Surveyors are sent to divide the rest of the land into seven tribes. The lot of Benjamin.
From the campe of Israel in Silo surueyers are sent to diuide the rest of the Land into seuen partes, for the seuen tribes yet without portions. 10. VVhich being donne, Iosue casteth lottes for them, 11. and the first lotte falleth to Beniamim, 12. Whose part is described by the limites, 21. with the names of the principal cities.
1And all the children of Israel assembled together in Silo, and there they set up the tabernacle of the testimony, and the land was subdued before them.E si raunarono tutti i figliuoli d'Israele a Silo, e ivi alzarono il tabernacolo del testimonio, e il paese era ad essi soggetto.AND al the children of Israel were assembled in Silo, and there they pitched the tabernacle of the testimony, and the Land was subdewed to them.Congregatique sunt omnes filii Israël in Silo, ibique fixerunt tabernaculum testimonii, et fuit eis terra subjecta. 2But there remained seven tribes of the children of Israel, which as yet had not received their possessions.Ma vi restavano sette tribù de' figliuoli d'Israele, le quali non avevano ancora avuta la loro porzione.But there remained seuen tribes of the children of Israel, which as yet had not receiued their possessions.Remanserant autem filiorum Israël septem tribus, quæ necdum acceperant possessiones suas. 3And Josue said to them: How long are you indolent and slack, and go not in to possess the land which the Lord the God of your fathers hath given you?Alle quali disse Giosuè: Fino a quando marcirete voi nell'ozio senza entrare al possesso della terra data a voi dal Signore Dio de' padri vostri?To whom Iosue said: How long are you slack with cowardenes, and enter not to possesse the Land, which our Lord the God of your fathers hath geuen you?Ad quos Josue ait: Usquequo marcetis ignavia, et non intratis ad possidendam terram, quam Dominus Deus patrum vestrorum dedit vobis ? 4Choose of every tribe three men, that I may send them, and they may go and compass the land, and mark it out according to the number of each multitude: and bring back to me what they have marked out.Scegliete tre persone da ogni tribù, perchè io le mandi a fare il giro della terra, e ne facciano la descrizione secondo il numero della gente: e ne riferiscano a me la loro descrizione.Choose of euerie tribe three men, that I may send them, and they may goe and circuite the Land, and marke it out according to the number of euerie multitude: and report vnto me that which they haue marked out.Eligite de singulis tribubus ternos viros, ut mittam eos, et pergant atque circumeant terram, et describant eam juxta numerum uniuscujusque multitudinis: referantque ad me quod descripserint. 5Divide to yourselves the land into seven parts: let Juda be in his bounds on the south side, and the house of Joseph on the north.Spartite tra voi la terra in sette parti: Giuda rimanga dentro i suoi confini dalla parte di mezzodì, e la casa di Giuseppe da settentrione.Diuide vnto you the Land into seuen partes: let Iudas be in his boundes on the south quarter, and the house of Ioseph on the North.Dividite vobis terram in septem partes: Judas sit in terminis suis ab australi plaga, et domus Joseph ab aquilone.
6The land in the midst between these mark ye out into seven parts; and you shall come hither to me, that I may cast lots for you before the Lord your God.La terra che è di mezzo tra questi, dividetela in sette parti: e venite a me, affinchè io ve la tiri a sorte qui dinanzi al Signore Dio vostro:the Land in the middes betwen these marke out into seuen partes: and you shal come hither to me, that before our Lord your God I may cast the lotte for you:Mediam inter hos terram in septem partes describite: et huc venietis ad me, ut coram Domino Deo vestro mittam vobis hic sortem: 7For the Levites have no part among you, but the priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance. And Gad and Ruben, and the half tribe of Manasses have already received their possessions beyond the Jordan eastward: which Moses the servant of the Lord gave them.Perocché non han tra voi porzione alcuna i Leviti, ma loro retaggio egli è il sacerdozio del Signore. Gad poi, e Ruben, e mezza la tribù di Manasse han già avute le loro porzioni di là dal Giordano a levante, le quali furon date loro da Mosè servo del Signore.for the Leuites part is not among you, but the priesthood of our Lord is their inheritance. And Gad and Ruben, and the half tribe of Manasses had now receiued their possessions beyond Iordan at the East side: which Moyses the seruant of our Lord gaue them.quia non est inter vos pars Levitarum, sed sacerdotium Domini est eorum hæreditas. Gad autem et Ruben, et dimidia tribus Manasse, jam acceperant possessiones suas trans Jordanem ad orientalem plagam, quas dedit eis Moyses famulus Domini. 8And when the men were risen up, to go to mark out the land, Josue commanded them saying: Go round the land and mark it out, and return to me: that I may cast lots for you before the Lord in Silo.E quando furon pronti quegli uomini per andare a fare la descrizione della terra, Giosuè ordinò, e disse loro: Fate il giro della terra, e misuratela, e tornate a me, affinchè qui in Silo dinanzi al Signore io la tiri a sorte.And when the men were rysen vp, that they might goe to marke out the land, Iosue commanded them, saying: Circuite the Land and marke it out, and returne to me: that here before our Lord, in Silo I may cast the lotte for you.Cumque surrexissent viri, ut pergerent ad describendam terram, præcepit eis Josue, dicens: Circuite terram, et describite eam, ac revertimini ad me: ut hic coram Domino, in Silo, mittam vobis sortem. 9So they went and surveying it divided it into seven parts, writing them down in a book. And they returned to Josue, to the camp in Silo.Quegli adunque andarono: e visitata a parte a parte la terra, la divisero in sette parti, facendone il catasto in un libro. E tornarono a Giosuè negli alloggiamenti di Silo.They therfore went on: and going ouer it, diuided it into seuen partes, writing it in a volume. And they returned to Iosue into the campe in Silo.Itaque perrexerunt: et lustrantes eam, in septem partes diviserunt, scribentes in volumine. Reversique sunt ad Josue in castra Silo.
