Joshua 17

Joshua 17:1

FOR he was] Though hee was the first borne; yet Ephraim which was the youngest was preferred by Iacobs appoyntment: Genesis the eight and fortieth chapter, verse the tenth. As well in dignity, being first drawne in the division; As also in great largenesse of Countrey, proportioned to the greater Number ofEphraims issue Because he was] Wherefore they freely archieved the conquest of the land, which Moses had given them, Numbers 32:39. and for the same reason they were chosen by him to inhabite in that place, to stand as it were in defence of that dangerous frontier Gilead] The one halfe of it, as it appeareth, Deuteronomy chapter 3. vers. 12, 13.

Joshua 17:2

By their] Whereof each one was a head of a nation which carried their name.

Joshua 17:5

Ten portions] Five for the five brothers, verse the second, and five more for the five daughters of Zelopheld, the son of Hefer, who was the sixth brother.

Joshua 17:6

The Daughters] In this Tribe the division was not made onely according to the number of the males as in other Tribes, but also of the females.

Joshua 17:10

Met together] The Italian, Bordered] These two Tribes descending both from one Patriarch Joseph, being joyned together; for otherwise if you did divide them, Manasseh bordered upon the other two tribes.

Joshua 17:11

The Inhabitants] who because they could not be driven out, were brought into bondage, as it is said afterwards.

Joshua 17:12

Would dwell] Resolved to stand upon their owne defence; to be admitted to capitulation, that they might dwell in their owne Cities.

Joshua 17:14

The children] Namely of the two Tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh One lot] They did indeed receive two severall portions; but they would say, that they both were worth but one, in regard of their great multitude.: and that one of their tribes was sufficient to people them both: especially seeing that a great part thereof was yet enjoyed, and possessed by the Canaanites.

Joshua 17:15

To the wood Countrey] It was some great wood between these two tribes.

Joshua 17:16

The hill] The hilly part which wee have hitherto conquered: and as for the plaine, the Canaanites have the advantage of us, by reason of their warre Charets; Judges 1. 19. and 4. 3 Of Iron] It was thought they were Charets for warre; the axle trees armed with Iron-hooks, and trimmed up every where with Iron, both for offence, and defence.

Joshua 17:17

Thou shalt not have] As there is good reason thou shouldest have as much land as two Tribes, so thou must employ a double strength in conquering of 〈◊〉.

Joshua 17:18

For it is] The Italian, If it be] If the rest of the countrey be a wood, the best remedy is to cut it Thou shalt drive out] with the help of God which will not faile thee; so that thou employest thy sfe in it valiantly, and put thy confidence in him, and his promises.