A commentary upon the whole Old Testament, added to that of the same author upon the whole New Testament published many years before, to make a compleat work upon the whole Bible. Vols. 2-4. Wherein the divers translations and expositions, literall and mysticall, of all the most famous commentators both ancient and modern are propounded, examined, and judged of, for the more full satisfaction of the studious reader in all things, and many most genuine notions inserted for edification in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. A work, the like unto which hath never yet been published by any man, yet very necessary, nor only for students in divinity; but also for every Christian that loveth the knowledge of divine things, or humane, whereof this comment is also full. Consisting of IV parts. I Upon the Pentateuch, or five books of Moses. II Upon the historical part, from Joshua to Esther. III Upon Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Solomons Song. IV Upon all the prophets both great and small. By John Mayer, doctor of divinity.

CHAP. XIII.

HEre the Lord biddeth Joshua to divide the Land of Canaan to the 9 tribes * 1.1 and an halfe, and to deferre no longer, although all that was to be di∣vided, was not yet conquered and taken, because hee was now old and had not long to live, and by him the Land was to be divided before his death; and the parts yet untaken are reckoned up. In that God telleth Joshua that hee was old, and Abraham is singularly spoken of before, that he was an old man, Gen. 25. 8. Ferus noteth Joshua to have been hence commended, but not simply because * 1.2 he was old in yeares, but in wisdome and good manners. How old he was at this time, is not said, but Ch. 24. when hee dyed, that he was 110 yeares old, happily he was now 100. It seemeth, that after the Land conquered, and a quiet abode there obtained, Joshua went not by and by to dividing the Land, but waited till he had direction from the Lord so to do. In all things hee was guided by the Word of God, as every of us also ought to be.

The Land not yet taken, is said to be all the borders of the Philistims, and all * 1.3 Geshuri, &c. For all the borders, the Vulgar Latine hath all Galilee; but this is plainly an errour, as the Jesuite himselfe confesseth, because the word signify∣ing * 1.4 borders, is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is Galilee, whereupon some have thought Galilee to bee here meant, and so have written it. But Galilee was taken before Ch. 10. for Hazor and Kadesh there spoken of, were in the lot of Naphtali, and Simron in that of Zebulun, both which tribes were placed in Galilee, Ch. 19. & Ch. 20. 7. In describing the borders of the Philistims he saith, there were five * 1.5 Lords of them, viz. of the Gazathites, Ekronites, Asbdothites, Eshkalonites, Gi••∣tites; these last having their name from Gath, of a King whereof we read after∣wards, 1 Sam. 27. 2. Of most of these places, and where they lay, see before, Ch. 11. 22. Touching Geshuri, see Ch. 12. 5. and Deut. 3. 14. From Sihor which is before Egypt, to the borders of Ekron northward. This is not the description of the land of Geshuri, as it may seem, but of the Philistims Countrey, the Lords whereof are immediately after numbred. For Sihor, the Vulgar Latine hath a troubled River, according to the signification of the word; but what River is hereby meant, divers think diversly; some, that it is not Nilus, but another Ri∣er mentioned, Gen. 15. 18. lying nearer to the Land of Canaan, and Amos 6. 14. * 1.6 called the River of the Wildernesse. Junius saith, it is thought by some to bee a River, which comming through Arabia Petraea, floweth into the marish Sir∣bouis, and divideth Egypt from the promised Land: but hee following Epipha∣nius, judgeth it to be the River Rinocorura. Calvin rendreth it Nilus, and for * 1.7 Nilus it is taken by many others; not that the land of Canaan extended to E∣gypt where Nilus lay; but because there was nothing but a vast and unhabita∣ble Wildernesse between it and Canaan Southward, so that it may be said, from this River, because there was no more land habitable between Canaan and it; their reason, because Nilus is the most noted troubled River, for the black sli∣mie stuffe which it bringeth with it, and Jer. 2. 18. it is plainely called by this name Sihor: and because according to the phrase here used in Hebrew, upon the face of Egypt, Nilus overfloweth that Land. And to this doe I subscribe. This is the length of the Philistims Countrey, lying from the South to the North, as the land already conquered, lay from Jordan on the East, to the West. Whereas it is added, which is counted to the Canaanite, whereby it may seeme not to bee of the Philistims Countrey. It is answered, this approveth it rather to bee out of the Canaanites possession at this time, but counted their Countrey, although possessed by the Philistims, because otherwise it would rather have been said, this was also the Canaanites Countrey: But it is said to be counted to the Canaanite, to intimate the right that the Israelites had to it, to whom God had promised onely the land of Canaan, that is, of his children, and not the land of any of Hams other Sonnes. Although then the Phili∣stims now held this tract of ground, yet it was first the Canaanites, and by the Philistims taken from them, as is shewed, Deut. 2. 23. to the borders of Ekron on

