Cities with their suburbs are assigned for the priests and Levites.
Cities with suburbes are assigned to the tribe of Leui. 4. To the sonnes of Caath by the line of Aaron being priestes, thirtenne, 5. to the rest of Caaths progenie, being Leuites, tenne. 6. To the sonnes of Gerson Leuites thirte•ne 7. To the sonnes of Merari Leuites (34. of a lower degree) twelue. 9. with the names of al the cities: 39. in al fourtie eight. 41. So Gods promise is fully performed hauing geuen the whole Land to Israel in peaceable possession.
1Then the princes of the families of Levi came to Eleazar the priest, and to Josue the son of Nun, and to the princes of the kindreds of all the tribes of the children of Israel.E i principi delle famiglie di Levi andarono a trovar Eleazaro sommo sacerdote, e Giosuè figliuolo di Nun, e i capi delle famiglie di ogni tribù de' figliuoli d'Israele.AND the princes of the families of the Leui came to Eleazar the priest, and Iosue the sonne of Nun, and to the chief of the kinredes in euerie tribe of the children of Israel:Accesseruntque principes familiarum Levi ad Eleazarum sacerdotem, et Josue filium Nun, et ad duces cognationum per singulas tribus filiorum Israël: 2And they spoke to them in Silo in the land of Chanaan, and said: The Lord commanded by the hand of Moses, that cities should be given us to dwell in, and their suburbs to feed our cattle.E parlaron con essi in Silo nella terra di Canaan, e dissero: il Signore ordinò per mezzo di Mosè che fossero a noi assegnate delle città da abitare, co' loro sobborghi per nudrire il bestiame.and they spake to them in Silo of the Land of Chanaan, and said: Our Lord commanded by the hand of Moyses, that cities should be geuen vs to inhabite, and their suburbes to feede cattel.locutique sunt ad eos in Silo terræ Chanaan, atque dixerunt: Dominus præcepit per manum Moysi, ut darentur nobis urbes ad habitandum, et suburbana earum ad alenda jumenta. 3And the children of Israel gave out of their possessions according to the commandment of the Lord, cities and their suburbs.E i figliuoli d'Israele dettero delle loro porzioni, secondo il comando del Signore, le città co' loro sobborghi.And the children of Israel gaue of their possessions according to the commandement of our Lord, cities and their suburbes.Dederuntque filii Israël de possessionibus suis juxta imperium Domini, civitates et suburbana earum. 4And the lot came out for the family of Caath of the children of Aaron the priest out of the tribes of Juda, and of Simeon, and of Benjamin, thirteen cities.Ed essendo uscita a sorte la famiglia di Caath, i figliuoli di Aronne sacerdote ebbero tredici città delle tribù di Giuda, e di Simeon, e di Beniamin:And the lotte came forth vnto the familie of Caath of the children of Aaron the priest out of the tribe of Iudas, and Simeon, and Beniamin, thirtene cities.Egressaque est sors in familiam Caath filiorum Aaron sacerdotis, de tribubus Juda, et Simeon, et Benjamin, civitates tredecim: 5And to the rest of the children of Caath, that is, to the Levites, who remained, out of the tribes of Ephraim, and of Dan, and the half tribe of Manasses, ten cities.E agli altri figliuoli di Caath, che rimanevano, cioè a dire a' Leviti furon date dieci città delle tribù di Ephraim e di Dan e di mezza la tribù di Manasse.And to the rest of the children of Caath, that is to the Leuites, which remayned, out of the tribes of Ephraim, and Dan, and the halfe tribe of Manasses, ten cities.et reliquis filiorum Caath, id est Levitis, qui superfuerant, de tribubus Ephraim, et Dan, et dimidia tribu Manasse, civitates decem.
6And the lot came out to the children of Gerson, that they should take of the tribes of Issachar and of Aser and of Nephtali, and of the half tribe of Manasses in Basan, thirteen cities.Ai figliuoli di Gerson toccò in sorte di aver numero tredici città delle tribù d'Issachar, e di Aser, e di Nephtali e della mezza tribù di Manasse in Basan.Moreouer to the children of Gerson came forth a lotte, that they should take of the tribes of Issachar and Aser and Nephthali, and the halfe tribe of Manasses in Basan, cities in number thirtene.Porro filii Gerson egressa est sors, ut acciperent de tribubus Issachar et Aser et Nephthali, dimidiaque tribu Manasse in Basan, civitates numero tredecim. 7And to the sons of Merari by their kindreds, of the tribes of Ruben and of Gad and of Zabulon, twelve cities.E a' figliuoli di Merari distinti nelle loro famiglie, dodici città delle tribù di Ruben, e Gad, e Zabulon.And to the sonnes of Merari by their kinredes, of the tribe of Ruben and Gad and Zabulon, twelue cities.Et filiis Merari per cognationes suas de tribubus Ruben et Gad et Zabulon urbes duodecim. 8And the children of Israel gave to the Levites the cities and their suburbs, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses, giving to every one by lot.E diedero i figliuoli d'Israele a' Leviti le città co' loro sobborghi, come avea comandato il Signore per mezzo di Mosè distribuendole loro a sorte.and the children of Israel gaue to the Leuites cities and their suburbes, as our Lord commanded by the hand of Moyses, geuing to euerie one by lotte.Dederuntque filii Israël Levitis civitates et suburbana earum, sicut præcepit Dominus per manum Moysi, singulis sorte tribuentes. 9Of the tribes of the children of Juda and of Simeon Josue gave cities: whose names are these,E questi sono i nomi delle città prese da' figliuoli di Giuda, e di Simeon, e assegnate da Giosuè.Of the tribes of the children of Iudas and Simeon Iosue gaue cities: whose names be these,De tribubus filiorum Juda et Simeon dedit Josue civitates, quarum ista sunt nomina, 10To the sons of Aaron, of the families of Caath of the race of Levi (for the first lot came out for them)I figliuoli di Aronne della famiglia di Caath, della stirpe di Levi (che furono i primi a uscir a sorte) ebberoto the children of Aaron by the families of Caath of the Leuitical stocke (for the first lotte came forth to them)filiis Aaron per familias Caath Levitici generis (prima enim sors illis egressa est), 11The city of Arbe the father of Enac, which is called Hebron, in the mountain of Juda, and the suburbs thereof round about.Cariath-Arbe del padre di Enac (detta Hebron sulla montagna di Giuda) col suo sobborgo che la circonda.Cariatharbe the father of Enac, which is called Hebron, in the mountaine of Iudas, and the suburbes therof round about.Cariatharbe patris Enac, quæ vocatur Hebron, in monte Juda, et suburbana ejus per circuitum.
