And Bethpeor ,.... So called from Peor, the idol of the Moabites, and where very likely there had been a temple built to the honour of it; over against this place was a valley, where Israel abode some time, Deuteronomy 3:29 , and Ashdodpisgah ; of which see Deuteronomy 3:17 , and Bethjeshimoth ; of which see Numbers 33:49 . read more
Beth-peor - The house or temple of Peor, situated at the foot of the mountain of the same name. See Numbers 25:3 . 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
13:1-22:34 DIVISION OF THE LANDAll the land that Israel had conquered was now divided among the twelve tribes. The list of tribal boundaries may not make very interesting reading today, but it was necessary for Israel as a permanent and lawful record to which people could refer if any disagreement arose. It also told the tribes of the enemies that had yet to be destroyed, both within their own tribal areas and in lands round about.Overall plan for the division (13:1-14:5)The area west of... read more
Ver. 20. Beth-peor, &c.— See Numbers 3:5. Deuteronomy 34 : and ch. Joshua 12:3. read more
B. The land east of the Jordan 13:8-33This portion of the Promised Land went to the two and one-half tribes that had requested it previously (Numbers 32). read more
Reuben’s portion was the southern part of this area. Balaam (Joshua 13:22) had lost his life during Israel’s battle with the Midianites (Numbers 31:8). read more
Territories of the Eastern Tribes1-7. These vv. describe the land which, though still unconquered, is to be assigned to the 9½ tribes. It includes the W. and N. borders of Palestine. Wellhausen (’History of Israel’) remarks, ’The conquest was at first but an incomplete one. The plain which fringed the coast was hardly touched: so also the valley of Jezreel with its girdle of fortified cities stretching from Accho to Beth-shean. All that was subdued in the strict sense of the word was the... read more
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 13:7-33
Here we have, I. Orders given to Joshua to assign to each tribe its portion of this land, including that which was yet unsubdued, which must be brought into the lot, in a believing confidence that it should be conquered when Israel was multiplied so as to have occasion for it (Josh. 13:7): Now divide this land. Joshua thought all must be conquered before any must be divided. ?No,? said, God, ?there is as much conquered as will serve your turn for the present; divide this, and make your best of... read more