Bible Commentaries
Joshua 17

Verse 1

a lot = the lot. Compare Joshua 16:1 , above.

firstborn of Joseph. Genesis 41:51 ; Genesis 46:20 ; Genesis 50:23 . Nah 32:39 .

man = Hebrew. ish . App-14 .

Verse 2

children = sons.

Verse 3

Zelophehad. Compare Numbers 26:33 ; Numbers 27:1 ; Numbers 36:2 .

but = but [only]: or "but [he had]".

Milcah. Some codices, with three early printed editions, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "and Milcah".

Verse 4

Eleaear the priest. His presence necessary for the casting of lots, with the Urim and Thummim. See notes on Exodus 28:30 and Numbers 26:55 .

The LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah . App-4 .

Moses. Some codices, with three early printed editions, Septuagint, and Vulgate, read "by the hand of Moses": "hand" being put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for what is done by it ( App-6 ).

Verse 5

there fell : i.e. by lot. Compare Joshua 17:1 , and note.

Verse 9

outgoings = utmost limits. English idiom.

Verse 11

towns Hebrew daughters. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia ( App-6 ) = villages.

Verse 12

could not drive out. Compare Joshua 15:63 ; Joshua 16:10 ; and see Exodus 23:31 .Deuteronomy 7:2 , &c.

Verse 14

children of Joseph = sons of Joseph, i.e. Manasseh. Note their selfishness, so well reproved by Joshua (verses: Joshua 17:15-18 ), who was of that tribe himself.

portion. Hebrew "line", put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for the territory marked out by it ( App-6 ).

forasmuch = to such a degree.

Verse 18

cut down = carve out, or create as in Genesis 1:1 .

giants . Hebrew. Rephaim . See note on Numbers 13:22 .Deuteronomy 1:28 , and App-23 and App-25 .