12But the fields and the villages thereof he had given to Caleb the son of Jephone for his possession.I campi, e i villaggi di essa gli avea dati (Giosuè) a Caleb, figliuolo di Jephone per sua porzione.But the fieldes and the townes therof he had geuen to Caleb the sonne of Iephone to possesse.Agros vero et villas ejus dederat Caleb filio Jephone ad possidendum. 13He gave therefore to the children of Aaron the priest, Hebron a city of refuge, and the suburbs thereof, and Lebna with the suburbs thereof,Diede egli adunque ai figliuoli di Aronne sommo sacerdote Hebron città di rifugio col suo sobborgo: e Lobna col suo sobborgo:He gaue therfore to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron a citie of refuge, and the suburbes therof: & Lobna with the suburbes therof: (Dedit ergo filiis Aaron sacerdotis Hebron confugii civitatem, ac suburbana ejus: et Lobnam cum suburbanis suis: 14And Jether and Estemo,E Jether, ed Estemo,and Iether and Estemo,et Jether, et Esthemo, 15And Holon, and Dabir,E Holon, e Dabir,and Holon, and Dabir,et Holon, et Dabir, 16And Ain, and Jeta, and Bethsames, with their suburbs: nine cities out of the two tribes, as hath been said.E Ain, e Jeta, e Bethsames co' loro sobborghi: nove città di due tribù, conforme si è detto.and Ain, and Ieta, and Bethsames, with the suburbes therof: nine cities of two tribes, as hath bene said.et Ain, et Jeta, et Bethsames, cum suburbanis suis: civitates novem de tribubus, ut dictum est, duabus. 17And out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, Gabaon, and Gabae,E della tribù de' figliuoli di Beniamin Gabaon, e Gabae,And of the tribe of the children of Beniamin, Gabaon, and Gabae,De tribu autem filiorum Benjamin, Gabaon, et Gabæ, 18And Anathoth and Almon, with, their suburbs: four cities.E Anathoth, e Almon co' suoi sobborghi: quattro città.and Anathoth and Almon, with their suburbes: foure cities.et Anathoth et Almon, cum suburbanis suis: civitates quatuor. 19All the cities together of the children of Aaron the priest, were thirteen, with their suburbs,Tutte insieme le città de' figliuoli di Aronne sommo sacerdote furon tredici, e loro sobborghi.Al the cities together of the children of Aaron the priest, thirtene, with their suburbes.Omnes simul civitates filiorum Aaron sacerdotis, tredecim, cum suburbanis suis. 20And to the rest of the families of the children of Caath of the race of Levi was given this possession.Agli altri figliuoli di Caath della stirpe di Levi distinti nelle loro famiglie furono assegnate:But to the rest by the families of the children of Caath of the Leuitical stocke was geuen this possession.Reliquis vero per familias filiorum Caath Levitici generis, hæc est data possessio.
21Of the tribe of Ephraim, Sichem one of the cities of refuge, with the suburbs thereof in mount Ephraim, and Gazer,Della tribù di Ephraim, per città di rifugio Sichem co' suoi sobborghi sul monte Ephraim, e Gazer,Of the tribe of Ephraim, the cities of refuge, Sichem with the suburbes therof in the mountayne of Ephraim, and GazerDe tribu Ephraim urbes confugii, Sichem cum suburbanis suis in monte Ephraim, et Gazer 22And Cibsaim, and Beth-horon, with their suburbs, four cities.E Cibsaim, e Bethoron co' suoi sobborghi, quattro città.and Cibsaim, and Beth horon, with the suburbes therof, foure cities.et Cibsaim et Beth-horon, cum suburbanis suis, civitates quatuor. 23And of he tribe of Dan, Eltheco and Gabathon,Della tribù di Dan, Eltheco, e Gabathon,Of the tribe of Dan also, Eltheco and Gabathon,De tribu quoque Dan, Eltheco et Gabathon, 24And Aialon and Gethremmon, with their suburbs, four cities.E Ajalon, e Gethremmon co' loro sobborghi, quattro città.and Aialon and Gethremmon, with the suburbes therof, foure cities.et Ajalon et Gethremmon, cum suburbanis suis, civitates quatuor. 25And of the half tribe of Manasses, Thanac and Gethremmon, with their suburbs, two cities.E della mezza tribù di Manasse Thanach, e Gethremmon co' loro sobborghi, due città.Moreouer of the half tribe of Manasses, Thanac and Gethremmon, with their suburbes two cities.Porro de dimidia tribu Manasse, Thanach et Gethremmon, cum suburbanis suis, civitates duæ. 26All the cities were ten, with their suburbs, which were given to the children of Caath, of the inferior degree.Dieci città in tutto coi loro sobborghi furono assegnate a' figliuoli di Caàth che erano di grado inferiore.Al the cities ten, and their suburbes, were geuen to the children of Caath of the inferiour degree.Omnes civitates decem, et suburbana earum, datæ sunt filiis Caath inferioris gradus. 27To the children of Gerson also of the race of Levi out of the half tribe of Manasses, Gaulon in Basan, one of the cities of refuge, and Bosra, with their suburbs, two cities.Parimente a' figliuoli di Gerson della stirpe di Levi diede della mezza tribù di Manasse, le città del rifugio Gaulon in Basan, e Bosram co' loro sobborghi, due città.To the children of Gerson also of the Leuitical stocke he gaue of the half tribe of Manasses the cities of refuge, Gaulon in Basan, and Bosram, with their suburbes, two cities.Filiis quoque Gerson Levitici generis dedit de dimidia tribu Manasse confugii civitates, Gaulon in Basan, et Bosram, cum suburbanis suis, civitates duas.