10And he cast lots before the Lord in Silo, and divided the land to the children of Israel into seven parts.Il quale tirolla a sorte in Silo dinanzi al Signore, e divise la terra a' figliuoli d'Israele in sette parti.Who did cast lottes before our Lord in Silo, and diuided the Land to the children of Israel into seuen partes.Qui misit sortes coram Domino in Silo, divisitque terram filiis Israël in septem partes. 11And first came up the lot of the children of Benjamin by their families, to possess the land between the children of Juda, and the children of Joseph.La prima a uscire a sorte fu la tribù di Beniamin distinta nelle sue famiglie, la quale ebbe sua porzione tra i figliuoli di Giuda, e i figliuoli di Giuseppe.And first came vp the lotte of the children of Beniamin by their families, to possesse the Land betwen the children of Iudas and the children of Ioseph.Et ascendit sors prima filiorum Benjamin per familias suas, ut possiderent terram inter filios Juda et filios Joseph. 12And their border northward was from the Jordan: going along by the side of Jericho on the north side, and thence going up westward to the mountains, and reaching to the wilderness of Bethaven,E i loro confini da settentrione furono al Giordano: e si stesero al lato settentrionale di Gerico, e di lì salgono alla montagna: e arrivano fino al deserto di Bethaven,And their border was against the North from Iordan: going forward by the side of Iericho on the north quarter, and thence Westward rysing vp vnto the mountaines, and reaching to the wildernes of Bethauen,Fuitque terminus eorum contra aquilonem a Jordane: pergens juxta latus Jericho septentrionalis plagæ, et inde contra occidentem ad montana conscendens et perveniens ad solitudinem Bethaven, 13And passing along southward by Luza, the same is Bethel, and it goeth down into Ataroth-addar to the mountain, that is on the south of the nether Beth-horon.E passano a mezzo giorno vicino a Luza detta anche Bethel: e scendono in Atharoth-Addar verso il monte che sta al mezzodì di Beth-horon la inferiore:& passing through by Luza to the South, the same is Bethel: and goeth downe into Ataroth addar vnto the mountaine, that is on the South of Bethhoron the lower.atque pertransiens juxta Luzam ad meridiem, ipsa est Bethel: descenditque in Ataroth Addar, in montem qui est ad meridiem Beth-horon inferioris: 14And it bendeth thence going round towards the sea, south of the mountain that looketh towards Beth-horon to the south-west: and the outgoings thereof are into Cariathbaal, which is called also Cariathiarim, a city of the children of Juda This is their coast towards the sea, westward.E declinano, e girano verso il mare a mezzodì della montagna che guarda Beth-horon dalla parte dell'Africa, e finiscono a Cariath-baal, la quale è detta Cariath-iarim città de' figliuoli di Giuda: questa è la parte verso il mare a ponente.And it bendeth compassing against the sea, South ward of the mountaine that looketh to Bethhoron against the South: and the issues therof are into Cariathbaal, which is called also Cariathbaal which is called also Cariathiarim, a citie of the children of Iudas. This is their coast against the sea, toward the West.et inclinatur circuiens contra mare ad meridiem montis qui respicit Beth-horon contra Africum: suntque exitus ejus in Cariath-baal, quæ vocatur et Cariathiarim, urbem filiorum Juda. Hæc est plaga contra mare, ad occidentem.