the North; for this was the furthest Northward of all the Philistims domini∣ons, as Gaza was the most southerly, which is first numbred, so Calvin, who * 1.8 rendreth it Aza, by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is not pronounced, so likewise Junius. Five Lords of the Philistims; Hebr. five Lordships, and thus Calvin and Iunius also tran∣slate it, and this reading standeth with better sense: and for Gazathites, in the singular number is the Gazathite, that is, the Gazathite Lordship, and likewise of the rest. But besides these, the Avites are added, these were the old inha∣bitants of this Countrey, Deut. 2. 23▪ and it seemeth hereby, that some of them dwelt still therein, although they had no rule, as the Philistims had, but were under them. These words, and the Avites, are by the Vulgar Latine left out here, and placed in the next verse thus, But to the South are the Evites, all the Land of Canaan. This is against the Hebrew verity, wherein it followeth and on the South all the Land of the Canaanites; the Avites being added, v. 3. as in our * 1.9 Translation. The Septuagint for further explication have all the Land of the Canaanite from Gaza. For the South, Hebr. is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 teman, which word the Septuagint retaine, and Teman was a Royall City in Idumea, South from Ca∣naan, which is the reason why it is rendred South. And Mera that is beside the Sidonians unto Aphek: Hebr. Marah of the Sidonians, or Meara, which is of the Sidonians, as Calvin rendreth it word for word. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifieth a denne, and so it is rendred by the Chaldee, and Arias Montanus, and not as a proper name; but Ierome and Pagninus make a proper name of it; and Iunius calleth it Mago∣rah, * 1.10 saying, that it is a River lying under Libanus, between Zidon and Bery∣••um, referring for this to Pliny, lib. 5. c. 20. Adricomius saith, that there was an admirable, and inexpugnable den in Sidon, which seemeth to bee most probably here meant, this denne, as a place of greatest strength, being put for the whole Countrey of Sidon. Aphek was a City where the lot of the tribe of Asher lay, Ch. 19. 30. but the Asherites could not expell the inhabitants thereof, Iudg. 1. 31 There was also another Aphek in the tribe of Iudah, Ch. 15. 53. and of this it is spoken againe, 1 Sam. 4. 13. of one of these the King was slaine, Ch. 12. 18. but if it were of this, the City held out still, and was not taken. Unto Aphek is added also to the borders of the Amorites, which borders, what they were, is uncertaine. Masius will have them to bee those on the other side of Iordan. Tostatus the Philistims, but without all colour of reason. Bonfrerius, some A∣morites * 1.11 dwelling Westward, but uncertaine where: to me it seemeth, that it was some place beyond Aphek, held still by the Amorites, because it is said, unto A∣phek unto the borders of the Amorites.

And the land of the Giblets; the Vulg: annexing this to the former hath it, and the confines thereof, but erroneously; for although 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifieth a confine, yet * 1.12 that word is not here used, but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the name of a City, Psal. 8. 3. from whence the inhabitants are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Giblites, 1 Kings 5. ult. Ezek. 27. 9. and if it be rendred confines, here were a redundancy, because the borders were mentioned before. It was a City then from whence this name commeth, and that in Phenicia, neare to Tyrus and Sidon, called Gebal, as both Jerome and Adri∣comius consent, and may be gathered in the places forecited. And all Lebanon towards the Sun rising, from Baalgad under mount Hermon, to the entring in of Ha∣math: unto Libanus Ioshua had taken, Ch. 11. 17 and to Baalgad under Hermon, but Libanus it selfe remained yet untaken to Hamath, which Hamath was a City northward from Libanus, inhabited by the Canaanites, even in Davids time, 2 Sam. 8. 9. This same is repeated againe, Iudg. 3. 3. with the reasons why they were left untaken.