28And of the tribe of Issachar, Cesion, and Dabereth,Della tribù d'Issachar Cesion e Dabereth,Moreouer of the tribe of Issachar, Cesion, and Dabereth,Porro de tribu Issachar, Cesion, et Dabereth, 29And Jaramoth, and Engannim, with their suburbs, four cities.E Jaramoth, ed Engannim co' loro sobborghi, quattro città.and Iaramoth, and Engannim, with their suburbes, foure cities.et Jaramoth, et Engannim, cum suburbanis suis, civitates quatuor. 30And of the tribe of Aser, Masal and Abdon,Della tribù di Aser, Masal, e Abdon,And of the tribe of Aser, Masal and Abdon,De tribu autem Aser, Masal et Abdon, 31And Helcath, and Rohob, with their suburbs, four cities.E Helcath e Rohob coi loro sobborghi, quattro città.and Helcath, and Rohob, with their suburbes, foure cities.et Helcath, et Rohob, cum suburbanis suis, civitates quatuor. 32Of the tribe also of Nephtali, Cedes in Galilee, one of the cities of refuge: and Hammoth Dor, and Carthan, with their suburbs, three cities.Parimente della tribù di Nephtali, le città del rifugio Cedes nella Galilea, Hammoth-Dor, e Carthan co' loro sobborghi, tre città.Of the tribe also of Nephthali the cities of refuge, Cedes in Galilee: and Hammoth Dor, and Carthan, with their suburbes, three cities.De tribu quoque Nephthali civitates confugii, Cedes in Galilæa, et Hammoth Dor, et Carthan, cum suburbanis suis, civitates tres. 33All the cities of the families of Gerson, were thirteen, with their suburbs.Tutte le città delle famiglie di Gerson, tredici, e i loro sobborghi.Al the cities of the families of Gerson, thirtene, with their suburbes.Omnes urbes familiarum Gerson, tredecim, cum suburbanis suis. 34And to the children of Merari, Levites of the inferior degree, by their families were given of the tribe of Zabulon, Jecnam and Cartha,E a' figliuoli di Merari Leviti di grado inferiore distinti nelle loro famiglie, furon date della tribù di Zabulon Jecnam, e Cartha,And to the children of Merari Leuites of the inferiour degree by their families was geuen of the tribe of Zabulon, Iecnam and CarthaFiliis autem Merari Levitis inferioris gradus per familias suas data est de tribu Zabulon, Jecnam, et Cartha 35And Damna and Naalol, four cities with their suburbs.E Damna, e Naalol, quattro città co' loro sobborghi.and Damna and Naalol, foure cities with their suburbes.et Damna et Naalol, civitates quatuor cum suburbanis suis. 36Of the tribe of Ruben beyond the Jordan over against Jericho, Bosor in the wilderness, one of the cities of refuge, Misor and Jaser and Jethson and Mephaath, four cities with their suburbs.Della tribù di Ruben di là dal Giordano dirimpetto a Gerico, le città del rifugio Bosor nel deserto, Misor, e Jaser, e Jethson, e Mephaath, quattro città co' loro sobborghi.Of the tribe of Ruben beyond Iordan against Iericho the cities of refuge, Bosor in the wildernes, Misor and Iaser and Iethson and Mephaath, foure cities with their suburbes.De tribu Ruben ultra Jordanem contra Jericho civitates refugii, Bosor in solitudine, Misor et Jaser et Jethson et Mephaath, civitates quatuor cum suburbanis suis.
