Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Joshua » Chapter 13 » Verse 15-28

Joshua 13:15-28 King James Version (KJV)

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15 And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families.

16 And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;

17 Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plain; Dibon, and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon,

18 And Jahaza, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,

19 And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of the valley,

20 And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth,

21 And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, which were dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country.

22 Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.

23 And the border of the children of Reuben was Jordan, and the border thereof. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben after their families, the cities and the villages thereof.

24 And Moses gave inheritance unto the tribe of Gad, even unto the children of Gad according to their families.

25 And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that is before Rabbah;

26 And from Heshbon unto Ramathmizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim unto the border of Debir;

27 And in the valley, Betharam, and Bethnimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and his border, even unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.

28 This is the inheritance of the children of Gad after their families, the cities, and their villages.

Joshua 13:15-28 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

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15 And Moses H4872 gave H5414 unto the tribe H4294 of the children H1121 of Reuben H7205 inheritance according to their families. H4940

16 And their coast H1366 was from Aroer, H6177 that is on the bank H8193 of the river H5158 Arnon, H769 and the city H5892 that is in the midst H8432 of the river, H5158 and all the plain H4334 by Medeba; H4311

17 Heshbon, H2809 and all her cities H5892 that are in the plain; H4334 Dibon, H1769 and Bamothbaal, H1120 and Bethbaalmeon, H1010

18 And Jahazah, H3096 and Kedemoth, H6932 and Mephaath, H4158

19 And Kirjathaim, H7156 and Sibmah, H7643 and Zarethshahar H6890 in the mount H2022 of the valley, H6010

20 And Bethpeor, H1047 and Ashdothpisgah, H798 H794 and Bethjeshimoth, H1020

21 And all the cities H5892 of the plain, H4334 and all the kingdom H4468 of Sihon H5511 king H4428 of the Amorites, H567 which reigned H4427 in Heshbon, H2809 whom Moses H4872 smote H5221 with the princes H5387 of Midian, H4080 Evi, H189 and Rekem, H7552 and Zur, H6698 and Hur, H2354 and Reba, H7254 which were dukes H5257 of Sihon, H5511 dwelling H3427 in the country. H776

22 Balaam H1109 also the son H1121 of Beor, H1160 the soothsayer, H7080 did the children H1121 of Israel H3478 slay H2026 with the sword H2719 among them H413 that were slain H2491 by them.

23 And the border H1366 of the children H1121 of Reuben H7205 was Jordan, H3383 and the border H1366 thereof. This was the inheritance H5159 of the children H1121 of Reuben H7205 after their families, H4940 the cities H5892 and the villages H2691 thereof.

24 And Moses H4872 gave H5414 inheritance unto the tribe H4294 of Gad, H1410 even unto the children H1121 of Gad H1410 according to their families. H4940

25 And their coast H1366 was Jazer, H3270 and all the cities H5892 of Gilead, H1568 and half H2677 the land H776 of the children H1121 of Ammon, H5983 unto Aroer H6177 that is before H6440 Rabbah; H7237

26 And from Heshbon H2809 unto Ramathmizpeh, H7434 and Betonim; H993 and from Mahanaim H4266 unto the border H1366 of Debir; H1688

27 And in the valley, H6010 Betharam, H1027 and Bethnimrah, H1039 and Succoth, H5523 and Zaphon, H6829 the rest H3499 of the kingdom H4468 of Sihon H5511 king H4428 of Heshbon, H2809 Jordan H3383 and his border, H1366 even unto the edge H7097 of the sea H3220 of Chinnereth H3672 on the other side H5676 Jordan H3383 eastward. H4217

28 This is the inheritance H5159 of the children H1121 of Gad H1410 after their families, H4940 the cities, H5892 and their villages. H2691

Joshua 13:15-28 American Standard (ASV)

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15 And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben according to their families.

16 And their border was from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the plain by Medeba;

17 Heshbon, and all its cities that are in the plain; Dibon, and Bamoth-baal, and Beth-baal-meon,

18 and Jahaz, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,

19 and Kiriathaim, and Sibmah, and Zereth-shahar in the mount of the valley,

20 and Beth-peor, and the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth,

21 and all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the chiefs of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the princes of Sihon, that dwelt in the land.