15But on the south side the border goeth out from part of Cariathiarim towards the sea, and cometh to the fountain of the waters of Nephtoa.Da mezzodì poi i suoi confini cominciano dalla parte di Cariath-iarim verso il mare, e arrivano fino alla fontana di Nephtoa.But on the South from part of Cariathiarim the border issueth forth against the sea, and cometh to the fountaine of the waters of Nephtoa.A meridie autem ex parte Cariathiarim egreditur terminus contra mare, et pervenit usque ad fontem aquarum Nephtoa. 16And it goeth down to that part of the mountain that looketh on the valley of the children of Ennom: and is over against the north quarter in the furthermost part of the valley of Raphaim, and it goeth down into Geennom (that is the valley of Ennom) by the side of the Jebusite to the south: and cometh to the fountain of Rogel,E scendono fino alla parte del monte che guarda la valle dei figliuoli di Ennom; ed è a settentrione nel fondo della valle di Raphaim. E scendono in Geennom (vale a dire valle di Ennom) accanto alli Jebusei a mezzodì, e arrivano alla fonte di Rogel.And it goeth downe into part of the mountaine that looketh toward the Valley of the children of Ennom: and is against the north quarter in the vttermost part of the Valley raphaim, And it goeth downe into Gehennom (that is, the valley of Ennom) by the side of the Iebuseite to the South: and cometh to the Fountaine of Rogel,Descenditque in partem montis, qui respicit vallem filiorum Ennom: et est contra septentrionalem plagam in extrema parte vallis Raphaim. Descenditque in Geennom (id est, vallem Ennom) juxta latus Jebusæi ad austrum: et pervenit ad fontem Rogel, 17Passing thence to the north, and going out to Ensemes, that is to say, the fountain of the sun:Passano verso tramontana, e si estendono fino ad Ensemes, cioè Fonte del sole:pasling to the north, and going forth to Ensemes, that is to say, the fountaine of the sunne:transiens ad aquilonem, et egrediens ad Ensemes, id est, fontem solis: 18And it passeth along to the hills that are over against the ascent of Adommim: and it goeth down to Abenboen, that is, the stone of Boen the son of Ruben: and it passeth on the north side to the champaign countries; and goeth down into the plain,E passano fino alle alture che sono dirimpetto alla salita di Adommim: e scendono da Aben-boen, o sia pietra di Boen figliuolo di Ruben, e vanno dalla parte di tramontana fino a' campi; e scendono nel piano,and it passeth vnto the litle hilles, that are against the ascent of Adommim: and goeth downe to Abenboen, that is, the stone of Boen the sonne of Ruben: and it passeth on the north side to the champaine countries: and goeth downe into the playne,et pertransit usque ad tumulos, qui sunt e regione ascensus Adommim: descenditque ad Abenboën, id est, lapidem Boën filii Ruben: et pertransit ex latere aquilonis ad campestria: descenditque in planitiem, 19And it passeth by Bethhagla northward: and the outgoings thereof are towards the north of the most salt sea at the south end of the Jordan.E s'inoltrano verso settentrione a Bethhagla: e finiscono alla punta del mar salato verso settentrione all'imboccatura del Giordano che guarda mezzodì:and passeth by against the North of Bethagla: and the issues therof are against the brincke of the most salt sea on the North in the end of Iordan to the south quarter:et prætergreditur contra aquilonem Beth Hagla: suntque exitus ejus contra linguam maris salsissimi ab aquilone in fine Jordanis ad australem plagam:
20Which is the border of it on the east side. This is the possession of the children of Benjamin by their borders round about, and their families.Il qual (Giordano) è suo confine da oriente: questa è la porzione, e questi i confini da tutte le bande de' figliuoli di Beniamin divisi nelle loro famiglie.which is the border therof on the East. This is the possession of the children of Beniamin by their borders round about, and their families.qui est terminus illius ab oriente. Hæc est possessio filiorum Benjamin per terminos suos in circuitu, et familias suas. 21And their cities were, Jericho and Bethhagla and Vale-Casis,E le loro città furono Gerico, e Beth-hagla, e la valle di Casis,And their cities were, Iericho and Bethhagla and Vallis Casis,Fueruntque civitates ejus, Jericho et Beth Hagla et vallis Casis, 22Betharaba and Samaraim and Bethel,Beth-Araba, e Samaraim, e Bethel,Beth Araba and Samaraim and Bethel,Beth Araba et Samaraim et Bethel 23And Avim and Aphara and Ophera,E Avim, e Aphara, e Ophera,and Auim and Aphara and Ophera,et Avim et Aphara et Ophera, 24The town Emona and Ophni and Gabee: twelve cities, and their villages.Borgo di Emona, e Ophni, e Gabee: dodici città co' loro villaggi.Towne Emona and Ophni and Gabee: twelue cities, & their townes.villa Emona et Ophni et Gabee: civitates duodecim, et villæ earum. 25Gabam and Rama and Beroth,Gabaon, e Rama, e Beroth,Gabaon and Rama and Beroth,Gabaon et Rama et Beroth, 26And Mesphe, and Caphara, and Amosa,E Mesphe, e Caphara, e Amosa,and Mesphe, and Caphara, and Amosa,et Mesphe et Caphara, et Amosa 27And Recem, Jarephel, and Tharela,E Recem, Jarephel, e Tharela,and Recem, Iarephel and Tharela,et Recem, Jarephel et Tharela, 28And Sela, Eleph and Jebus, which is Jerusalem, Gabaath and Cariath: fourteen cities, and their villages. This is the possession of the children of Benjamin by their families.E Sela, Eleph, e Jebus, o sia Gerusalemme, Gabaath, e Cariath: quattordici città coi loro villaggi. Questa è la porzione de' figliuoli di Beniamin distinti nelle loro famiglie.and Sela, Eleph, and Iebus, which is Ierusalem, Gabaath and Cariath: fourteenne cities, and their townes. This is the possession of the children of Beniamin by their families.et Sela, Eleph, et Jebus, quæ est Jerusalem, Gabaath et Cariath: civitates quatuordecim, et villæ earum. Hæc est possessio filiorum Benjamin juxta familias suas.