All the Inhabitants of the hill Countrey from Lebanon to Misrephothmaim, and the Sidonians, &c. Of Misrephothmaim, see before, Ch. 11. 8. There was beyond * 1.13 Libanus to this place, Antilibanus, having divers mountaines, even to the Sea, and a Countrey called Abylene, Luke 3. 2. The Sidonians are here againe na∣med, that it might not be thought, that no more belonging to them was unta∣ken, then Mearah their strong denne. All these parts hitherto holding out, God promiseth to cleare, saying, Them will I drive out before the children of Israel onely divide thou it by lot, &c. This promise was conditionall, if the people should continue in obedience, Exod. 23, 22. 23, &c. but because they did not,

this was never performed, for the Countrey of the Philistims, and Phoenicians, and Libanus were never possessed by the Israelites, although in the time of David and of Solomon they were made Tributaries; yet Joshua must divide them to the nine Tribes, and a halfe of Manasseh, the other halfe with the two of * 1.14 the Reubenites and Godities, having their parts already on the other side of Jordan from Aroer, that is upon the banke of the River Arnon, &c. of these limits see before Ch. 12. 2. and all the plaine of Medeba unto Dibon, of these two see Numb. 21. 30.

And all the Cities of Sihon which Reigned in Heshbon, to the border of the Chil∣dren * 1.15 of Ammon; that is, to the River Iabbok, Ch. 12. 2. for that was their border of Heshbon, see Numb. 21. 30.

And Gilead, Ch. 12. 2. balfe Gilead unto Iabbok, for Gilead was not onely * 1.16 that under Sihon, but also beyond Iabbok, the limit of his Kingdom, to the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites, see Ch. 12. 5. and all mount Hermon, Bashon, and Salcah, see also Ch. 12. 5.

And all the Kingdom of Og, &c. see Ch. 12. 4. * 1.17

But the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites and Maachathites, &c. this is added because it is said before, that they possessed to their borders, lest it should bee thought that they were now destroyed. Only to the Tribe of Levi * 1.18 hee gave no inheritance, &c. This is added that the Levites might bee content, al∣though they were neglected in this division, partly because it was done, as Moses had appointed, who was of their owne Tribe; & partly because they had a better part, viz. the sacrifices of the Lord, the tenths and other offerings being also un∣derstood, from Numb. 18. and other places in the Books of Moses. After the * 1.19 description of the Land in generall, given to the two Tribes and an halfe, now follow their parts in particular. First, to Reuben from Aro••r, and the City * 1.20 in the midst of the River, and all the plaine by Medeba. And Heshbon, Dibon, Bamoth-Baal, &c. Of Dibon it is said, Numb. 32. 34. that it was built by Gad, [Qu.] how then is it here ascribed to Reuben? To this Iunius and others answer, that it * 1.21 was a bordering City between Reuben and Gad, and so common to them both. In like manner Heshbon, which is here reckoned to Reuben, and Numb. 32. 37. is said to bee of Gad, Ch. 21. 39. because in the confines of either Tribe. Of the other Cities, or most of them, it was spoken before, Numb. 32. 35, 36, 37. &c. and Iosh. 12. 3.

All the Kingdom of Sihon, whom Moses smote with the Princes of Midian, &c. * 1.22 This was not done all at one time, but first Sibon was slaine, Numb. 21. and after, Ch. 31. these Princes of Midian, there called Kings, but here Princes and Dukes of Sibon, happily because they were Tributaries to him.

Balaam also, &c. Of whom, see Numb. 31. 8. * 1.23

Here the part of Gad is described, their coast was Jazer, and all the Land of Gi∣lead, &c. Of Iazer, see Numb. 21. But whereas all Gilead is here reckoned to Gad, v. 31. halfe of it is reckoned to Manasseh, and likewise Numb. 32. 40. To this, I know not what better may bee said, then that divers Regions were cal∣led Gilead, so the tribe of Gad may bee said to have had all one Gilead, and Ma∣nasseh another. For Sibon, whose Land Gad possessed, had not all which was called Gilead, but half of it, Ch. 12. 2. the other part, or the other Gilead which the Manassites possessed, was of the kingdom of Og, as is expressed, v. 30. The Ga∣dites then held all the Land of Gilead that was Sihons, and the Manassites all that of Og. And half the Land of the children of Ammon, &c. That is, which Sibon King of the Amorites had before taken from them, Numb. 21. 26. for with the Ammonites land they were forbidden to meddle, Deut. 2. 16. neither did they take ought thereof, Iudg. 11. 15. Ʋnto Aroer that is before Rabbah. Aroer was upon the River Arnon; Rabbah the chief City of the Ammonites, still in their * 1.24 possession, but afterwards subdued by David, 2 Sam. 12.

From Heshbon to Ramoth Mizpeh, otherwise called Ramoth Gilead, Ch. 20. 8. * 1.25 as Debir is also called Kiriathsepher, Ch. 15. 15. Of other Cities, see Numb. 32. This part also extended to Iordan eastward, where it met with the part of Reu∣ben, * 1.26 and to the Sea of Cinneroth.