22 Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among the rest of their slain.

23 And the border of the children of Reuben was the Jordan, and the border `thereof'. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben according to their families, the cities and the villages thereof.

24 And Moses gave unto the tribe of Gad, unto the children of Gad, according to their families.

25 And their border was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that is before Rabbah;

26 and from Heshbon unto Ramath-mizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim unto the border of Debir;

27 and in the valley, Beth-haram, and Beth-nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, the Jordan and the border `thereof', unto the uttermost part of the sea of Chinnereth beyond the Jordan eastward.

28 This is the inheritance of the children of Gad according to their families, the cities and the villages thereof.

Joshua 13:15-28 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

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15 And Moses giveth to the tribe of the sons of Reuben, for their families;

16 and the border is to them from Aroer, which `is' on the edge of the brook Arnon, and the city which `is' in the midst of the brook, and all the plain by Medeba,

17 Heshbon, and all its cities which `are' in the plain, Dibon, and Bamoth-Baal, and Beth-Baal-Meon,

18 and Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,

19 and Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zareth-Shahar, in the mount of the valley,

20 and Beth-Peor, and the springs of Pisgah, and Beth-Jeshimoth,

21 and all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorite, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote, with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, princes of Sihon, inhabitants of the land.

22 And Balaam, son of Beor, the diviner, have the sons of Israel slain with the sword, among their wounded ones.

23 And the border of the sons of Reuben is the Jordan, and `its' border; this `is' the inheritance of the sons of Reuben, for their families, the cities and their villages.

24 And Moses giveth to the tribe of Gad, to the sons of Gad, for their families;

25 and the border is to them Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and the half of the land of the Bene-Ammon, unto Aroer which `is' on the front of Rabbah,

26 and from Heshbon unto Ramath-Mispeh, and Betonim, and from Mahanaim unto the border of Debir,

27 and in the valley, Beth-Aram, and Beth-Nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, the Jordan and `its' border, unto the extremity of the sea of Chinnereth, beyond the Jordan, eastward.

28 This `is' the inheritance of the sons of Gad, for their families, the cities and their villages.

Joshua 13:15-28 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

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15 And Moses gave [a portion] to the tribe of the children of Reuben according to their families.

16 And their territory was from Aroer, which is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the ravine, and all the plateau by Medeba;

17 Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plateau, Dibon, and Bamoth-Baal, and Beth-Baal-meon,

18 And Jahzah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,

19 and Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zereth-shahar in the mountain of the vale,

20 and Beth-Peor, and the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth;

21 all the cities of the plateau, and the whole kingdom of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who reigned at Heshbon, whom Moses smote, him and the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the chiefs of Sihon dwelling in the land.

22 And Balaam the son of Beor, the diviner, did the children of Israel kill with the sword among them that were slain by them.

23 And the border of the children of Reuben was the Jordan, and [its] border. This is the inheritance of the children of Reuben according to their families, the cities and their hamlets.

24 And Moses gave [a portion] to the tribe of Gad, to the children of Gad according to their families.

25 And their territory was Jaazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, to Aroer which is before Rabbah;

26 and from Heshbon to Ramath-Mizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir;

27 and in the valley, Beth-haram, and Beth-Nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon the king of Heshbon, the Jordan and [its] border, as far as the edge of the sea of Chinnereth beyond the Jordan eastward.

28 This is the inheritance of the children of Gad according to their families, the cities and their hamlets.

Joshua 13:15-28 World English Bible (WEB)

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15 Moses gave to the tribe of the children of Reuben according to their families.

16 Their border was from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the plain by Medeba;

17 Heshbon, and all its cities that are in the plain; Dibon, and Bamoth Baal, and Beth Baal Meon,

18 and Jahaz, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,

19 and Kiriathaim, and Sibmah, and Zereth-shahar in the mount of the valley,

20 and Beth Peor, and the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth,

21 and all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses struck with the chiefs of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the princes of Sihon, who lived in the land.

22 Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel kill with the sword among the rest of their slain.