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Year of the World 2560.
Silo was delightfully situated, about the midst of the country, 12 miles south of Sichem. Hither the Israelites removed with the ark from Galgal after having had their camp in the latter place seven years at least; the Jews say 14. But Josue might reproach the Israelites for their indolence, (ver. 3,) without waiting seven years after the country was divided.
Calmet
Tabernacle. The Jews pretend that this was not the same as that set up by Moses; and others say that a house was built for the Lord at Silo, 1 Kings 1:23. But there seems to be no reason for these assertions. David informs us that the ark of the Lord was covered with skins, 2 Kings 7:2. If any repairs were found necessary for the tabernacle erected by Moses, they might be made. The ark was certainly in it till the Israelites unfortunately sent it into the camp, where it was taken by the Philistines. When they sent back the ark, it was deposited at Gabaa, and not in the tabernacle, which was at Silo. Then it was sent to Nobe. We find the tabernacle was at Gabaon some time after the ark was translated to Jerusalem. (Calmet)
Menochius
Them. They might, therefore, removed the ark into the interior, and measure the country without danger. (Menochius)
Calmet
The greatest part of the country had submitted to Josue. (Calmet)
18:3
Year of the World 1561[2561?], Year before Christ 1443.
Calmet
Slack. These seven tribes had been accustomed to live in indolence, having their food provided for them in a miraculous manner. They were perhaps afraid lest, if the army of Israel should be divided, the different tribes would be too weak to make head against the enemy. (Calmet)
Haydock
Josue had, however, made all things easy, and they might at their leisure conquer the few towns which yet remained in the hands of the Chanaanites, if they had not cherished this indolent disposition, which was so displeasing to God, and brought upon them so many evils. (Haydock)
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Tribe: it is not clear whether any but these seven were concerned.
Calmet
Out. Josephus says, that people well skilled in geometry accompanied them. (Calmet)
Worthington
They had to mark out seven portions of land, which might suffice for these remaining tribes, (Haydock) who would receive them by lot, to take away all cause of discontent. They still received according to their numbers, Numbers 26:54. (Worthington)
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North, with respect to Silo. Juda had taken possession of his territory, as well as the tribes of Joseph.
18:6
Challoner
The land in the midst, between these mark ye out into seven parts: that is to say the rest of the land, which is not already assigned to Juda or Joseph. (Challoner)
Haydock
For we must not suppose that Joseph occupied the most northern parts of the country, so as, with Juda on the south, to enclose all the other tribes. (Haydock)
Calmet
Hebrew, "As for you, you shall describe the land into seven parts." (Calmet)
Menochius
Only the tribe of Benjamin was between these two tribes, (ver. 11,) so that Serarius thinks that mediam has been substituted for aliam, "the other." (Menochius)
Lots. The deputies divided the country into seven portions, equal in goodness, though not in extent. After the lots were drawn, some alterations might be made by common consent, and those tribes which were too much straitened for room, received what was requisite among those who had too large a territory. Hence we find Joseph occupying the cities of Issachar, etc., chap 17:10. It was equally inconvenient to have too much or too little.
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Calmet
Priesthood, and the rights attached to it, tithes, etc. (Calmet)
Menochius
It was therefore necessary to make eight portions. (Menochius)
18:9
Book. Hebrew, "described it, according to the cities, into seven parts, in a volume," (Haydock) or table, resembling a map. The ancients commonly wrote on boards covered with wax, and engraved on stone, lead, etc.
18:11
Calmet
First. A person might proclaim that the tribe, whose name was drawn first out of the urn, should have the territory which was described in the book by the land surveyors; or the names of the seven tribes might be in one urn, and seven parcels of land in another. (Calmet)
18:12
Menochius
Bethaven, or Bethel. Josephus says, (Antiquities 5:3,) that the territory of Benjamin extended as far as the Mediterranean: but it only went to Ataroth, ver. 13. (Menochius)
18:15
Haydock
Sea, on the west. (Haydock)
The northern limits of Juda form the southern ones of Benjamin, only here Josue proceeds in a contrary direction, from west to east. (Menochius) See Josue 15:5, 8.
18:16
Calmet
Part. Hebrew, "end, or summit." (Calmet)
Button
That is, etc., an explication added by St. Jerome. Some say this dreadful vale (Haydock) was on the south of Jerusalem. (Button.)
18:18
Hills. Hebrew Geliloth, "the limits," (Calmet) or Galgal, on the road to Jerusalem from Jericho, and different from that where the Israelites encamped, Josue 15:7.
