Bible Commentaries

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

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

man = Hebrew. ish. App-14.

children = sons.

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".

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).

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

outgoings = utmost limits. English idiom.

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

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

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.

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-23and App-25.