23 The border of the children of Reuben was the Jordan, and the border [of it]. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben according to their families, the cities and the villages of it.

24 Moses gave to the tribe of Gad, to the children of Gad, according to their families.

25 Their border was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, to Aroer that is before Rabbah;

26 and from Heshbon to Ramath Mizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir;

27 and in the valley, Beth Haram, and Beth Nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, the Jordan and the border [of it], to the uttermost part of the sea of Chinnereth beyond the Jordan eastward.

28 This is the inheritance of the children of Gad according to their families, the cities and the villages of it.

Joshua 13:15-28 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

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15 And Moses gave their heritage to the tribe of Reuben by their families.

16 Their limit was from Aroer, on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the town in the middle of the valley, and all the table-land by Medeba;

17 Heshbon and all her towns in the table-land; Dibon, and Bamoth-baal, and Beth-baal-meon;

18 And Jahaz, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath;

19 And Kiriathaim, and Sibmah, and Zereth-shahar in the mountain of the valley;

20 And Beth-peor, and the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth;

21 And all the towns of the table-land, and all the kingdom of Sihon, king of the Amorites, who was ruling in Heshbon, whom Moses overcame, together with the chiefs of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the chiefs of Sihon, who were living in the land.

22 And Balaam, the son of Beor, the prophet, the children of Israel put to death with the sword.

23 And the limit of the children of Reuben was the edge of Jordan. This was the heritage of the children of Reuben by their families, with its towns and its unwalled places.

24 And Moses gave their heritage to the tribe of Gad by their families.

25 And their limit was Jazer, and all the towns of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, to Aroer before Rabbah;

26 And from Heshbon to Ramath-mizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim to the edge of Debir;

27 And in the valley, Beth-haram, and Beth-nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon, king of Heshbon, having Jordan for its limit, to the end of the sea of Chinnereth on the east side of Jordan.

28 This is the heritage of the children of Gad by their families, with its towns and its unwalled places

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Joshua 13

Commentary on Joshua 13 Matthew Henry Commentary

John Gill   Keil & Delitzsch   Robert Jamieson: Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible  

Chapter 13

At this chapter begins the account of the dividing of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel by lot, a narrative not so entertaining and instructive as that of the conquest of it, and yet it is thought fit to be inserted in the sacred history, to illustrate the performance of the promise made to the fathers, that this land should be given to the seed of Jacob, to them and not to any other. The preserving of this distribution would be of great use to the Jewish nation, who were obliged by the law to keep up this first distribution, and not to transfer inheritances from tribe to tribe, Num. 36:9. It is likewise of use to us for the explaining of other scriptures: the learned know how much light the geographical description of a country gives to the history of it. And therefore we are not to skip over these chapters of hard names as useless and not to be regarded; where God has a mouth to speak and a hand to write we should find an ear to hear an eye to read; and God give us a heart to profit! In this chapter,

  • I. God informs Joshua what parts of the country that were intended in the grant to Israel yet remained unconquered, and not got in possession (v. 1-6).
  • II. He appoints him, notwithstanding, to make a distribution of what was conquered (v. 7).
  • III. To complete this account, here is a repetition of the distribution Moses had made of the land on the other side Jordan; in general (v. 8-14), in particular, the lot of Reuben (v. 15-23), of Gad (v. 24-28), of the half tribe of Manasseh (v. 29-33).