Adommim is a narrow pass in the vicinity, much infested with robbers.
Abenboen. The explication is alone given, Josue 15:6.
Haydock
Plain. Septuagint, "and it shall pass by Betharaba, on the south from the north, and it shall descend." Grabe supplies "to Araba;" or the plain desert country. (Haydock)
Haydock
Betharaba is, in effect, mentioned as one of the cities of Benjamin, (ver. 22,) as it had before been assigned to Juda, (Calmet) being inhabited by both tribes. (Haydock)
18:19
Haydock
Towards, (contra linguam) " the bay on the north," etc. (Haydock)
There is another on the south, Josue 15:2.
18:21
Calmet
Vale of Casis, "incision," so called, as some pretend, on account of the balm, which was extracted by cutting the bark with a stone, or with glass. But this etymology seems too far fetched, and there is no proof that balm was cultivated there in the days of Josue. (Calmet)
Menochius
Some of the cities of Benjamin have been here omitted, as two others are mentioned, Josue 21:18. (Menochius)
18:24
Ophni, the Gophna so celebrated in latter times, fifteen miles from Gabaa. St. Jerome attributes it to Ephraim, as perhaps it was chiefly inhabited by people of that tribe.
Josephus
Gabee. The wickedness of its citizens almost involved the whole tribe in destruction, Judges xix. It was twenty mile north of Jerusalem. (Josephus, [Antiquities?] 5:2.)
18:26
Mesphe, where Samuel assembled the people, 1 Kings 7:5. It was regarded as a place of devotion, while the temple was in the hands of the profane, 1 Machabees 3:46.
18:28
Jebus. The city was called Salem in the days of Abraham, Genesis 14:18., and Psalm 75:3. St. Jerome supposes that Melchisedec resided near Scythopolis, at Salem. (Genesis 33:17., ep. ad Evag.) Usher thinks he lived at Salim, John 3:23.
Calmet
Gabaath. There seems to have been two cities of this name; one famous for the tomb of Habacuc, (St. Jerome) and the other in the tribe of Ephraim, Josue 24:33. (Calmet)
18:6
18:4
Not equal bu• proportionable partes were assigned, for so it was commanded. Num. 26. v. 54. To the greater number to geue a greater portion, and to the fewer a lesse.
18:6
After the portions were appointed by mens industrie & discretion, God confirmed the same by lotte, to take away al occasiō of discontentment.
18:1
St Gregory of Nazianzus † AD 389 Select Orations of Saint Gregory Nazianzen 42.26
26. Farewell my Anastasia, whose name is redolent of piety: for thou hast raised up for us the doctrine which was in contempt: farewell, scene of our common victory, modern Shiloh,
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St Augustine of Hippo † AD 430 Expositions on the Book of Psalms 62.4
… But when Jerusalem was being builded, it was not builded in a place where there was not a city, but there was a city at first which was called Jebus, whence the Jebusites. This having been captured, overcome, made subject, there was builded a new city, as though the old were thrown down; and it was called Jerusalem,
St Augustine of Hippo † AD 430 Expositions on the Book of Psalms 65.2
… They are mingled, and from the very beginning of mankind mingled they run on unto the end of the world. Jerusalem received beginning through Abel, Babylon through Cain: for the buildings of the cities were afterwards erected. That Jerusalem in the land of the Jebusites was builded: for at first it used to be called Jebus,
18:1
ALL THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL GATHERED TOGETHER IN SILO (Silo is a very high mountain, and a city on the mountain), AND THERE THEY FIXED THE TABERNACLE OF THE TESTIMONY; — in which namely was the testimony, that is, the tables of the law with the ark and the Cherubim. Hence it is clear that the ark and with the ark the camps of the Hebrews were transferred from Galgal to Silo, which was in the tribe of Ephraim, from which Joshua the leader was. For it was fitting that the ark should be in the tribe of the Leader, and the people should follow the Leader, especially because Silo was near Jerusalem (for it was distant from it by only two leagues or hours) in which God had decreed to establish for himself a seat and a temple. The ark remained in Silo for 350 years and more, namely from Joshua until Samuel, I Kings xiv, 3. The Rabbis think that this translation of the ark from Galgal was made in the 14th year of Joshua's leadership, and from there they compute the jubilee years, which they number as 17, namely 850 years in which they assert the Hebrews occupied the promised land; but they are mistaken in many things. More truly Torniellus and others hold that this translation of the ark was made after seven years of war, namely in the eighth year of Joshua's leadership. For then Joshua, having subdued Chanaan by himself, possessed it peacefully, and distributed it among the twelve tribes; wherefore then individuals began to inhabit houses and to cultivate vineyards and fields. Then therefore likewise the laws and ceremonies prescribed by God through Moses were brought into practice, and consequently the rite of the seventh year, likewise and of the fiftieth, or Jubilee, which they number as 17, namely 850 years. Therefore the eighth year of Joshua (not the first, in which he entered Chanaan and conquered Jericho, as some wish) was the beginning of these years: for from that time the years both of Sabbath and of Jubilee began to be numbered, according to the law sanctified by God, Levit. xxv, 2 et seq., as I have shown there.