37Of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Galaad, one of the cities of refuge, and Manaim and Hesebon and Jaser, four cities with their suburbs,Della tribù di Gad, le città del rifugio Ramoth in Galaad, e Manaim, ed Hesebon, e Jaser, quattro città co' loro sobborghi.Of the tribe of Gad the cities of refuge, Ramoth in Galaad, and Manaim and Hesebon and Iaser, foure cities with their suburbesDe tribu Gad civitates confugii, Ramoth in Galaad, et Manaim et Hesebon et Jazer, civitates quatuor cum suburbanis suis. 38All the cities of the children of Merari by their families and kindreds, were twelve.Tutte le città assegnate a' figliuoli di Merari distinti nelle loro famiglie, e casate furon dodici.Al the cities of the children of Merari by their families and kinredes, twelue.Omnes urbes filiorum Merari per familias et cognationes suas, duodecim. 39So all the cities of the Levites within the possession of the children of Israel were forty-eight,Tutte adunque le città date a' Leviti in mezzo alle porzioni de' figliuoli d'Israele furono quarantottoTherfore al the cities of the Leuites in the middes of the possession of the children of Israel were fourtie eightItaque civitates universæ Levitarum in medio possessionis filiorum Israël fuerunt quadraginta octo 40With their suburbs, each distributed by the families.Co' loro sobborghi, e furono distribuite una per una secondo l'ordine delle famiglie.with their suburbes, euerie one distributed by the families.cum suburbanis suis, singulæ per familias distributæ. 41And the Lord God gave to Israel all the land that he had sworn to give to their fathers: and they possessed it, and dwelt in it.E il Signore Dio diede ad Israele tutta la terra che avea promesso di dar loro col giuramento fattone a' loro padri: e la possedettero, e vi abitarono.And our Lord God gaue to Israel al the Land, that he had sworne he would geue to their fathers: and they possessed it, and dwelt in it.Deditque Dominus Deus Israëli omnem terram, quam traditurum se patribus eorum juraverat: et possederunt illam, atque habitaverunt in ea. 42And he gave them peace from all nations round about: and none of their enemies durst stand against them, but were brought under their dominion.Ed ei diede loro la pace con tutte le nazioni circonvicine: e nissun nimico ardì di resistere ad essi; ma tutti furon soggettati al loro dominio.And peace was geuen by him on al nations round about: and none of their enemies durst resist them, but al were brought into their dominion.Dataque est ab eo pax in omnes per circuitum nationes: nullusque eis hostium resistere ausus est, sed cuncti in eorum ditionem redacti sunt. 43Not so much as one word, which he had promised to perform unto them, was made void, but all came to pass.Una sola delle parole che egli avea promesso di adempire non restò indietro; ma tutte furon verificate dall'evento.Not so much certes as one word, which he had promised, that he would performe vnto them, was frustrate, but al thinges were accomplished in deedes.Ne unum quidem verbum, quod illis præstiturum se esse promiserat, irritum fuit, sed rebus expleta sunt omnia.
21:1
Year of the World 2562.
Calmet
The priest, who seems to have presided, as he is always placed first. A select number of the tribe of Levi came to represent the priests, and those of an inferior order; and to obtain what God had promised them, Numbers 35:2. There was one family of priests who sprang from Aaron, the son of Caath. The rest of Caath's family, with the children of Gerson and Merari, were simply Levites, constituting three other families. God was pleased that they should be dispersed through Israel, that they might instruct the people both by word and by example, 1 Paralipomenon 26:29. (Calmet)
Menochius
Josue would not have neglected them. (Menochius)
Haydock
But they were naturally solicitous to know where they were to live, as the tribes had now all received their portions. (Haydock)
21:3
Menochius
Gave, by lot, ver. 4, etc. (Menochius)
Calmet
Whether any changes were afterwards made, to grant more or less, in proportion to the numbers of the four families, (as seems to have been done with regard to the other tribes) or the cities were specified in four parcels, and the priests received the first lot, the text does not explain. (Calmet)
Calmet
It is also uncertain what right the Levites had to these 48 cities. Some say that they had only the use of them, while others maintain that the cities were their property entirely, so that no other could live there without their consent. They could sell the houses, which returned to them in the year of the jubilee, if not redeemed before; but the suburbs were a common property of all the Levites, and could not be sold by any, Leviticus xxv. The cities, therefore, belonged to God, and he abandoned the property to his ministers. Other people might live among them, as they were not debarred from choosing their habitation in places which were not originally allotted to them. Thus we find that Gabaa was chiefly peopled by the tribe of Benjamin, when the outrage was offered to the Levite's wife, and no blame attached to the latter, Judges xix. Saul and his family were of the same town, though it belonged to the Levites, and David kept his court at Hebron, a sacerdotal city, for the first seven years of his reign. (Calmet)
Haydock
Here also Caleb had probably resided, Josue 14:14. The priests and Levites were not indeed at this time sufficiently numerous to people all these cities; and Calmet supposes that they only received as many houses as they might occupy, being supplied with more by the magistrates as their numbers increased. But might not they let the houses, which they did not want to occupy, and receive the profits, so as to take possession of them when they had occasion? Were these 48 cities, which were the only part of the land to which the Levites had any claim, too many or too rich to compensate the labours of this most deserving tribe? It seems, therefore, unnecessary to call in the aid or interference of the magistrate, except any person were so bold as to refuse to give up what the law had so positively assigned to the Levites. Their rights were as well defined as those of any of the other tribes. (Haydock)
Calmet
The land beyond the suburbs, was cultivated by the proprietors, who might either live in the town or country. Many of the priests and Levites chose to reside near the tabernacle, as Moses had encouraged them to do, Deuteronomy 18:6. Thus Nobe became a sacerdotal city; (1 Kings 21:1,) and after the temple was built, Jerusalem and its environs were the places of abode for most of the priests. (Calmet)
21:4
Haydock
Thirteen. These three tribes give more cities than any of the others, because their territories were the largest, Numbers 35:8. Juda in particular, had a most extensive portion allotted to him at first; so that a part was afterwards taken away to accommodate Simeon and Dan, and now so many cities are appointed for the priests, (Calmet) who would thus have their residence near the temple, when it should be built. (Haydock)
Calmet
God ordered the lots according to the designs of his providence; and gave the priests, though so few in number, more than what fell to the share of all the rest of the family of Caath. (Calmet)
Haydock
This family had in all twenty-three cities, lying south of Dor and Bethsan, and leaving the tribe of Issachar on the north. Gerson had thirteen cities among the three other northern tribes, and that of Manasses on the east side of the Jordan; while Merari had twelve, more southward on the same side, in the tribes of Gad and of Ruben, and on the west of the Jordan, in the tribe of Zabulon. Thus these two families were more intermixed. (Haydock)
21:12
Calmet
Possession. Only the houses which the priests occupied, were taken from him. (Calmet)
Magalian
Caleb enjoyed all the dependencies of Hebron, and took the city, as he would not have been secure while the Chanaanites dwelt there. (Magalian.)
