Joshua 13

1 there remaineth yet, etc. The Canaanites were now so far subdued that the complete conquest of the land ought to have been easily effected by the Israelites; but the settlement of the boundaries of the several tribes required the influence of some person of supreme and unquestioned authority. Joshua, therefore, must apportion the land at once.

2 the borders of the Philistines. The territory of the Philistines included all the south-western coast, from Ekron to the eastern arm of the Nile, which was counted to the Canaanite, though now possessed by the Philistines. “Geshuri” lay south-west of their possessions (see 1 Sam. xxvii. 8), and must not be confounded with “Geshur” in ver. 13.

3. Sihor.** Shihor. Literally, “black [river],” a name elsewhere given to the Nile, from its muddy waters. See Isa. xxiii. “Before Egypt” (i.e., east of Egypt).

6. All the inhabitants . . . will I drive out, etc.** After all Joshua’s victories, the extreme north and south of Canaan appear to have been only hastily overrun, and the sea-coast and the richest plains, with their cities, were still unsubdued. But the panic which had seized the enemy, the slaughter of their kings and warriors, and the capture of their chief fortresses, all contributed to render the completion of the work comparatively easy.

only divide thou it by lot. Although many parts of the land still remained unconquered, the partition of the whole might be regarded as a pledge that the Lord would certainly perform His promise in driving out the remaining Canaanites, while it furnished an occasion for faith in God. “Hence,” says Calvin, “the command is given; only do your duty in distributing the land, and do not even exempt from the lot that which is still held by the enemy; for I will take care to fulfil what I have promised.” An expressive type of the Christian life.

8 with whom, etc. That is, with Manasseh. Here the writer resumes his narrative, explaining why Manasseh is to have only half a share on the west of Jordan—because he had already a part of his portion with Reuben and Gad on the east.

13. Nevertheless, etc.** This is the first intimation of that want of faith and perseverance which occasioned the sins and sufferings enumerated in the Books of Judges and 1 Samuel.

14 the sacrifices. With the meal, wine, and oil belonging to them.

21 dukes. Tributary chiefs.