18:2
2. BUT THERE REMAINED OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL SEVEN TRIBES, WHICH HAD NOT YET RECEIVED THEIR POSSESSIONS. — This happened, partly from the torpor and sloth of the seven tribes, for Joshua objects this to them in the following verse; partly because there arose in them a suspicion that the former measurement of the holy land had not been made sufficiently equally, and that an error had been committed by the measurers; for in order that it be corrected, Joshua again sends new surveyors, who may measure out the remaining land more exactly for the seven tribes, and distribute it into seven regions.
18:3
3. TO WHOM JOSHUA SAID: HOW LONG WILL YOU DELAY IN SLOTH? etc. — Sleep and torpor are wont to seize those wearied by labor; thus here sloth invaded the Israelites, fatigued by a seven-year war, from sending Geometers, who would divide the remaining Chanaan into seven parts equally for the seven tribes. Therefore Joshua does not signify here that much time, namely seven years, intervened between the former and this latter division of Chanaan, as the Rabbis wish, and Masius and Magalianus following them: for Joshua would not have tolerated such delay and sloth, nor would the Hebrews. For who would have sustained them, so numerous (for they were more than a hundred thousand men in these seven tribes), unless they themselves individually had ploughed the land that had fallen to them by lot, sown it, cultivated it? He therefore urges them only that immediately, with surveyors sent, they divide the land, so that divided it may be distributed to the seven tribes by lot; lest they themselves move a dispute against the other tribes, which already possessed their lots, or invade and plunder their boundaries. For idleness is the cause of want, want is the cause of theft and robbery.
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4. LET THEM DESCRIBE IT ACCORDING TO THE NUMBER OF EACH MULTITUDE, — that is, according to the number of tribes, so that namely for the seven tribes they describe the land and divide it into so many portions or regions, but so that a larger or better portion of land may be assigned to the more numerous tribe. Thus he explains himself in the following verse: for lots were cast according to the quantity of the tribe, so that if it were large, the region might be enlarged by lot; if small, the region might be narrowed by lot.
18:6
6. THE MIDDLE LAND AMONG THESE DESCRIBE IN SEVEN PARTS. — The middle among these is not in the Hebrew, Chaldean and Septuagint; for even beyond the lot of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasse, the lot of the seven tribes extended as far as Lebanon. Whence some suspect there is an error here, and it should be corrected thus, the remaining among you. And indeed the middle should be explained as the remaining. For the remaining part of the land was middle, either among the Judahites and Josephites, or among the Josephites and Lebanon, or among the Judahites and Idumeans. For if there were boundaries of the land promised to the Hebrews, established by God.
18:7
7. BUT THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE LORD IS THEIR INHERITANCE. — "Priesthood," that is, the priestly revenue, namely oblations, victims, first-fruits, vows, which were to be given to the priests by law, were as it were the inheritance of the Levites; hence they lived, because they did not have a portion of land, as the other tribes.
18:9
9. AND THEY RETURNED TO JOSHUA IN THE CAMP AT SILO. — Josephus says that they were occupied for seven months in this description of the land, and in the seventh month returned to Joshua at Siluntem.
18:14
14. AND IT IS INCLINED. — In Hebrew תאר taar, that is, it is delineated, figured with some inclination and bending. Whence Masius translates it, it turned; the Zurich Bible, it reflects.
18:16
16. AND IT DESCENDED INTO THE PART OF THE MOUNTAIN, WHICH LOOKETH TOWARD THE VALLEY OF THE CHILDREN OF ENNOM. — "Mountain," namely Moria, as I said cap. xv, 8.
18:18
18. AND IT PASSED ALONG UNTO THE TUMULI. — In Hebrew unto Geliloth, which Our Version translates Tumuli. To Tumuli therefore here is a proper name of a city, or place so called from heaps or tumuli of sands or stones, etc. See what is said above cap. xv vers. 7.
18:21
21. VALLEY OF CASIS. — In Hebrew קציץ kasis, which word signifies cutting or ending. It is a proper name of a valley and of a city situated in it, because that valley was divided and as it were cut asunder. Whence Masius translates it, valley of abruptness, or plain cut asunder. Others translate it, valley of incision, because in it balm was not cut with iron, but with sharp glass, bone or stone; for if it be cut with iron, the shrub dies, as Pliny says lib. XII, cap. xxv, and Josephus, lib. XIV Antiq. cap. i. For this valley was not far from Jericho, which alone bore balm, as Josephus teaches in the same place.
Machine translation from the Latin, not reviewed.
