1 This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward was the uttermost part of the south coast.

And their south border was from the shore of the salt sea, from the bay that looketh southward:

And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadeshbarnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karkaa:

From thence it passed toward Azmon, and went out unto the river of Egypt; and the goings out of that coast were at the sea: this shall be your south coast.

And the east border was the salt sea, even unto the end of Jordan. And their border in the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the uttermost part of Jordan:

And the border went up to Bethhogla, and passed along by the north of Betharabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben:

And the border went up toward Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that is before the going up to Adummim, which is on the south side of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the goings out thereof were at Enrogel:

And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward:

And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjathjearim:

10 And the border compassed from Baalah westward unto mount Seir, and passed along unto the side of mount Jearim, which is Chesalon, on the north side, and went down to Bethshemesh, and passed on to Timnah:

11 And the border went out unto the side of Ekron northward: and the border was drawn to Shicron, and passed along to mount Baalah, and went out unto Jabneel; and the goings out of the border were at the sea.

12 And the west border was to the great sea, and the coast thereof. This is the coast of the children of Judah round about according to their families.

13 And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the Lord to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron.

14 And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

15 And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher.

16 And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

17 And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

18 And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?

19 Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.

20 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.

21 And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,

22 And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,

23 And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,

24 Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth,

25 And Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth, and Hezron, which is Hazor,

26 Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,

27 And Hazargaddah, and Heshmon, and Bethpalet,

28 And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,

29 Baalah, and Iim, and Azem,

30 And Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah,

31 And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,

32 And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:

33 And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,

34 And Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam,

35 Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,

36 And Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages:

37 Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdalgad,

38 And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,

39 Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon,

40 And Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Kithlish,

41 And Gederoth, Bethdagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages:

42 Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,

43 And Jiphtah, and Ashnah, and Nezib,

44 And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:

45 Ekron, with her towns and her villages:

46 From Ekron even unto the sea, all that lay near Ashdod, with their villages:

47 Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border thereof:

48 And in the mountains, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh,

49 And Dannah, and Kirjathsannah, which is Debir,

50 And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim,

51 And Goshen, and Holon, and Giloh; eleven cities with their villages:

52 Arab, and Dumah, and Eshean,

53 And Janum, and Bethtappuah, and Aphekah,

54 And Humtah, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages:

55 Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Juttah,

56 And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,

57 Cain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages:

58 Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor,

59 And Maarath, and Bethanoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages:

60 Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages:

