Annotations upon the remaining historicall part of the Old Testament. The second part. to wit, the books of Joshua, Judges, the two books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, and the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther : wherein first, all such passages in the text are explained as were thought likely to be questioned by any reader of ordinary capacity : secondly, in many clauses those things are discovered which are needfull and usefull to be known ... and thirdly, many places that might at first seem to contradict one another are reconciled ... / by Arthur Jackson.

CHAP. XIX.

Vers. 1. ANd their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.] That is, the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon; the reason whereof is given vers. 9. Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the in∣heritance of the children of Simeon; for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them, therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them. It seems that they that were sent to search the land not yet di∣vided, that they might part it into seven lots for the seven remaining tribes, chap. 18.4. found that the portion which Joshua, and Eleazar and the other Commissio∣ners for the dividing of the land, had formerly at Gilgal assigned to the tribe of Ju∣dah was farre too large, considering what they now found left for the other tribes upon this second review, and therefore agreed unanimously with those said Com∣missioners for the dividing of the land, that a whole portion for one of the tribes that had not yet their inheritance should be taken off that which was formerly given to

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Judah, and so should make one of the lots for the seven tribes (besides some other cities which they took also from Judah to be as part of another lot, as is shown after∣wards, verse 40.41.) and no doubt the children of Judah acknowledged the equi∣tie thereof, and were well contented with it: and so when they came to draw the lots of the seven remaining tribes, in the second place, next after Benjamins, came out this lot, which was wholly taken out of Judahs portion, for the tribe of Simeon. And thus by the providence of God; first, there being one tribe to be seated with∣in that portion formerly given to Judah, the lot fell upon this tribe, which was fewest in number of all the tribes, as we may see by the account that was taken of them at the last numbring of the people, Num. 26.14. and secondly, this tribe of Simeon having their portion assigned them within the portion of Iudah, and so being as it were intermingled with them, nor having an inheritance apart by them∣selves, that was now fulfilled which Jacob long since prophesied of them, Gen. 49.7. I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel: concerning which, see what is noted there.

Vers. 2. And they had in their inheritance Beer-sheba, &c.] The bounds of this tribes portion is not described, as are the bounds of most of the other tribes, one∣ly the chief cities and towns are named that were in their lot, and that because their inheritance was within the inheritance of Judah, whose bounds are formerly de∣scribed chap. 15. As for Beersheba and Sheba that are first here mentioned they are but the longer and shorter names of one and the same city; for it is said vers. 6. that in this first catalogue there are thirteen cities, and there are fourteen if Beershe∣ba and Sheba be counted two severall cities, and besides 1. Chron. 4.28. where these cities of the Simeonites are again reckoned up, there is mention made of Beersheba onely.

Vers. 3. And Hazar-shual, and Balah, and Azem, &c.] Called Ezem, 1. Chron. 4.29. as the following Eltolad is called also Tolad; and Bethul, Bethuel.

Vers. 5. And Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazor-susah, &c.] Which is called 1. Chron. 4.31. Hazar-susim; as also in the following verse Bethlebaoth is called, chap. 15.32. Lebaoth, and in the 1. Chron. 4.31. Bethbirei: and Sharuhen seems to be the same that is called Shauraim.

Vers. 7. Ain, Remmon, and Ether, &c.] Or Etam, 1. Chron. 4.32. this with the rest here mentioned are there called villages, and therefore are here severally rec∣koned by themselves.

Vers. 9. For the part of the children of Judah was too much for them, &c.] See the note above, vers. 1.

Vers. 10. And the border of their inheritance was Sarid, &c.] This Sarid was the Southwest corner of Zebuluns portion, from whence it is said that it went West-ward to Maralah, and so to Dabbasheth which stood by the sea, from whence it went Northward by the sea coast as farre as the river near Iokneam. And thus having the midland sea on the West, and the sea of Galilee on the East, that was truly accom∣plished which Jacob said concerning this tribe, Gen. 49.13. Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea, and he shall be for a haven of ships: and Moses also, Deut. 33.18. And of Zebulun he said, Rejoyce Zebulun in thy going out, &c.

Vers. 12. And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunne rising, &c.] As before the western border was drawn from Sarid, vers 10. so here the south border begins also at Sarid, and so is carried on eastward as farre as Japhia.

Vers. 13. And from thence passeth on along on the east to Gittah-Hepher, &c.] That is, from Japhia a city in the south-east corner of Zebuluns portion, the border turns northward along by the sea of Galilee, and within a while goeth up into the land as farre as Remmon and Neah, where is the going out of the utmost reach of the eastern border.