Here the part of the halfe Tribe of Manasseh is described, From Mahana∣im * 1.27 all Bashan, all the Kingdome of Og, and all the Townes of Jair, &c. Of this Kingdom, see Deut. 3. 13, 14, 15 and how it was given to half Manasseh, and of the Towns of Jair, Num. 32. 40. Whereas, v. 31. it is said, to the children of Machir * 1.28 the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of them; it is to be understood, that the chil∣dren of Machir alone made all the Tribe of Manasseh; for he had none other sonne; see Numb. 26. 29. so Bonfrerius. But who so shall see into 1 Chron. 7. 14. * 1.29 may thinke that there were more sonnes of Manasseh, and Deut. 3. 15. Numb. 32. 40. Gilead onely is given to Machir, and therefore that there were other families of Manasseh to possesse the rest of Ogs Kingdome, viz. Bashau and Ar∣gob. But here Gilead, Ashteroth and Edrei are said to bee given to the children of Machir, to half of them, because many Families came of him, a part of which received possessions on this side Jordan, see Josh. 17. 1. but there it is commemorated, that Machir had Gilead and Bashan given him, and therefore not Gilead alone, as it might seem by the places before cited. To conclude then, if Machirs children, yea, halfe of them, had all the kingdome of Og, and yet a lot remained to be received by them on this side Jordan, either they were all that came of Manasseh, or so many, that the rest in comparison of them were very few. And if they were all, these other sonnes said to be of Ma∣nasseh, Josh. 17. 2. and 1 Chron. 7. 14. were not his immediate sonnes, but Grandchildren by Machir. And indeed Joshua saith, that they came of Gile∣ad, * 1.30 Machirs son, for the names differ not from Numb. 26. 31. but onely for Jeezer, Joshua hath Abiezer. Here it is remembred againe, that to Levi, Moses gave none inheritance, but a new reason is added, for the Lord was their inhe∣ritance, yet more abundantly to satisfie them, as was said, Numb. 18.

Mystically, Joshuah dividing inheritances to the children of Israel, figured * 1.31 out Jesus, who distributeth gifts to his faithfull people, both which now they * 1.32 possesse, and which yet they attaine not unto, but shall afterwards inherit in Heaven, gifts of grace here, and of glory hereafter. Secondly, as those Lands yet untaken, were not to bee possessed, but upon condition of persevering in o∣bedience; so hee onely that endureth to the end shall bee saved. Thirdly, as Joshua tooke not this honour to himselfe, but being called to it; so Jesus. Fourthly, as all the Tribes had not inheritances in Canaan, but some being ta∣ken with the love of Bashan and Jaazer, on the other side of Jordan; so all Christian people have not inheritances in the heavenly Ganaan, for they that love the world, have their portion onely in this life. Fifthly, as some had greater parts then others, for Judahs portion exceeded any of the other Tribes; so in heaven there be divers degrees of glory.

Notes

• * 1.1

  V. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• * 1.2

  Ferus.
• * 1.3

  V. 2.
• * 1.4

  Bonfrerius.
• * 1.5

  V. 3.
• * 1.6

  Schol. Hist. Cajetan. Iunius.
• * 1.7

  Calvin, Lyra, Masius, Tigurini interpr. R. So∣lom. Chimchi, &c.
• * 1.8

  Calvin. Iunius.
• * 1.9

  V. 4.
• * 1.10

  Iunius. Adricomius.
• * 1.11

  Masius. Tostatus. Bonfrerius.
• * 1.12

  V. 5.
• * 1.13

  V. 6.
• * 1.14

  V. 7, 8, 9.
• * 1.15

  V. 10.
• * 1.16

  V. 11.
• * 1.17

  V. 12. V. 13.
• * 1.18

  V. 14.
• * 1.19

  V. 15, 16.
• * 1.20

  V. 17.
• * 1.21

  Iunius. Masius.
• * 1.22

  V. 21.
• * 1.23

  V. 22. V. 24, 25, 26.
• * 1.24

  Hieronym. de lo∣cis Hebr.
• * 1.25

  V. 26.
• * 1.26

  V. 27.
• * 1.27

  V. 29. V. 30.
• * 1.28

  V. 31.
• * 1.29

  Bonfrerius.
• * 1.30

  V. 33.
• * 1.31

  The Mysterie.
• * 1.32

  Ferus.