Menochius
Serarius thinks that he abandoned the city to the priests, in which he follows Tostat, who supposes that they had to pay tribute to the tribes among whom they lived; and that mines, etc., belonged to the latter. (Menochius)
21:16
Calmet
Ain and Jeta. Septuagint of Grabe agrees with the Vulgate. But the Vatican copy (Haydock) has, "Asa....and Tanu." In 1 Paralipomenon 6:59, only Asan and Bethsemes are mentioned. Several other variations may also be observed, which may be attributed either to the changes which were afterwards made when the Chanaanites kept their hold, (Rabbins) or to the different places having two names, or to the mistakes of transcribers, etc. See chap 15:62. Only eleven cities are specified in the Book of Paralipomenon, though it observes that there were thirteen. (Calmet)
Haydock
As hath, etc., words added by St. Jerome, or rather expressing more fully the Hebrew, "those" two tribes. (Haydock)
21:21
Calmet
One of, (urbes confugii Sichem....and Gazer.) Literally, " cities of refuge, Sichem,....Gazer," etc., as if all the Levitical cities had enjoyed this privilege, which we have seen (Numbers 35:6,) is the opinion of some. But the Hebrew, Septuagint, and Chaldean read in the singular, "Sichem, a city of refuge;" and interpreters generally allow only six cities of this description. (Calmet)
Haydock
Without extending this privilege to all the rest, we may observe that all the cities of refuge were given to the Levites, ver. 11, 21, 27, 32, 36, 37. Protestants, "For they give them Shechem, with her suburbs in Mount Ephraim, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gazer," etc. By inserting to be, they seem to countenance the opinion that all the subsequent towns were of the same nature as Sichem. The text would be clearer without the addition, to prove the contrary sentiment. (Haydock)
Menochius
See Bonfrere how the Vulgate may be vindicated. (Menochius)
21:22
Calmet
Beth-horon. Grabe's Septuagint adds, "the upper," which is the received opinion. (Calmet)
21:23
And of, etc. This verse is omitted in Paralipomenon, (Haydock) whence we find Helon and Gethremmon (probably the same as Aialon and Beth-remmon, ver. 24, assigned to Ephraim.
Eltheco. See Josue 15:59., and 19:44.
Gabathon continued a long time in the hands of the Philistines, 3 Kings 15:27.
21:25
Calmet
Cities. Instead of these, Aner and Balaam are mentioned in Paralipomenon. (Calmet)
21:26
Menochius
Degree, who were not priests. Caath is placed before his eldest brother Gerson, on account of the honour of the priesthood and of Moses. (Menochius)
21:27
The latter gives place to Asteroth, in Paralipomenon.
21:29
Cities. These are called Cedes and Daboreth, Ramoth and Anem, in Paralipomenon.
21:35
Suburbs. Paralipomenon only mentions two, Remmono and Thabor.
21:36
Challoner
Four cities. There are no more, though there be five names: for Misor is the same city as Bosor, which is to be observed in some other places, where the number of names exceeds the number of cities. (Challoner)
Haydock
With regard to the 36th and 37th verses, there seems to have been great confusion in the Hebrew manuscripts both ancient and modern. In some they have been totally omitted, in others only a part. (Haydock)
Kennicott
The famous manuscript of Hillel, and the Masorets, reject them, (Calmet) because they had reckoned only 656 verses in Josue, and these two verses would destroy their authority. Hence they erased them wherever they might be found; and Kimchi assures us, that he never could meet with them "in any manuscript (thus) corrected." Yet the Paralipomena universally acknowledge them, (Kennicott) as the context of Josue must also do, otherwise there will be only eight cities instead of twelve, and four will be wanting to complete the number of forty-eight. The Protestant version therefore is forced to admit them, (Haydock) as they are found in the Eng. Polyglot, on the authority of some ancient manuscripts. They do not, however, express them so fully as the Septuagint have done. (Kennicott)
Grabe
These read, "And beyond the Jordan, over-against Jericho, out of the tribe of Ruben, the city of refuge for the slayer, Bosor, in the wilderness, (Misor) and her suburbs, and Jazer and her suburbs, (37) and Gedson and her suburbs, and Mapha (Alexandrian copy reads Maspha) and her suburbs, four cities." (Grabe)
Haydock
Protestants only admit, "And out of the tribe of Ruben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah....Kedemoth....and Mephaath with her suburbs, four cities." Kennicott finds in some Hebrew manuscripts, "the city of refuge for the slayer, Bosor;" one manuscript has, "in the wilderness," etc. (Haydock)
Kennicott
These verses were not in the Hebrew text of the Hexapla, as they are obelized in the Septuagint and in the Syriac manuscript of Masius; and yet, as they are found in the old Greek and Syriac versions, and in the Chaldean paraphrase, they were probably omitted between the year 100 and 200. They are left out in several printed editions of the Hebrew Bible, and even in that of Jablonski, (1699) though in opposition to his better judgment and all the manuscripts which he had consulted: legunt omnia nostra manuscripts. Michaelis (1720) reprinted this text, with some few emendations, particularly with these two verse very laudably inserted. (Kennicott, 2 Diss.)
