all the tribes had received their portions, was free from the selfishness of the other leaders. He could not rest until he had finished the work that was given him to do. He therefore ordered that the rest of the territory should be surveyed, and divided, according to the number of the cities, into seven portions, whic...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:16-27. The Five Kings Hanged. **16-27. these five kings ... hid themselves in a cave--**Hebrew, "the cave." **at Makkedah--**The pursuit was continued, without interruption, to Makkedah at the foot of the western mountains, where Joshua seems to have halted with the main body of his troops while a detachment was sent forward to scour the country in pursuit of the remaining stragglers, a ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 2-10** After a year or more, Joshua blamed their slackness, and told them how to proceed. God, by his grace, has given us a title to a good land, the heavenly Canaan, but we are slack to take possession of it; we enter not into that rest, as we might by faith, and hope, and holy joy. How long shall it be thus with us? How long shall we thus stand in our own light, and forsake our own ...
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Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Give out from among you three men for each tribe</strong>—Joshua initiates a systematic land survey, requiring each tribe to send representatives (Hebrew <em>anashim</em>, אֲנָשִׁים, 'men of standing'). The command <strong>describe it according to the inheritance</strong> uses <em>katav</em> (כָּתַב, 'to write/inscribe'), indicating a formal written survey. This anticipates property rights...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:28-42. Seven More Kings Conquered. **28-42. that day Joshua took Makkedah--**In this and the following verses is described the rapid succession of victory and extermination which swept the whole of southern Palestine into the hands of Israel. "All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel wi...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 2-10** After a year or more, Joshua blamed their slackness, and told them how to proceed. God, by his grace, has given us a title to a good land, the heavenly Canaan, but we are slack to take possession of it; we enter not into that rest, as we might by faith, and hope, and holy joy. How long shall it be thus with us? How long shall we thus stand in our own light, and forsake our own ...
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And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their coasts on the north.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They shall divide it into seven parts</strong>—The remaining land is apportioned equally among seven tribes. Judah keeps their southern territory, Joseph (Ephraim/Manasseh) the central highlands. This division reflects covenant fairness: each tribe receives proportionate inheritance. The Hebrew <em>chalaq</em> (חָלַק, 'to divide') suggests both separation and distribution.<br><br>Geographi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5-10) **They shall divide it into seven parts.**—The several tribes were not permitted *to *choose their own portions. In Numbers 26:54-55, we read: “To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance. . . . notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot.” These words imply that there must be unequal portions of territory for larger and smaller tribes,...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:28-42. Seven More Kings Conquered. **28-42. that day Joshua took Makkedah--**In this and the following verses is described the rapid succession of victory and extermination which swept the whole of southern Palestine into the hands of Israel. "All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel wi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 2-10** After a year or more, Joshua blamed their slackness, and told them how to proceed. God, by his grace, has given us a title to a good land, the heavenly Canaan, but we are slack to take possession of it; we enter not into that rest, as we might by faith, and hope, and holy joy. How long shall it be thus with us? How long shall we thus stand in our own light, and forsake our own ...
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Ye shall therefore describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God</strong>—The methodology combines human survey (<em>katav</em>, written description) with divine selection (<em>goral</em>, גּוֹרָל, 'lot/sacred lot'). <strong>Before the LORD</strong> (<em>lifnei YHWH</em>) indicates this isn't gambling but sacred discernme...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:28-42. Seven More Kings Conquered. **28-42. that day Joshua took Makkedah--**In this and the following verses is described the rapid succession of victory and extermination which swept the whole of southern Palestine into the hands of Israel. "All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel wi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 2-10** After a year or more, Joshua blamed their slackness, and told them how to proceed. God, by his grace, has given us a title to a good land, the heavenly Canaan, but we are slack to take possession of it; we enter not into that rest, as we might by faith, and hope, and holy joy. How long shall it be thus with us? How long shall we thus stand in our own light, and forsake our own ...
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But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the LORD is their inheritance: and Gad, and Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh, have received their inheritance beyond Jordan on the east, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave them.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the LORD is their inheritance</strong>—Levi's 'portion' is God Himself (Numbers 18:20). The Hebrew <em>kehunnat YHWH nachalatam</em> (כְּהֻנַּת יְהוָה נַחֲלָתָם) literally reads 'the priesthood of Yahweh [is] their inheritance.' This paradox: they possess nothing geographically yet possess everything spiritually.<br><br>Gad, Reu...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:28-42. Seven More Kings Conquered. **28-42. that day Joshua took Makkedah--**In this and the following verses is described the rapid succession of victory and extermination which swept the whole of southern Palestine into the hands of Israel. "All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel wi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 2-10** After a year or more, Joshua blamed their slackness, and told them how to proceed. God, by his grace, has given us a title to a good land, the heavenly Canaan, but we are slack to take possession of it; we enter not into that rest, as we might by faith, and hope, and holy joy. How long shall it be thus with us? How long shall we thus stand in our own light, and forsake our own ...
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And the men arose, and went away: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the LORD in Shiloh.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land</strong>—The verb <em>halak</em> (הָלַךְ, 'walk/go throughout') implies thorough inspection, not casual observation. They must <strong>describe it</strong> (<em>katav</em>, write it down) with precision. This commission requires personal experience: they cannot report secondhand knowledge.<br><br><stro...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:28-42. Seven More Kings Conquered. **28-42. that day Joshua took Makkedah--**In this and the following verses is described the rapid succession of victory and extermination which swept the whole of southern Palestine into the hands of Israel. "All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel wi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 2-10** After a year or more, Joshua blamed their slackness, and told them how to proceed. God, by his grace, has given us a title to a good land, the heavenly Canaan, but we are slack to take possession of it; we enter not into that rest, as we might by faith, and hope, and holy joy. How long shall it be thus with us? How long shall we thus stand in our own light, and forsake our own ...
Read full commentary →