18:1
Ark (of the Covenant), Ark of the Testimony
The Ark, built by Bezalel (v.) shortly after the departure from Egypt (Ex. 37:1-9), first rested in the Mosaic Tabernacle (v.), followed the Israelites in the desert, then was at Shiloh until the time of Samuel (Josh. 18:1, 8-10; Judg. 20:18, 27; 21:2, 19; I Sam. 1:3, 21, 24; 2:14); from Shiloh it was carried as a pledge of divine protection into battle (Judg. 20:18 (Heb.), 28; II Sam. 4:3; I Sam. 11:11). …
Tabernacle (Tent) of Meeting (Hebrew 'Ohel, usually followed by Me'eth: "Tabernacle of Convene")
… consecrated by Moses: the cloud-glory of Jahweh enveloped it, taking possession of it (Ex. 40). The T. followed the Israelites in their vicissitudes from the desert to the Holy Land: at Gilgal (Josh. 4:19; 5:10; 9:6; 10:6 ff. 9:15, 43; 14:6); at Shiloh (ibid. 18:1; 19:51; Judg. 18:31; 21:19; 1 Sam. 1-4; 14:3; Ps. 78:60); at Nob (1 Sam. 21:1); at Gibeon (1 Chron. 16:39; 21:29; 2 Chron. 1:3); on Zion (1 Kings 3:4). After the Temple was built, …
18:5
… mountainous, monotonous, furrowed by broad beds of watercourses almost always dry, from Hebron as far as Kadesh-barnea, today 'Ajn Qudeis (cf. Gen. 18, 1; Num. 13, 20). Subsequently, it came to mean the south of Palestine (Gen. 12, 9; 13, 1; Ios. 15, 8; 18, 5).
18:6
Rogel (Hebrew 'En-Righèl "Fountain of the Fuller" or "of the Wayfarer")
ROGEL (Hebrew 'En-Righèl "Fountain of the Fuller" or "of the Wayfarer"). - Name of a spring marking the boundary, south of the ancient city of Jerusalem, between the territory of the tribe of Judah and that of Benjamin (Josh. 15:7; 18:6), near 'Ebhen haz-Zöheleth ("serpent stone," from zhl "to slither, to creep") and where Adonijah, son of David, conspired against his father to have himself proclaimed king (1 Kings 1:9).
… the finger to show the way," hence "to indicate" (Gen. 46, 28) or "to direct" (Judg. 13, 8). The explanation of J. Wellhausen, followed by W. Nowack and I. Benzinger, that t. derives from the specific meaning of jârah and hôrah "to cast" lots (Josh. 18, 6; arrows: I Sam. 20, 30, 36), a usage akin to consultation with the ephod or the 'ûrîm tummîm, whereby t. would originally denote the "directive" obtained by the priest through …
18:7
… Moses to be allowed to settle in the territory of the defeated kings and obtained the concession, undertaking to take part with all the tribes in the conquest of Canaan (ibid. 32:33-42; cf. 1:32; 34:14-15; Deut. 3:12-13; 29:8; Josh. 1:12-8; 12:4-6; 18:7). The territory assigned by Moses in Transjordan extended from the south from Mahanaim (v.) on the Jabbok, as far as the slopes of Mount Hermon in the north, including upper Gilead …
18:8
Ark (of the Covenant), Ark of the Testimony
… Before the Ark, that is, "before Yahweh" (Josh. 18:8, etc.), people came to pray and offer sacrifices (I Sam. 1; 2:19; 6:15): the Ark was the center of worship.
Shiloh (Heb. Šilô or Šilôh; Gr. Sēlō, Sēlōn)
Conquered by the Hebrews, it became the center of Joshua's activity and of the assemblies of Israel (Josh. 18:8-10; 19:51; 21:2; 22:9-12). The presence of the Ark and the Tabernacle made S. a goal of pilgrimages (1 Sam. 1:4); on the occasion of an annual feast the Benjaminites carried off the dancing …
18:11
… Its principal cities were: Bethel, Gibeon, Jericho and above all Jerusalem (Josh. 18:11-28). It was warlike, daring and obstinate (Gen. 49:27). Ehud (v.) is a Benjaminite (Judg. 3:15-30). The warriors of B. took part in the decisive battle against the Canaanites of the north, …
18:13
BETHORON (Hebrew Hab-Bithrōn). - Name of a district, probably a valley, to be sought east of the Jordan (II Sam. 2:29), and of a double city (upper and lower), Heb. Beth-hōrōn, situated in the mountains of Ephraim near the borders of Benjamin (Josh. 16:3, 5; 18:13-14), about 20 km northwest of Jerusalem. …
18:15
… It served as a boundary between Judah and Benjamin (Josh. 15:8; 18:15 ff.). …
The territory assigned to it bordered on the north with Dan and Benjamin (Josh. 18:15-19; 19:40-46): an irregularly curving line that runs from the mouth of the Jordan to Minet Rûbîn on the sea; the Dead Sea was the eastern boundary, the Mediterranean the western; to the …
18:16
II. FROM THE CONQUEST OF DAVID TO THE DESTRUCTION (1000-587 B.C.). - When King David (v.) resolved to unite the different fractions of the people, the independence of Urusalim, isolated among the neighboring tribes of Judah and Benjamin (Jos. 15, 8; 18, 16) was compromised by the fact that it occupied the site most favorable to becoming the political and religious center of the Kingdom. …
… It appears in the line of the border between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, but to the south of it (Josh. 15:8; 18:16). Erroneously, therefore, Eusebius (translated by St. Jerome) places it in the tribe of Benjamin north of Jerusalem. …
… of the opinion that its original name was Gè Ben Hinnóm, that is, the name of the "valley" which from south to north, along "the side of the Jebusite, that is, of Jerusalem," marked the boundaries of the tribe of Judah and of Benjamin (Ios. 15, 8; 18, 16). Later, when the city had expanded onto the western hill, the old geographical name of Gè Ben Hinnóm would have come to designate the valley (v. GEHENNA), today er-Rabâhl, which surrounds …
18:18
Adommim (Hebrew Ma'aleh-Adummim «Ascent of the Reds», i.e., «Red Ascent»)
ADOMMIM (Hebrew Ma'aleh-Adummim «Ascent of the Reds», i.e., «Red Ascent»). - A locality that marked the northern border of the tribe of Judah with that of Benjamin (Josh. 15:7; 18:18).