61 In the wilderness, Betharabah, Middin, and Secacah,

62 And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages.

63 As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The borders of the lot of Judah.
Joshua allotted to Judah, Ephraim, and the half of Manasseh, their inheritances before they left Gilgal. Afterwards removing to Shiloh, another survey was made, and the other tribes had their portion assigned. In due time all God's people are settled.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The lot - For the general understanding of this, it must be known That casting lots was transacted with great seriousness and solemnity, in God's presence, with prayer and appeal to him for the decision of the matter. That although exact survey of this land was not taken 'till (Joshua 18:4-5) , yet there was, and must needs be a general description of it, and a division thereof into nine parts and an half; which, as far as they could guess, were equal either in quantity or quality. That the lot did not at this time so unchangeably determine each tribe, that their portion could neither be increased or diminished; as is manifest, because after Judah's lot was fixed, Simeon's lot was taken out of it, (Joshua 19:9) , though after the land was more distinctly known and surveyed, it is likely the bounds were more certain and fixed. That the lot determined only in general what part of the land belonged to each tribe, but left the particulars to be determined by Joshua and Eleazar. For the manner of this, it is probably conceived, that there was two pots, into one of which were put the names of all the tribes, each in a distinct paper, and into the other the names of each portion described; then Eleazar or some other person, drew out first the name of one of the tribes out of one pot, and then the name of one portion out of the other, and that portion was appropriated to that tribe. And with respect to these pots, in the bottom of which the papers lay, these lots are often said to come up, or come forth. Of Judah - Whose lot came out first by God's disposition, as a note of his preeminency above his brethren. Of Edom - Which lay south - east from Judah's portion. Judah and Joseph were the two sons of Jacob, on whom Reuben's forfeited birthright devolved. Judah had the dominion entailed upon him, and Joseph the double portion. Therefore these two tribes are first seated: and on them the other seven attended.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
I have already premised, that I would not be very exact in delineating the site of places, and in discussing names, partly because I admit that I am not well acquainted with topographical or chorographic science, and partly because great labor would produce little fruit to the reader;nay, perhaps the greater part of readers would toil and perplex themselves without receiving any benefit. With regard to the subject in hand, it is to be observed, that the lot of the tribe of Judah not only falls on elevated ground, the very elevation of the territory, indicating the dignity of the future kingdom, but a similar presage is given by its being the first lot that turns up. What had already been obtained by arms, they begin to divide. The names of the ten tribes are cast into the urn. Judah is preferred to all the others. Who does not see that it is raised to the highest rank, in order that the prophecy of Jacob may be fulfilled? Then within the limits here laid down, it is well known that there were rich pastures, and vineyards celebrated for their productiveness and the excellence of their wines. In this way, while the lot corresponds with the prophecy of Jacob, it is perfectly clear that it did not so happen by chance; the holy patriarch had only uttered what was dictated by the Spirit.If any are better skilled in places, a more minute investigation will be pleasant and useful to them. But lest those who are less informed feel it irksome to read unknown names, let them consider that they have obtained knowledge of no small value, provided they bear in mind the facts to which I have briefly and summarily adverted — that the tribe of Judah was placed on elevated ground, that it might be more conspicuous than the others, until the scepter should arise from it — and that a region of fruitful vineyards and rich pastures was assigned to his posterity — and, finally, all this was done, in order that the whole people might recognize that there was nothing of the nature of chance in the turning up of a lot, which had been foretold three centuries before. Besides, it is easy for the unlearned to infer from the long circuit described, that the territory thus allocated to one tribe was of great extent. For although some diminution afterwards took place, its dominions always continued to be the largest.It is necessary, however, to bear in mind what I formerly observed, that nothing else was determined by the lot than that the boundary of the children of Judah was to be contiguous to the land of Edom and the children of Sin, and that their boundary, in another direction, was to be the river of Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea — that those who had been selected to divide the country proceeded according to the best of their judgment, in proportioning the quantity of territory allotted to the number of their people, without extending their boundaries any farther — and that they followed the same method in other cases, as vicinity or other circumstances demanded. Any error into which they fell, did not at all affect the general validity of their decision. For as they were not ashamed partly to recall any partition that might have been made without sufficient consideration, so the people in their turn, while they acknowledged that they had acted in the matter with the strictest good faith and honesty, submitted the more willingly to whatever they determined. Thus, notwithstanding any particular error, their general arrangements received full effect. It will be worth while to make one remark on the city Jebus, whose name was afterwards Jerusalem. Although it had been already chosen, by the secret counsel of God, for his sanctuary, and the seat of the future kingdom, it however continued in the possession of the enemy down to the time of David. In this long exclusion from the place on which the sanctity, excellence, and glory of the rest of the land were founded, there was a clear manifestation of the divine curse inflicted to punish the people for their sluggishness: since it was virtually the same as if the land had been deprived of its principal dignity and ornament. But on the other hand, the wonderful goodness of God was conspicuous in this, that the Jebusites who, from the long respite which had been given them, seemed to have struck their roots most deeply, were at length torn up, and driven forth from their secure position.
McArther Bible Commentary
the lot of … Judah. The tribe's southern boundary (Jos 15:1) ran from the lower tip of the Salt Sea or Dead Sea in a sweep through the desert over to the wadi, the brook of Egypt (see note on Jos 13:3), and along it to the Mediterranean Sea. The eastern limit (Jos 15:5) ran the length of the Salt Sea itself. On the north, it extended from the north end of the Salt Sea by various lines working to the Mediterranean (Jos 15:5-11). The Mediterranean coastline served as the western border (Jos 15:12).
Bible Cross References
Mark 3:8 Numbers 20:16 Numbers 34:3 Numbers 34:4 Deuteronomy 32:51 Joshua 15:2 Joshua 18:5 Ezekiel 48:7

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The borders of the lot of Judah.
Joshua allotted to Judah, Ephraim, and the half of Manasseh, their inheritances before they left Gilgal. Afterwards removing to Shiloh, another survey was made, and the other tribes had their portion assigned. In due time all God's people are settled.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The bay - Heb. the tongue: either a creek or arm of that sea; or a promontory, which by learned authors is sometimes called a tongue. Every sea is salt, but this had an extraordinary saltness, the effect of that fire and brimstone which destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah: the ruins of which lie buried at the bottom of this dead water, which never was moved itself by any tides, nor had any living thing in it.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:1 Joshua 15:3

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The borders of the lot of Judah.
Joshua allotted to Judah, Ephraim, and the half of Manasseh, their inheritances before they left Gilgal. Afterwards removing to Shiloh, another survey was made, and the other tribes had their portion assigned. In due time all God's people are settled.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 32:8 Numbers 34:4 Joshua 15:2 Joshua 15:4 Judges 1:36

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The borders of the lot of Judah.
Joshua allotted to Judah, Ephraim, and the half of Manasseh, their inheritances before they left Gilgal. Afterwards removing to Shiloh, another survey was made, and the other tribes had their portion assigned. In due time all God's people are settled.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 15:18 Numbers 34:5 Joshua 15:3 Joshua 15:47 1 Kings 8:65