Haydock
In the Bened.[Benedictine?] edition of St. Jerome, Martianay observes, that the Hebrew manuscripts of St. Jerome seem to have been mutilated, for if they had admitted this 36th verse, St. Jerome would have translated it, and it would have been found in the more ancient manuscripts of the Latin edition, where it is wanting. Hence this editor leaves it out. He also remarks that other Hebrew manuscripts omit "a city of refuge for the slayer, in the desert." The last word, he says, occurs in several copies of the best note; and Houbigant inserts it on the authority of the oratorian manuscript 54. (Haydock)
Louvain
In some editions of the Vulgate, this verse is transposed, and placed after the cities of Gad. (Louvain; R. Steph.; etc.)
Calmet
It is therefore, probable that St. Jerome found it not in Hebrew but, if he inserted it, he borrowed it from the Septuagint. The Syriac version places these verses before the 34th and 35th. All this shews that the Hebrew manuscripts have not been kept with great care in this place. Some have surmised that the Septuagint have inserted this necessary supplement from Paralipomenon. But they do not entirely agree with that book, so that it seems that they found these verses in their Hebrew copies. (Calmet)
Calmet
We have already given the Hebrew and Septuagint as it is found in the common editions. In 1 Paralipomenon 6:78, it is thus expressed:q Beyond the Jordan also, over-against Jericho, on the east side of the Jordan, out of the tribe of Ruben, Bosor in the wilderness, with its suburbs, and Jassa....79. Cademoth also....and Mephaath with its suburbs. The word Misor, which Grabe's Septuagint and the Vulgate leave untranslated, is the Hebrew word which denotes a plain, (Haydock) as Aquila and Symmachus agree, and as appears [in] Josue 20:8. Deuteronomy 4:43, where Bosor is said to have been upon the plain of the wilderness. This city was the famous Bosra, in the desert Arabia, between Philadelphia and Jazer, towards the east. (Calmet)
Haydock
We might translate, "the cities of refuge, Bosor in the wilderness, which is also the plain" of Moab, ver. 21. (Haydock)
Calmet
Jaser, or Jassa, (chap. 13:18,) different from that [in] ver. 37, which lay on the river of the same name in the tribe of Gad. (Calmet)
21:40
Haydock
Families, the four great ones, which parcelled out the cities among the several branches. (Haydock)
Haydock
The Levites were only 23,000, (Numbers 26:62,) yet they receive more cities than what are specified for any other tribe. It must be observed, however, that all the cities of the different tribes are not mentioned, and the Israelites might live along with those of the tribe of Levi, ver. 3. Moreover, these had only the cities, with 2000 cubits of land round them. The Septuagint here insert that Josue divided the land, and received the city of Thamnasachar; (Grabe substitutes Thamnasarach) where he deposited the knives of stone with which he had circumcised those who were born in the desert. (Haydock)
They farther remark, that they were buried in his tomb, Josue 24:30.
21:43
Masius
Pass. How then did the Chanaanites keep possession of so many places? St. Augustine (q. 21,) answers, that they were suffered to do it for the "utility and trial" of the Israelites. For the latter were not sufficiently numerous at first to cultivate all the land. God had therefore promised that the nations should not be driven out all at once, lest the country should fall a prey to wild beasts, Exodus 23:29. (Masius)
Calmet
During the life-time of Josue, none of them durst make head against him; and if many of the tribes did not take possession of all their cities, it was owing to their own negligence. After this hero was no more, the natives took courage, and greatly harassed the Israelites; but it is plain that the latter were not straitened for room, while Josue lived, since they invited the other tribes east of the Jordan to come and reside with them on the west, if they thought proper, Josue 17:19. (Calmet)
21:36
Four cities.... There are no more, though there be five names: for Misor is the same city as Bosor, which is to be observed in some other places, where the number of names exceeds the number of cities.
21:41
God gaue al the Land in due time, but not al at once. for the causes expressed. Exo. 23. v. 29. Deut. 7. v. 22.
21:1
1. AND THE PRINCES OF THE FAMILIES OF LEVI CAME. — Note that Jacob the patriarch, when dying, imposed upon his son Levi and his descendants the Levites, as a punishment for the slaughter of the Shechemites, the penalty of dispersion among his brothers, as is recorded in Genesis XLIX, 7; but God, who is rich in tempering vengeance and in mercy, converted this punishment, on account of the merits of their descendants, into praise and glory, and willed that the assemblies and colleges of the Levites and priests should be scattered throughout all the tribes, so that all might receive from the priesthood both dignity and the benefit of knowing sound doctrine and the divine law. For these colleges were as it were seminaries of religion and piety, from which neighboring cities could seek the seeds of heavenly discipline and examples of a holier life. Thus God promises through Hosea 2:23, that throughout the whole land He will sow "Jezrael," that is, "the seed of God," namely priests as Apostles and Apostolic men. Thus St. Basil, as testified by St. Gregory of Nazianzus in oration 20, built monasteries near cities, so that the inhabitants of both might share their benefits with one another, as land and sea do, the sea being mixed with the land; namely, so that monasteries might be supported by cities, and cities in turn by monasteries, as by gymnasia of piety, might learn a holier life. For this reason throughout Germany and in other places, very ancient monasteries were built near the more celebrated cities, indeed older than the cities themselves, and which gave the cities themselves the occasion and beginning of their foundation, as Thomas Bozius rightly observes in his Signs of the Church. Wherefore St. Chrysostom, in his 59th homily to the People, exhorts him to visit monasteries and monks frequently. "For all things there," he says, "are free from allurements, and liberated from every interruption and disturbance: moreover they are most tranquil harbors, and those who dwell in them are like fires which, when they shine forth from a lofty place, exhibit light from afar to those approaching, and when they have settled in the harbor, they draw others to their tranquility; nor do they permit those who gaze upon them to suffer shipwreck, or to be in darkness those who direct their eyes toward them. Go therefore to such men, make use of their companionship, approach, I say, the saints, touch their feet; for it is far more honorable to embrace their feet than the head of others. Tell me, if some grasp the feet of statues, because they have only the image of a king, will you not be saved if you hold him who has Christ in himself? The feet of the saints are therefore such, or even if they were the vilest."