18:19
… More frequently it is called Jâm ham-melah (Vulg.: "mare salis" or "salissimum") in opposition to the fresh waters of the Jordan (Num. 34:3; Josh. 15:2; 18:19). In Gen. 14:3 this designation marks
18:21
Jericho (Hebrew Yērīkō, Arabic Eriha)
Assigned by Joshua to the tribe of Benjamin (Josh. 16, 17), the oasis was repopulated under the name of "city of palms" (Josh. 18, 21; Judg. 3, 19; II Chron. 28, 25). Eglon king of Moab made it his residence for 18 years (Judg. 3, 13); David's envoys stayed there until the affront done to them by the Ammonites …
18:22
Except for Bèth-'Arábāh, a border town between Benjamin and Judah (Josh. 15:6, 61; 18:22), the Vulgate always translates 'A. as a common noun ("solitudo", "campestria", "planities", "desertum").
Bethel (Hebrew Bēth-'Ēl = "House of God")
… With the conquest of the promised land, B. was assigned to the tribe of Benjamin (Josh. 18, 22), but in fact passed to that of Ephraim, having been taken (Judg. 1, 22-26) by the descendants of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh). …
18:23
EPHREM. - A town near the desert, where Jesus withdrew with his disciples after the miracle of the resurrection of Lazarus (Jn. 11:54). It is generally identified with Ophera (Josh. 18:23), with Ephraim near Baal-hazor, where at the time of the sheep-shearing Absalom held a banquet (2 Sam. 13:23), with Ephron occupied by Abijah (2 Chron. 13:19), with Apherema, capital …
18:24
2. G. in the tribe of Benjamin (Josh. 18, 24; 21, 11; I Chron. 6, 60), today Geba', 10 km northeast of Jerusalem in the vicinity of Ramah (er-Ram). …
18:25
A Levitical city (Josh. 21:17) of the tribe of Benjamin (Josh. 18:25), it was the scene of fierce fighting between the partisans of Saul and those of David (II Sam. 12:16) near the great pool - "the great waters of G." (Jer. 41:46) - still recognizable …
Maspha (Heb. Mīspāh "Watchtower")
5. City in the tribe of Benjamin, not far from Ramah (Josh. 18:25-26). It was the place of assembly of the Hebrews after the affair of Gibeah, where the wife of the Levite met an ignominious death (Judg. 20:1-2), and subsequently of other assemblies …
Rama (Heb. Hā-Rāmāh = "The Height")
1. R. in the tribe of Benjamin (Josh. 18:25) on the Jerusalem-Bethel road (Judg. 4:5), north of Gibeah (Judg. 19:13; 1 Sam. 25:6), an outpost to the south of the Kingdom of Israel and fortified by King Baasha (1 Kings 15:17; …
18:26
… The name of E. is very doubtful, since the Latin version has Amasa, which corresponds to Amosa of Josh. 18:26, identified with the village of Qolānijjeh 6.5 km. from Jerusalem.
18:28
… Jerusalem, which they designated, according to an ancient usage, Jēbhūs (Judg. 19:10; I Chron. 11:4). Their king was killed by Joshua (Josh. 10:23-26), but the J. resisted all the attacks of the tribe of Benjamin, to which the city had been assigned (Josh. 18:28), as well as those of the neighboring tribe of Judah (Josh. 15:63; Judg. 1:21; 19:11), and they remained in the city even after David's conquest (II Sam. 5:6-7).
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · Vulgata Clementina · original Douay-Rheims (Douay 1609-10), transcription by EEBO-TCP (CC0) · La Sacra Bibbia, tradotta dalla Volgata da Antonio Martini (1769-1781) (LaParola (laparola.net), Martini OSIS text, Public domain (LaParola's electronic edition marks it 'Dominio pubblico')). Public domain.