With whom. Literally, with him. The construction is defective, but the meaning is clear enough. To avoid the repetition of the words "the half tribe of Manasseh," the historian writes עִמּוֹ meaning thereby the other half of the tribe. read more
Aroer . Three, or even four, cities of this name were known, and have been identified by modern travellers under names somewhat similar. 1 . Aroer upon Aruon, on the north bank of that river, at the extreme south of the territory of Reuben (see Deuteronomy 2:36 ; Deuteronomy 3:12 ; Deuteronomy 4:48 ; Joshua 12:2 ; Joshua 13:9 , Joshua 13:16 ; and probably Jeremiah 48:19 ). 2 . Aroer in Gad ( Joshua 13:25 ), described there as "before," i.e; on the way to "Rabbah."... read more
Geshurltes and Maachathites. See note on Joshua 12:5 , of which this passage is little else but a repetition. read more
Giants . See note on Joshua 12:4 . read more
Only unto the tribe of Levi. See Numbers 18:20-24 , where the original command is recorded. Like the clergy under the Christian dispensation, it was seen that they could not at once perform the duties of the priesthood, and act as instructors of the people, if they were burdened, like the rest, with the duty of carrying on war. Their place was supplied by the division of the tribe of Joseph into two, so that the inheritance of Israel was still divided among twelve tribes. Bahr, in his... read more
The inheritance of Levi. I. THE TRIBE OF LEVI RECEIVED NO INHERITANCE OF LAND . II. THE TRIBE OF LEVI HAD ITS TEMPORAL WANTS ADEQUATELY PROVIDED FOR (see Joshua 13:14 ). (a) just ( 1 Corinthians 9:11 ), (b) necessary for unhindered service, and (c) not injurious to true devotion so long as the servant of God does not degrade his vocation into a trade by working for money instead of receiving money that he may have means for work. ... read more
The writer appends to the command of God Joshua 13:1-7 a statement that the other two tribes and a half had already had their inheritance marked out for them by Moses in the land east of Jordan. The boundaries of this territory as a whole are first set forth Joshua 13:8-14, and afterward the portions assigned within it to the two tribes and a half are severally described Joshua 13:15-33.Joshua 13:14See Deuteronomy 18:1-5 and notes.Joshua 13:15-24Inheritance of the tribe of Reuben. This... read more
Joshua 13:8. With whom That is, with the other half of the tribe before mentioned. Which Moses gave them By my command, and therefore do not thou disturb them in their possessions, but proceed to divide the other possessions to the rest. With this verse end the words of God to Joshua, begun Joshua 13:1; and in the next verse the writer of this book begins to describe the country which God ordered to be given to the fore-named two tribes and a half, that there might be no future dispute... read more
Joshua 13:9-11. The city that is in the midst of the river Some interpreters render this clause, The city in the midst of the valley; judging that, as Arnon was but a small brook, it could hardly have a city, or an island large enough for a city to be built on, in the midst of it. But certainly a city might be built on ground lying between two streams of the same river: see on Joshua 12:2. Medeba unto Dibon Two cities anciently belonging to the Moabites, and taken from them by the... read more
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John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 13:14
Verse 14 14.Only unto the tribe of Levi, etc This exception was also necessary, lest the Levites might allege that they were unjustly disinherited, and thus excite great commotions in regard to their right. He therefore reminds them that Moses was the author of this distinction, and, at the same time, shows that they have no reason to complain of having been in any way defrauded, because an excellent compensation was given them. For although the sacrifices were not equally divided among the... read more