And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book, and came again to Joshua to the host at Shiloh.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book</strong>—The obedience is immediate and thorough. <strong>Described it by cities</strong> (<em>be'arim</em>, בֶּעָרִים) means they catalogued urban centers—strategic strongholds defining regions. <strong>In a book</strong> (<em>sefer</em>, סֵפֶר) indicates a formal written record, likely a scrol...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:28-42. Seven More Kings Conquered. **28-42. that day Joshua took Makkedah--**In this and the following verses is described the rapid succession of victory and extermination which swept the whole of southern Palestine into the hands of Israel. "All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel wi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 2-10** After a year or more, Joshua blamed their slackness, and told them how to proceed. God, by his grace, has given us a title to a good land, the heavenly Canaan, but we are slack to take possession of it; we enter not into that rest, as we might by faith, and hope, and holy joy. How long shall it be thus with us? How long shall we thus stand in our own light, and forsake our own ...
Read full commentary →

And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions</strong>—The sacred moment: divine allocation occurs. <strong>Before the LORD</strong> means at the tabernacle, likely involving the Urim and Thummim through Eleazar. Joshua serves as covenant mediator, but God determines each inheritance.<br><br><...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:28-42. Seven More Kings Conquered. **28-42. that day Joshua took Makkedah--**In this and the following verses is described the rapid succession of victory and extermination which swept the whole of southern Palestine into the hands of Israel. "All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel wi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 2-10** After a year or more, Joshua blamed their slackness, and told them how to proceed. God, by his grace, has given us a title to a good land, the heavenly Canaan, but we are slack to take possession of it; we enter not into that rest, as we might by faith, and hope, and holy joy. How long shall it be thus with us? How long shall we thus stand in our own light, and forsake our own ...
Read full commentary →

Benjamin's Territory

And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families</strong>—Benjamin, Jacob's youngest son, receives his portion by sacred lot. The phrase <strong>according to their families</strong> (<em>mishpachotam</em>, מִשְׁפְּחֹתָם) indicates subdivision within the tribe. <strong>The coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Jos...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