Vers. 14. And the border compasseth it on the north side to Hannathon, &c.] This is the north border which fetcheth a compasse, and so ends in the valley of Jiphthah-el.

Vers. 15. And Idalah and Bethlehem.] This was not that Bethlehem where Christ was afterward born; for that was in the tribe of Judah, this in the tribe of Zebulun.

Twelve cities with their villages.] There are more then twelve mentioned in the foregoing verses; but it seems some of them were border towns that stood in the other tribes, that had their lots next to Zebuluns, and but twelve of them onely were belonging to the tribe of Zebulun.

Vers. 18. And their border was toward Jezreel, &c.] Because Issachars portion lay between Benjamins and Zebuluns, whose borders have been already described (and so consequently Issachars also) therefore the line of their borders is not here described as in the other tribes, but onely the principal towns and cities are named, first, those that stood in the south border, vers. 18, 19. secondly, those in the west, vers. 20. and thirdly, those in the north, ver. 21, 22. Now this portion set apart for Issachar being in a fat and fruitfull soil, that was fulfilled which Jacob foretold, Gen. 49.14. And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant, and bow∣ed his shoulders to bear, and became a servant unto tribute: and Moses, Deut. 32.18.

Vers. 24. And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher, &c. Even here also the hand of God is still observable in his ordering the lots. Hitherto the lots had come out onely for those tribes that were descended of Jacobs two wives Leah and Rachel, and the tribe of Gad, who was the eldest of Jacobs sonnes by Zil∣pah Leahs handmaid, had already received their inheritance without Jordan, upon speciall suit made unto Moses, & so now the next lot came out for the tribe of Asher, who was also the sonne of Zilpah, the handmaid of Leah Jacobs first wife, and therefore preferred before the two tribes of Dan and Naphtali, that were descended of Bilhah the handmaid of Rachel, his second wife.

Vers. 25. And their border was Helkath, &c.] The cities that are first here men∣tioned stood on the northwest border, which is drawn all along the coast of the midland sea, as far as to mount Carmel westward, that is, to the west side of mount Carmel and Shihor-libnah; and so here the line turneth eastward, vers. 27. and makes the south bounds of this tribes portion, and then fetcheth a compasse northward a∣gain, like to the bending of a bow, till it comes to Zidon on the north end of the sea coast, & then turneth southward again as far as Tyre, &c. Now by the mention that is

here made of mount Carmel in the lot of this tribe, we may see how the prophesie of Jacob concerning this tribe was folly accomplished, Gen. 49.20. Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royall dainties: for mount Carmel and the land about it was a fruitfull soil, and had many mines in it, Isa. 39.9. Sharon is like a wildernesse, and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits: and Isa. 35.2. It shall blossome abundantly, and rejoyce even with joy and singing; the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon. See also, Deut. 33.24, 25. And of Asher he said, Let Asher be blessed with children, let him be accepta∣ble to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oyl. Thy shoes shall be iron and brasse, and as thy dayes so shall thy strength be.

Vers. 27. And goeth out to Cabul on the left hand.] See the note upon vers. 30.

Vers. 29. And the out-goings thereof are at the sea, from the coast to Achzib,] That is, all the coast from the sea even unto Achzib.

Vers: 30. Ʋmmah also and Aphek, and Rehob; twenty and two cities with their villages.] That is, Ummah, Aphek, and Rehob were cities of note in the portion of Asher, though not before mentioned in describing the borders of their lot. So that in all the cities here named belonging to the tribe of Asher are twenty and two. Indeed he that reckons all the names of places before mentioned shall find them to be twenty and three; but to this it is answered by some, that Cabul mentioned vers. 27. was not a city, but a part of the countrey which Solomon gave unto Hiram, and because of the censure which was then by him passed upon it, was called Cabul, 1. Kings 9.13. And he said, What cities are these which thou hast given me my bro∣ther? and he called them the land of Cabul unto this day. And again others say, that some one of the bordering cities before named belonged not to Asher, but to some of the neighbouring tribes.

Vers. 33. And their coast was from Heleph, &c.] This is the east border of the tribe of Naphtali, beginning at these towns which stood somewhat more northerly then the fountains of Jordan; and so Iordan, even as farre as the lake of Geneze∣reth, was the utmost southernly end of the eastern border. Thus Naphtalies land lay along by the banks of Iordan in a large extent, and so Iacobs prophesie was fulfilled, Gen. 49.21. Naphtali is a hind let loose: and that of Moses, Deut. 33.23. And of Naphtali he said, O Naphtali satisfied with favour, and full with the blessings of the Lord, possesse thou the west and the south.