21:3
3. AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL GAVE. — Note: This distribution of cities made to the Levites by the twelve tribes took place shortly after the allotment and division of the land, before each tribe went to take possession of its inheritance; and this was so that the first possessors would not be driven from their dwellings by the Levites. I have said more on this matter in Numbers XXXV, 1 and following. Furthermore, more cities are numbered here as given to the Levites than to the other tribes, both for the honor of the priesthood, so that priests and Levites, not anxious about houses, might give themselves entirely to the worship of God, as Philo says in his book On the Honor of the Priesthood; and because the other tribes, besides cities, had many villages and hamlets; the Levites, however, had only the suburbs extending a thousand paces. Thus Abulensis. Finally, with the Levites scattered throughout all Judea, the priests obtained cities near to Jerusalem and the future temple, so that they might approach it as easily as its citizens and princes, and might contract marriages with the tribe of Judah, because God willed these two tribes to be mingled, "because Christ, who was to be born of the tribe of Judah, was not only to be king but also High Priest," as Theodoret says.
21:11
11. CARIATH ARBE, FATHER OF ENAC. — That is, the city of Arbe the giant, who was the father of Enac, from whom were descended the Enacim, the giants.
21:21
21. CITIES OF REFUGE SICHEM. — The Hebrew, Chaldean, and many Latin manuscripts, together with Abulensis, read the city in the singular. For there was only one city of refuge here, namely Sichem; the others, namely Gazer, Cibsaim, and Bethoron, were given to the Levites for dwelling only, not to homicides for refuge. The same is true in verses 26, 31, 35, 36; for in all these verses, for "cities of refuge," the Hebrew, Chaldean, and manuscripts together with Abulensis read in the singular "city of refuge," for the reason already stated. See Francis Lucas here in Annotation 36.
21:36
36. OF THE TRIBE OF REUBEN, etc. — This entire verse is now wanting in the Hebrew: Our translator appears to have translated it from the Septuagint. See Francis Lucas in Annotation 37. It seems to have existed formerly in the Hebrew; for some Hebrew codices have it, as does the Chaldean, which for Jaser and Jethson read Jassa and Cademoth. Thus also Our translator reads in I Paralipomenon VI, 78 and 79; wherefore these cities appear to have had two names.
21:41
41. AND THE LORD GOD OF ISRAEL GAVE TO THEM ALL THE LAND WHICH HE HAD SWORN TO GIVE TO THEIR FATHERS, AND THEY POSSESSED IT, AND DWELT IN IT. — You will say: This seems to contradict what was said here in verse 4, and what will be said in Judges 1, where it is asserted that the Hebrews were unable in many places to exterminate the Jebusites and Canaanites: wherefore much still remained unpossessed by the Hebrews, but to be possessed. I answer first, that God gave to the Hebrews all Canaan, as to right and dominion, which they themselves had over it entirely, whence He also distributed it to them by lot. Again, as to its possession, but with the limitation which He Himself expressed in Exodus XXIII, 29, saying: "I will not cast them out from thy face in one year, lest the land become desolate, and the beasts multiply against thee; I will drive them out little by little from thy sight, until thou be increased and possess the land." For this was more convenient and useful for the Hebrews. God therefore gave all the land promised by Him, not all at once and immediately, but gradually and step by step, driving out the Canaanites from it, lest it should lie uncultivated, and wild beasts should occupy it, until the Hebrews could inhabit and cultivate it entirely. For this is the condition which He had added to His promise; which condition was not burdensome, but convenient for the Hebrews. Thus Abulensis, Masius and others. We have heard a similar phrase in chapter XI, at the last verse. More subtly does St. Augustine respond, Questions XXI, that the whole land promised to the Hebrews was given by God; because even those portions which they themselves did not possess were given to them for a certain utility of exercise, namely that they might learn to contend with enemies.
Machine translation from the Latin, not reviewed.
21:2
Levites (Heb. Lēwī, pl. Lēwījīm; Gr. Lēwījī, pl. -ai)
In the division of the Promised Land they did not receive a region of their own, but cities with a little pasture, exactly forty-eight (ibid. 35:7), among all the other tribes (ibid. 35:1-8; Ios. 21:2 ff.); the whole people was to provide for their sustenance with part of the spoils
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 girls …
21:4
Since the priests, being superior to the Levites, were called "sons of Aaron," the term "Kohathites," or descendants of Kohath, came to be restricted (except in Josh. 21:4) to designating that group of Levites whose task was the transport of the sacred vessels after they had been wrapped in cloths by the priests. …
Simeon (Heb. Šim'ôn; Gr. Symzōn)
… This also explains why in this tribe there was only the single Levitical city of Ashan (1 Chron. 6:59, 65 [Heb. 6:44, 50]; Ain in Josh. 21:4, 9, 16 is to be corrected to Ashan). …
21:6
… This G. is the ancestor of the Levitical family of the Gershonites, assigned to the service of the Tabernacle during the desert period (Num. 3:21 ff.; 4:21 ff.; 7:7) and who later take part in the possession of the cities of the Levites (Josh. 21:6, 27).