THE INHERITANCE OF BENJAMIN. (11-28) **The lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin.**—It can have been by no accident that their lot came forth “between Judah and Joseph.” No wiser method could have been devised to secure an united Israel than thus to make Benjamin the link between the two most powerful and naturally rival tribes. In the story of Joseph, the brethren are reconciled through th...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:28-42. Seven More Kings Conquered. **28-42. that day Joshua took Makkedah--**In this and the following verses is described the rapid succession of victory and extermination which swept the whole of southern Palestine into the hands of Israel. "All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel wi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Their border on the north side was from Jordan</strong>—Benjamin's northern boundary begins at the Jordan River, marking their eastern entry point. The border <strong>went up to the side of Jericho on the north side</strong>, passing the conquered city, then <strong>went up through the mountains westward</strong> into the central highlands. <strong>The goings out thereof were at the wilder...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:28-42. Seven More Kings Conquered. **28-42. that day Joshua took Makkedah--**In this and the following verses is described the rapid succession of victory and extermination which swept the whole of southern Palestine into the hands of Israel. "All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel wi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Beth-el, southward</strong>—Luz was Bethel's original Canaanite name. Jacob renamed it Beth-el ('house of God') after his vision of the ladder (Genesis 28:19). Including both names preserves historical memory. The border continues to <strong>Ataroth-adar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Beth-...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:28-42. Seven More Kings Conquered. **28-42. that day Joshua took Makkedah--**In this and the following verses is described the rapid succession of victory and extermination which swept the whole of southern Palestine into the hands of Israel. "All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel wi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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And the border was drawn thence, and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah: this was the west quarter.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The border was drawn thence, and compassed the corner of the sea southward</strong>—The boundary curves westward ('compass' = <em>savav</em>, סָבַב, 'to turn/surround'). The 'sea' likely refers to the Mediterranean, though Benjamin didn't reach the coast. <strong>From the hill that lieth before Beth-horon</strong> continues the western line to <strong>Kirjath-baal, which is Kirjath-jearim<...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:28-42. Seven More Kings Conquered. **28-42. that day Joshua took Makkedah--**In this and the following verses is described the rapid succession of victory and extermination which swept the whole of southern Palestine into the hands of Israel. "All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel wi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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And the south quarter was from the end of Kirjathjearim, and the border went out on the west, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The south quarter was from the end of Kirjath-jearim, and the border went out on the west</strong>—Benjamin's southern boundary starts at Kirjath-jearim and extends westward to <strong>the well of waters of Nephtoah</strong>. Water sources were crucial border markers in arid Palestine. The Hebrew <em>ma'yan mayim</em> (מַעְיַן מָיִם) emphasizes fresh, flowing water—a valuable resource.<br>...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:28-42. Seven More Kings Conquered. **28-42. that day Joshua took Makkedah--**In this and the following verses is described the rapid succession of victory and extermination which swept the whole of southern Palestine into the hands of Israel. "All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel wi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The border came down to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom</strong>—The Valley of Hinnom (Hebrew <em>Gei ben-Hinnom</em>, גֵּי בֶן־הִנֹּם) became notorious as Jerusalem's garbage dump and later a site of child sacrifice to Molech (2 Kings 23:10). Its Greek name, Gehenna, became Jesus' primary metaphor for hell.<br><br>The <strong>valley of the giants<...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:28-42. Seven More Kings Conquered. **28-42. that day Joshua took Makkedah--**In this and the following verses is described the rapid succession of victory and extermination which swept the whole of southern Palestine into the hands of Israel. "All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel wi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And was drawn from the north, and went forth to En-shemesh</strong>—En-shemesh ('spring of the sun') likely relates to pagan sun worship, another Canaanite site redeemed for God's purposes. The border continues <strong>toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim</strong>, then <strong>descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben</strong>.<br><br>Bohan's stone memori...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:28-42. Seven More Kings Conquered. **28-42. that day Joshua took Makkedah--**In this and the following verses is described the rapid succession of victory and extermination which swept the whole of southern Palestine into the hands of Israel. "All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel wi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, and went down unto Arabah: Arabah: or, the plain

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, and went down unto Arabah</strong>—The Arabah (<em>Ha-Aravah</em>, הָעֲרָבָה) is the Jordan rift valley extending from the Sea of Galilee to the Gulf of Aqaba. Here it refers to the northern portion near Jericho. The repeated direction indicators (<em>northward</em>, <em>went down</em>) show meticulous boundary definition.<br>...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 10:28-42. Seven More Kings Conquered. **28-42. that day Joshua took Makkedah--**In this and the following verses is described the rapid succession of victory and extermination which swept the whole of southern Palestine into the hands of Israel. "All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel wi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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And the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this was the south coast. bay: Heb. tongue