Jos 13:1-6

Here,

  • I. God puts Joshua in mind of his old age, v. 1.
    • 1. It is said that Joshua was old and stricken in years, and he and Caleb were at this time the only old men among the thousands of Israel, none except them of all those who were numbered at Mount Sinai being now alive. He had been a man of war from his youth (Ex. 17:10); but now he yielded to the infirmities of age, with which it is in vain for the stoutest to think of contesting. It should seem Joshua had not the same strength and vigour in his old age that Moses had; all that come to old age do not find it alike good; generally, the days of old age are evil days, and such as there is no pleasure in, nor expectation of service from.
    • 2. God takes notice of it to him: God said to him, Thou art old. Note, It is good for those who are old and stricken in years to be put in remembrance of their being so. Some have gray hairs here and there upon them, and perceive it not (Hos. 7:9); they do not care to think of it, and therefore need to be told of it, that they may be quickened to do the work of life, and make preparation for death, which is coming towards them apace. But God mentions Joshua's age and growing infirmities,
      • (1.) As a reason why he should now lay by the thoughts of pursuing the war; he cannot expect to see an end of it quickly, for there remained much land, more perhaps than he thought, to be possessed, in several parts remote from each other: and it was not fit that at his age he should be put upon the fatigue of renewing the war, and carrying it to such distant places; no, it was enough for him that he had reduced the body of the country. "Let him be gathered to rest with honour and the thanks of his people for the good services he had done them, and let the conquering of the skirts of the country be left for those that shall come after.' As he had entered into the labours of Moses, so let others enter into his, and bring forth the top-stone, the doing of which was reserved for David long after. Observe, God considers the frame of his people, and would not have them burdened with work above their strength. It cannot be expected that old people should do as they have done for God and their country.
      • (2.) As a reason why he should speedily apply himself to the dividing of that which he had conquered. That work must be done, and done quickly; it was necessary that he should preside in the doing of it, and therefore, he being old and stricken in years, and not likely to continue long, let him make this his concluding piece of service to God and Israel. All people, but especially old people, should set themselves to do that quickly which must be done before they die, lest death prevent them, Eccl. 9:10.
  • II. He gives him a particular account of the land that yet remained unconquered, which was intended for Israel, and which, in due time, they should be masters of if they did not put a bar in their own door. Divers places are here mentioned, some in the south, as the country of the Philistines, governed by five lords, and the land that lay towards Egypt (v. 2, 3), some westward, as that which lay towards the Sidonians (v. 4), some eastward, as all Lebanon (v. 5), some towards the north, as that in the entering in of Hamath, v. 5. Joshua is told this, and he made the people acquainted with it,
    • 1. That they might be the more affected with God's goodness to them in giving them this good land, and might thereby be engaged to love and serve him; for, if this which they had was too little, God would moreover give them such and such things, 2 Sa. 12:8.
    • 2. That they might not be tempted to make any league, or contract any dangerous familiarity with these their neighbours so as to learn their way, but might rather be jealous of them, as a people that kept them from their right and that they had just cause of quarrel with.
    • 3. That they might keep themselves in a posture for war, and not think of putting off the harness so long as there remained any land to be possessed. Nor must we lay aside our spiritual armour, nor be off our watch, till our victory be completed in the kingdom of glory.
  • III. He promises that he would make the Israelites masters of all those countries that were yet unsubdued, though Joshua was old and not able to do it, old and not likely to live to see it done. Whatever becomes of us, and however we may be laid aside as despised broken vessels, God will do his own work in his own time (v. 6): I will drive them out. The original is emphatic: "It is I that will do it, I that can do it when thou are dead and gone, and will do it if Israel be not wanting to themselves.' "I will do it by my Word,' so the Chaldee here, as in many other places, "by the eternal Word, the captain of the hosts of the Lord.' This promise that he would drive them out from before the children of Israel plainly supposes it as the condition of the promise that the children of Israel must themselves attempt their extirpation, must go up against them, else they could not be said to be driven out before them; if afterwards Israel, through sloth, or cowardice, or affection to these idolaters, sit still and let them alone, they must blame themselves, and not God, if they be not driven out. We must work out our salvation, and then God will work in us and work with us; we must resist our spiritual enemies, and then God will tread them under our feet; we must go forth to our Christian work and warfare, and then God will go forth before us.