Vers. 34. Then the coast turneth westward to Aznoth-tabor &c.] Here now the south border of this tribes portion is described, to wit, that it turned from Iordan westward; first to Aznoth-tabor, and thence to Hukkok and so went on till it came to have, as it follows in the next words. Zebulun on the south side, and Asher on the west side. And indeed, this last clause seems to have reference to that prophesie of Moses, before mentioned, concerning this tribe, Deut. 33.23. Possesse thou the west and the south: for however it is noted before upon that place (as the opinion of some Expositours) that thereby might be signified, that the lot of their inheritance should be in the southwest part of the land, yet it being so evident here that this tribe had their inheritance in the utmost northeast part of the land, the meaning of that clause, possesse thou the west and the south, must needs be this, that however this tribes lot

was to be seated in the furthest northeast corner of the kingdome, yet it should reach forth so far both westward and southward, that they should enjoy all the benefits both of the western and southern parts, and the rather by their commerce with those other tribes upon whom they bordered.

And reacheth to Zebulun on the southside, and unto Asher on the westside, and to Judah upon Jordan toward the sun-rising.] It may seem strange that this tribe should be said to border upon Iudah: but either the river of Iordan belonged peculi∣arly to Iudah, as a royalty given them of God above all the other tribes, in regard whereof Naphtali is said to border upon Iudah in Iordan; or else this is added, to imply the convenient situation of this tribes portion, by reason it lay along by the banks of Iordan in a large extent. For by this means though this tribe were seated in the uttermost north part of the kingdome, yet they might by the river have com∣merce with the other tribes as farre as Iudah, between whom and Naphtali many other tribes were seated; and so being the utmost north tribe, might in that sense be said to border upon Iudah, who were seated in the utmost south parts of the king∣dome.

Vers. 35. And the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer and Hammath, Rakkath, and Cinnereth.] Hammath was a city standing in the utmost north-end of Canaan, whence the length of the land is ordinarily described to be from the entrance of Ha∣math to the river of Egypt, 1. Kings 8.65. See Num. 13.22. and Cinnereth was a city in the eastern parts; whence the lake, so often mentioned in Scripture, was called the lake of Genezereth.

Vers. 38. Nineteen cities with their villages.] For some of them mentioned be∣fore in drawing the border of their lot stood happely in the portion of the border∣ing tribes.

Vers. 40. And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan.] Though this tribes lot was not wholly taken out of that which was given to Judah, as Simeons was, yet that a part of it was, is manifest by some of the cities mentioned here, that chap. 15. are numbered amongst those that were at first in Judahs por∣tion; it was compassed with the sea; and the borders of the other tribes formerly de∣scribed, and so the borders of this tribe are here omitted.

Vers. 41. And the coast of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, &c.] In this Zorah Samson was born, Judges 13.2. and between Zorah and Eshtaol he was buried.

Vers. 43. And Elon, and Timnathah, &c.] Whence Samson took a wife, Judges 14.1.

Vers. 47. Therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, &c.] Or Laish. The story we have Judges 18. This then happened after Joshuas death, but here it is mentioned, lest it should seem strange how the Danites came to in∣habite the north parts of the land, when their lot fell to them in the south parts, even close by Judahs portion; the reason was, because being not able to drive out the Philistines out of their land, they were streightned for room, & so went out and took Laish, a city that was in Naphtalies lot, though then in the Zidonians possession, and transplanted a Colony thither, calling it Dan from their father Dan, the sonne

of Jacob: it stood almost in the furthest north part of the land, Judges 20.1. The congregation was gathered together as one wan from Dan to Beersheba.

Vers. 50. According to the word of the Lord they gave him the citie he asked, even Timnath-serah in mount Ephraim, &c.] To wit, the word of the Lord which he spake to Moses, not onely concerning Caleb, but concerning Joshua (for why indeed should he be left out?) see Iosh. 14.7. to wit, that he should chuse a peculiar portion to himself where he would: yet it may be meant also of some direction given him by Eleazar the priest upon his inquiry of God for him. However herein, first, was the modesty of Ioshua remarkable, that he was content to stay till all the tribes had their portion ere there was any motion made of that which by way of speciall Prerogative was to be conferred upon him: secondly, That he was content to receive what God had promised him, as by way of gift from the people, he asked, and they gave him the city he asked: thirdly, That whereas he might have chosen the fairest and goodliest city in all their tribes, he chose his seat in a mountainous countrey, no∣thing so pleasant and delightfull as many other places were, yea, and it seems a city that was ruinated, so that he was fain to build it ere he dwelt in it, for so it follows in the next words, and he built the city, and dwelt therein.