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The border passed along to the side of Beth-hoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan</strong>—Beth-hoglah ('house of the partridge') marks the northeastern corner where Benjamin's border reaches the Dead Sea (<em>yam ha-melach</em>, יָם הַמֶּלַח, 'salt sea'). The <strong>north bay</strong> specifies the Dead Sea's no...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jordan was the border of it on the east side</strong>—The Jordan River forms Benjamin's entire eastern boundary. <strong>This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families</strong> concludes the boundary description. The Jordan's prominence reminds Benjamin of Israel's miraculous crossing (Joshua 3-4)—their inheritance b...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho</strong>—The city list begins with Jericho, Israel's first conquest. Though destroyed, it remained Benjamite territory. <strong>Beth-hoglah</strong> and <strong>the valley of Keziz</strong> follow. Cities define tribal inheritance—not just land but communities, infrastructure, and strategic loc...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 11 Jos 11:1-9. Divers Kings Overcome at the Waters of Merom. **1-9. And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things--**The scene of the sacred narrative is here shifted to the north of Canaan, where a still more extensive confederacy was formed among the ruling powers to oppose the further progress of the Israelites. Jabin ("the Intelligent"), which seems to have been...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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And Betharabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Beth-arabah, and Zemaraim, and Beth-el</strong>—The list continues with cities both familiar (Bethel) and obscure (Zemaraim). Beth-arabah ('house of the desert plain') connected to the Jordan valley. Bethel, despite being on the Ephraim border, appears in Benjamin's city list, suggesting shared or disputed control of this religiously significant site.<br><br>City lists seem mundane but...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 11 Jos 11:1-9. Divers Kings Overcome at the Waters of Merom. **1-9. And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things--**The scene of the sacred narrative is here shifted to the north of Canaan, where a still more extensive confederacy was formed among the ruling powers to oppose the further progress of the Israelites. Jabin ("the Intelligent"), which seems to have been...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah</strong>—Three more cities with minimal biblical mention. Avim likely means 'ruins,' possibly commemorating destroyed Canaanite settlements. Ophrah (distinct from the Ophrah in Judges 6) means 'dust' or 'fawn.' Parah ('heifer') may relate to the red heifer ceremony (Numbers 19).<br><br>Even obscure towns received their inheritance. God wastes nothing—every p...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 11 Jos 11:1-9. Divers Kings Overcome at the Waters of Merom. **1-9. And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things--**The scene of the sacred narrative is here shifted to the north of Canaan, where a still more extensive confederacy was formed among the ruling powers to oppose the further progress of the Israelites. Jabin ("the Intelligent"), which seems to have been...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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And Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Chephar-haammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages</strong>—The first city group concludes with three more towns. Chephar-haammonai means 'village of the Ammonites,' suggesting a mixed population or Ammonite heritage. Gaba (also Geba) became prominent in Saul's and Jonathan's battles against the Philistines (1 Samuel 13-14). <strong>Twelve cities with their villa...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 11 Jos 11:1-9. Divers Kings Overcome at the Waters of Merom. **1-9. And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things--**The scene of the sacred narrative is here shifted to the north of Canaan, where a still more extensive confederacy was formed among the ruling powers to oppose the further progress of the Israelites. Jabin ("the Intelligent"), which seems to have been...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth</strong>—The second city group begins with Gibeon, famous for the deceptive treaty (Joshua 9) and the sun-standing-still miracle (Joshua 10:12-14). Ramah ('height') became Samuel's hometown (1 Samuel 7:17). Beeroth ('wells') was one of the four Gibeonite cities (Joshua 9:17).<br><br>Each city carries story. Gibeon reminds of deception redeemed—Joshua honored ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 11 Jos 11:1-9. Divers Kings Overcome at the Waters of Merom. **1-9. And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things--**The scene of the sacred narrative is here shifted to the north of Canaan, where a still more extensive confederacy was formed among the ruling powers to oppose the further progress of the Israelites. Jabin ("the Intelligent"), which seems to have been...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah</strong>—Mizpeh ('watchtower') served as a gathering place for Israel during the judges period (Judges 20:1). Chephirah was another Gibeonite city (Joshua 9:17). Mozah's meaning is uncertain. These cities formed a network of Benjamite settlements in the central highlands.<br><br>Mizpeh as a 'watchtower' symbolizes spiritual vigilance. Believers must 'wa...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 11 Jos 11:1-9. Divers Kings Overcome at the Waters of Merom. **1-9. And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things--**The scene of the sacred narrative is here shifted to the north of Canaan, where a still more extensive confederacy was formed among the ruling powers to oppose the further progress of the Israelites. Jabin ("the Intelligent"), which seems to have been...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah</strong>—Three obscure cities with little biblical mention. Rekem shares a name with a Midianite king (Numbers 31:8) and an individual (1 Chronicles 2:43-44). Irpeel and Taralah remain unidentified. Their obscurity reminds us that most faithful service occurs in forgotten places.<br><br>God's kingdom isn't built by celebrities but by countless obscure ser...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 11 Jos 11:1-9. Divers Kings Overcome at the Waters of Merom. **1-9. And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things--**The scene of the sacred narrative is here shifted to the north of Canaan, where a still more extensive confederacy was formed among the ruling powers to oppose the further progress of the Israelites. Jabin ("the Intelligent"), which seems to have been...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem</strong>—The list climaxes with Jerusalem. <strong>Jebusi</strong> identifies its pre-conquest inhabitants (the Jebusites). Though assigned to Benjamin, the city wasn't fully conquered until David (2 Samuel 5:6-9). <strong>Gibeath</strong> (Gibeah) was Saul's capital. <strong>Kirjath</strong> (possibly Kirjath-jearim). <strong>Fourteen citie...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 11 Jos 11:1-9. Divers Kings Overcome at the Waters of Merom. **1-9. And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things--**The scene of the sacred narrative is here shifted to the north of Canaan, where a still more extensive confederacy was formed among the ruling powers to oppose the further progress of the Israelites. Jabin ("the Intelligent"), which seems to have been...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 18 Chapter Outline The tabernacle set up at Shiloh.(1) The remainder of the land described and divided.(2-10) The boundaries of Benjamin.(11-28) **Verse 1** Shiloh was in the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged, and it was proper that the tabernacle should be near the residence of the chief governor. The name of this city is the same as that by which Ja...
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