Jos 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 (v. 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 it, and wait for the remainder hereafter.' Note, We must take the comfort of what we have, though we cannot compass all we would have. Observe,
    • 1. The land must be divided among the several tribes, and they must not always live in common, as now they did. Which way soever a just property is acquired, it is the will of that God who has given the earth to the children of men that there should be such a thing, and that every man should know his own, and not invade that which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force, but right, by the law of equity, not of arms.
    • 2. That it must be divided for an inheritance, though they got it by conquest.
      • (1.) The promise of it came to them as an inheritance from their fathers; the land of promise pertained to the children of promise, who were thus beloved for their fathers' sakes, and in performance of the covenant with them.
      • (2.) The possession of it was to be transmitted by them, as an inheritance to their children. Frequently, what is got by force is soon lost again; but Israel, having an incontestable title to this land by the divine grant, might see it hereby secured as an inheritance to their seed after them, and that God kept this mercy for thousands.
    • 3. That Joshua must not divide it by his own will. Though he was a very wise, just, and good man, it must not be left to him to give what he pleased to each tribe; but he must do it by lot, which referred the matter wholly to God, and to his determination, for he it is that appoints the bounds of our habitation, and every man's judgment must proceed from him. But Joshua must preside in this affair, must manage this solemn appeal to Providence, and see that the lot was drawn fairly and without fraud, and that every tribe did acquiesce in it. The lot indeed causeth contention to cease, Prov. 18:18. But, if upon this lot any controversy should arise, Joshua by his wisdom and authority must determine it, and prevent any ill consequences of it. Joshua must have the honour of dividing the land,
      • (1.) Because he had undergone the fatigue of conquering it: and when, through his hand, each tribe received its allotment, they would thereby be made the more sensible of their obligations to him. And what a pleasure must it needs be to a man of such a public spirit as Joshua was to see the people that were so dear to him eating of the labour of his hands!
      • (2.) That he might be herein a type of Christ, who has not only conquered for us the gates of hell, but has opened to us the gates of heaven, and, having purchased the eternal inheritance for all believers, will in due time put them all in possession of it.
  • II. An account is here given of the distribution of the land on the other side Jordan among the Reubenites, and Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh. Observe,
    • 1. How this account is introduced. It comes in,
      • (1.) As the reason why this land within Jordan must be divided only to the nine tribes and a half, because the other two and a half were already provided for.
      • (2.) As a pattern to Joshua in the work he had now to do. He had seen Moses distribute that land, which would give him some aid in distributing this, and thence he might take his measure; only this was to be done by lot, but it should seem Moses did that himself, according to the wisdom given unto him.
      • (3.) As an inducement to Joshua to hasten the dividing of this land, that the nine tribes and a half might not be kept any longer than was necessary out of their possession, since their brethren of the two tribes and a half were so well settled in theirs; and God their common Father would not have such a difference made between his children.
    • 2. The particulars of this account.
      • (1.) Here is a general description of the country that was given to the two tribes and a half, which Moses gave them, even as Moses gave them, v. 8. The repetition implies a ratification of the grant by Joshua. Moses settled this matter, and, as Moses settled it, so shall it rest; Joshua will not, under any pretence whatsoever, go about to alter it. And a reason is intimated why he would not, because Moses was the servant of the Lord, and acted in this matter by secret direction from him and was faithful as a servant. Here we have,
        • [1.] The fixing of the boundaries of this country, by which they were divided from the neighbouring nations, v. 9, etc. Israel must know their own and keep to it, and may not, under pretence of their being God's peculiar people, encroach upon their neighbours, and invade their rights and properties, to which they had a good and firm title by providence, though not, as Israel, a title by promise.
        • [2.] An exception of one part of this country from Israel's possession, though it was in their grant, namely, the Geshurites and the Maachathites, v. 13. They had not leisure to reduce all the remote and obscure corners of the country in Moses's time, and afterwards they had no mind to it, being easy with what they had. Thus those who are not straitened in God's promises are yet straitened in their own faith, and prayers, and endeavours.