21:11
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). …
21:13
Lebna (Heb. Libhná; Gr. Lechna, Lochna)
… Libhná; Gr. Lechna, Lochna). - A city of Palestine situated between Maceda and Lachish (Josh. 10:29-31). Taken by Joshua (Josh. 10:30, 39; 12:15), it was assigned to the Levites (Josh. 21:13; 1 Chron. 6:57). It made itself independent by revolting against Judah under Jehoram (2 Kings 8:22; 2 Chron. 21:10). It seems to have had a fortress which Sennacherib, in his struggle …
21:16
Bethsames (Hebrew Bēth-Ēmef = "House of the Sun")
1. - A priestly city on the northern border of the tribe of Judah between Cheslon and Thamna (Josh. 15:10; 21:16), situated on Tell Rumejleh (or 'Ajn Şems) at the fork of the Wâdi Bulos with the Wâdi Surar (valley of Sörêq).
… The name Αἰνών (Vulgate Aenon; cf. "Aen" Jos. 15:32, and "Ain" Jos. 19:7; 21:16) is a transcription of the Aramaic plural "ěndwān" ("springs"), written "ěnān" in the Targum of Deut. 8:7. It is to be identified with the group of five springs (Ain el-Fāṭūr, Ain …
21:17
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 …
21:18
ANATHOTH (Hebrew 'Anathōth). - A Levitical city of the tribe of Benjamin (Josh. 21:18; 1 Chron. 6:45 [Heb. 60]). It was the birthplace of two companions of David, Abiezer (2 Sam. 23:27; 1 Chron. 11:28; 27:12) and Jehu (1 Chron. 12:3), and of the prophet Jeremiah (Jer. …
The Targum of Jonathan wrongly identifies it with 'Almit, which instead corresponds to the Levitical city of Almon or Almath (Josh. 21:18; I Chron. 6:60, Heb. 6:45) near Anathoth. …
… Her cult in Palestine is attested by a statue of her found at Beisan and by local names compounded with ʿAnat (cf., for example, Josh. 19, 38; Judg. 1, 33; Beth-anath; Josh. 21, 18 etc.; Anathoth).
21:22
… The Moabites called them Emim (Deut. 2:10 ff.); in the country of Ammon, Zomzommim or Zuzim (ibid. 2:20 ff.; already defeated by Chodorlahomor at Ham, Gen. 14:4); Anakim ("long-necked": Josh. 21:22 ff., etc.). …
21:23
… Having defeated the Egyptians at Alta-qu-u (Hebr. 'Eltēgh, Josh. 19:44; 21:23), he devastated the territory of Judah, shutting up king Hezekiah (Ha-za-qi-a-u) in Jerusalem "like a bird in a cage." Sennacherib relates that Hezekiah made an act of submission, …
21:24
Aijalon (Hebrew, from root 'Ajjāl "Deer", nearly "Place of Deer")
… First mentioned in connection with the miracle of the sun (Josh. 10:12), it was assigned first to the tribe of Dan (Josh. 19:42), then to the Levites (Josh. 21:24). Fortified by Rehoboam (2 Chron. 11:10), it was taken by the Philistines under Ahaz (ibid. 28:18); after that occupation there is no further record of this city. …
Geth (Hebrew Gath, Akkadian Gimtu, "Winepress")
G. Remmon of Dan is a Levitical city, assigned to the sons of Kohath like the previous one: Josh. 19:45; 21:24; 1 Chron. 6:54. It corresponds to the present-day Tell Abū Lejtun southwest of 'Amwās (cf. 1 Chron. 7:21; 8:14).
21:25
Geth (Hebrew Gath, Akkadian Gimtu, "Winepress")
G.-Remmon, in Josh. 21:25, is the Gitirimunima of the Amarna letters, the present-day Rummāneh, very close to Thanac (Abel, Desnoyers). …
Thanach (Heb. Ta'ānākh and Ta'nākh; Septuagint Gevez)
Declared a Levitical city (ibid. 21:25), it was reduced to tribute of the Manassites (Judg. 1:27). In the vicinity of T. the war between the army of Sisera and Barak was fought (ibid. 5:19). Incorporated into the Davidic …
21:27
3. - A city named in Josh. 21:27 (Heb. …
GAULON. - A Levitical city and city of refuge in the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh, in Bashan in Transjordan (Josh. 20:8; 21:27). Today Saḥem el-Golān. …
21:30
… Bēšer). - 1. - A Levitical city, counted among the cities of refuge (Deut. 4:43; Josh. 20:8; 21:30; 1 Chron. 6:78), commonly identified with Bušel-Harīrī, at the southern base of the plateau of Trachonitis, or else with Barazēn east of Ḥesbān in southern Ammonitis. …
21:34
In Palestine they had 12 cities in the tribes of Zebulun, Reuben and Gad: 4 in each tribe (Josh. 21:34-40). Under King Hezekiah two Merarites took part in the purification of the Temple (2 Chron. 29:12); two others under Josiah were placed in charge of the restoration of the Sanctuary …
21:37
Heshbon (Hebrew: Heshbōn; Septuagint: Ἐσβοῦς)
… The capital of the Amorite kingdom of Sihon, it was occupied by the Hebrews (Num. 21:25-34) and repopulated by the tribe of Reuben after the extermination (Num. 32:3, 37). Being situated on the border of Gad (v.), it was taken by the latter tribe and assigned to the Levites (Josh. 21:37; 1 Chron. 6:81). In the times of Isaiah and Jeremiah it was in the hands of the Moabites and appears often in their oracles (Isa. 15:4; 16:8; Jer. 48:2, 34; 49:3).
21:38
RAMOTH-GILEAD. - A Levitical and city of refuge in the tribe of Gad (Deut. 4:13; Josh. 20:8; 21:38; 1 Chron. 6:66), capital of the Solomonic district north and south of the Yarmuk (1 Kings 4:13), cause of bitter struggles between Israelites and Arameans, who long contested its strategic …
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.