Joshua 18

Joshua 18:1

SHilch] Which is a city in the tribe of Ephraim, unto which place they removed the tabernacle from Gilgal, that the people might frequent it with more conveniency, because this was toward the heart of the countrey, whereas Gilgal was in the confines.

Joshua 18:3

are you slack] It seemeth that the distribution of the land was for some time interrupted after it was begun, either because the people misliked the division, as suspecting it to be partiall; or because they feared to enter, because many of the Canaanites were not yet subdued: which negligence Joshua here reproveth.

Joshua 18:4

and describe it] 1: e. In respect of the quantity of it, and of the number of the cities and villages, that so we may the better know how we may justly divide it, and give equall shares to every tribe and family, as they are in number, few or many.

Joshua 18:5

coasts on the north] Not in relation to the whole land, but to the tribe of Judah onely.

Joshua 18:6

the land] 1: e. The remainder of the land, which is not yet divided.

cast lots] That by casting lots I may distribute unto every one their inheritance.

before the Lord] 1: e. The tabernacle of the congregation.

Joshua 18:7

But the Levites] This reason he giveth why no lot was to be cast for the Levites.

priesthood of the Lord] 1: e. The things consecrated to God, and due unto the priests and Levites for their service, that is, the offerings, tythes, and first-fruits, &c.

Joshua 18:10

their divisions] 1: e. To each tribe and family their portion.

Joshua 18:11

came up] 1: e. Out of the urne or vessell into which it had been put: that is, a double lot] to wit, out of one urne the name of Benjamin, and out of the other that share of land that was allotted unto him.

Joshua 18:13

Luz] See Chap. 16. 2.

Beth-el] Which was in the tribe of Ephraim, and called Beth-aven, Joshua 7:2. Another Beth-el was in the tribe of Benjamin.

Joshua 18:14

sea] 1: e. The Mediterrancan sea, which was towards the west in the land of Canaan.

Joshua 18:17

Geliloth] 1: e. Gilead, as appeareth, Joshua 15:7. and Joshua 22:13.

Joshua 18:28

Jerusalem] Which was in two tribes; the north in the tribe of Benjamin, which was the greatest part; and the south, which was in the tribe of Judah.