      • (2.) A very particular account of the inheritances of these two tribes and a half, how they were separated from each other, and what cites, with the towns, villages, and fields, commonly known and reputed to be appurtenances to them, belonged to each tribe. This is very fully and exactly set down in order that posterity might, in reading this history, be the more affected with the goodness of God to their ancestors, when they found what a large and fruitful country, and what abundance of great and famous cities, he put them in possession of (God's grants look best when we descend to the particulars); and also that the limits of every tribe being punctually set down in this authentic record disputes might be prevented, and such contests between the tribes as commonly happen where boundaries have not been adjusted nor this matter brought to a certainty. And we have reason to think that the register here prescribed and published of the lot of each tribe was of great use to Israel in after-ages, was often appealed to, and always acquiesced in, for the determining of meum and tuum-mine and thine.
        • [1.] We have here the lot of the tribe of Reuben, Jacob's first-born, who, though he had lost the dignity and power which pertained to the birthright, yet, it seems, had the advantage of being first served. Perhaps those of that tribe had an eye to this in desiring to be seated on that side Jordan, that, since they could not expect the benefit of the best lot, they might have the credit of the first. Observe,
          • First, In the account of the lot of this tribe mention is made of the slaughter,
            • 1. Of Sihon, king of the Amorites, who reigned in this country, and might have kept it and his life if he would have been neighbourly, and have suffered Israel to pass through his territories, but, by attempting to oppose them, justly brought ruin upon himself, Num. 21:21, etc.
            • 2. Of the princes of Midian, who were slain afterwards in another war (Num. 31:8), and yet are here called dukes of Sihon, and are said to be smitten with him, because they were either tributaries to him, or, in his opposition to Israel, confederates with him, and hearty in his interests, and his fall made way for theirs not long after.
            • 3. Of Balaam particularly, that would, if he could, have cursed Israel, and was soon after recompensed according to the wickedness of his endeavour (Ps. 28:4), for he fell with those that set him on. This was recorded before (Num. 31:8), and is here repeated, because the defeating of Balaam's purpose to curse Israel was the turning of that curse into a blessing, and was such an instance of the power and goodness of God as was fit to be had in everlasting remembrance. See Mic. 6:5.
          • Secondly, Within the lot of this tribe was that Mount Pisgah from the top of which Moses took his view of the earthly Canaan and his flight to the heavenly. And not far off thence Elijah was when he was fetched up to heaven in a chariot of fire. The separation of this tribe from the rest, by the river Jordan, was that which Deborah lamented; and the preference they gave to their private interests above the public was what she censured, Jdg. 5:15, 16. In this tribe lay Heshbon and Sibmah, famed for their fruitful fields and vineyards. See Isa. 16:8, 9; Jer. 48:32. This tribe, with that of Gad, was sorely shaken by Hazael king of Syria (2 Ki. 10:33), and afterwards dislodged and carried into captivity, twenty years before the general captivity of the ten tribes by the king of Assyria, 1 Chr. 5:26.
        • [2.] The lot of the tribe of Gad, v. 24-28. This lay north of Reuben's lot; the country of Gilead lay in this tribe, so famous for its balm that it is thought strange indeed if there be no balm in Gilead, and the cities of Jabesh-Gilead and Ramoth-Gilead which we often read of in scripture. Succoth and Penuel, which we read of in the story of Gideon, were in this tribe; and that forest which is called the wood of Ephraim (from the slaughter Jephthah made there of the Ephraimites), in which Absalom's rebellious army was beaten, while his father David lay at Mahanaim, one of the frontier-cities of this tribe, v. 26. Sharon, famous for roses, was in this tribe. And within the limits of this tribe lived those Gadarenes that loved their swine better than their Saviour, fitter to be called Girgashites than Israelites.
        • [3.] The lot of the half-tribe of Manasseh, v. 29-31. Bashan, the kingdom of Og, was in this allotment, famous for the best timber, witness the oaks of Bashan-and the best breed of cattle, witness the bulls and rams of Bashan. This tribe lay north of Gad, reached to Mount Hermon, and had in it part of Gilead. Mispeh was in this half-tribe, and Jephthah was one of its ornaments; so was Elijah, for in this tribe was Thisbe, whence he is called the Tishbite; and Jair was another. In the edge of the tribe stood Chorazin, honoured with Christ's wondrous works, but ruined by his righteous woe for not improving them.
        • [4.] Twice in this chapter it is taken notice of that to the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance (v. 14, 33), for so God had appointed, Num. 18:20. If they had been appointed to a lot entire by themselves, Moses would have served them first, not because it was his own tribe, but because it was God's; but they must be provided for in another manner; their habitations must be scattered in all the tribes, and their maintenance brought out of all the tribes, and God himself was the portion both of their inheritance and of their cup, Deu. 10:9; 18:2.