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The borders of the lot of Judah.
Joshua allotted to Judah, Ephraim, and the half of Manasseh, their inheritances before they left Gilgal. Afterwards removing to Shiloh, another survey was made, and the other tribes had their portion assigned. In due time all God's people are settled.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The end of Jordan - That is, the place where Jordan runs into the salt - sea.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 34:3 Numbers 34:10 Joshua 15:6 Joshua 18:15

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The borders of the lot of Judah.
Joshua allotted to Judah, Ephraim, and the half of Manasseh, their inheritances before they left Gilgal. Afterwards removing to Shiloh, another survey was made, and the other tribes had their portion assigned. In due time all God's people are settled.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The stone of Bohan - A place so called, not from Bohan's dwelling there, (for the Reubenites had no portion on this side Jordan) but from some notable exploit which he did there, though it is not recorded in scripture.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:5 Joshua 15:7 Joshua 15:61 Joshua 18:17

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The borders of the lot of Judah.
Joshua allotted to Judah, Ephraim, and the half of Manasseh, their inheritances before they left Gilgal. Afterwards removing to Shiloh, another survey was made, and the other tribes had their portion assigned. In due time all God's people are settled.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 7:24 Joshua 15:6 Joshua 18:17 2 Samuel 17:17 1 Kings 1:9

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The borders of the lot of Judah.
Joshua allotted to Judah, Ephraim, and the half of Manasseh, their inheritances before they left Gilgal. Afterwards removing to Shiloh, another survey was made, and the other tribes had their portion assigned. In due time all God's people are settled.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Went up - Properly; for the line went from Jordan and the salt sea, to the higher grounds nigh Jerusalem; and therefore the line is said to go down, (Joshua 18:16) , because there it takes a contrary course, and goes downward to Jordan and the sea. Valley of Hinnom - A very pleasant place, but afterward made infamous. Of the Jebusites - Of the city of the Jebusites, which was anciently called Jebussi. Jerusalem - It may seem hence, that Jerusalem properly, or at least principally, belonged to Benjamin; and yet it is ascribed to Judah also; either because a part of the city was allotted to Judah; or because the Benjamites desired the help and conjunction of this powerful tribe of Judah, for the getting and keeping of this most important place. And when the Benjamites had in vain attempted to drive out the Jebusites, this work was at last done by the tribe of Judah, who therefore had an interest in it by the right of war; as Ziglag which belonged to the tribe of Simeon, being gotten from the Philistines by David, was joined by him to his tribe of Judah, (1 Samuel 27:6) .
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:63 2 Samuel 5:18 1 Chronicles 11:4 2 Chronicles 28:3 Jeremiah 19:2 Jeremiah 19:6

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The borders of the lot of Judah.
Joshua allotted to Judah, Ephraim, and the half of Manasseh, their inheritances before they left Gilgal. Afterwards removing to Shiloh, another survey was made, and the other tribes had their portion assigned. In due time all God's people are settled.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 9:17 Judges 18:12 1 Samuel 6:21 2 Samuel 6:2 1 Chronicles 13:6

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The borders of the lot of Judah.
Joshua allotted to Judah, Ephraim, and the half of Manasseh, their inheritances before they left Gilgal. Afterwards removing to Shiloh, another survey was made, and the other tribes had their portion assigned. In due time all God's people are settled.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Mount Seir - Not that of Edom, but another so called from some resemblance it had to it.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 38:12 Genesis 38:13 Joshua 15:11 Joshua 21:16 Judges 14:1 1 Samuel 6:9 2 Samuel 6:2

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The borders of the lot of Judah.
Joshua allotted to Judah, Ephraim, and the half of Manasseh, their inheritances before they left Gilgal. Afterwards removing to Shiloh, another survey was made, and the other tribes had their portion assigned. In due time all God's people are settled.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:9 Joshua 15:10 Joshua 15:12 1 Samuel 17:52

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The borders of the lot of Judah.
Joshua allotted to Judah, Ephraim, and the half of Manasseh, their inheritances before they left Gilgal. Afterwards removing to Shiloh, another survey was made, and the other tribes had their portion assigned. In due time all God's people are settled.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 34:6 Joshua 15:11

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Caleb's portion, His daughter's blessing.
Achsah obtained some land by Caleb's free grant. He gave her a south land. Land indeed, but a south land, dry and apt to be parched. She obtained more, on her request, and he gave the upper and the nether springs. Those who understand it but of one field, watered both with the rain of heaven, and the springs that issued out of the earth, countenance the allusion commonly made to this, when we pray for spiritual and heavenly blessings which relate to our souls, as blessings of the upper springs, and those which relate to the body and the life that now is, as blessings of the nether springs. All the blessings, both of the upper and the nether springs, belong to the children of God. As related to Christ, they have them freely given of the Father, for the lot of their inheritance.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
He - Joshua. City of Arba - Or, Kirjath - arba. Not the city, which was the Levites, but the territory of it, (Joshua 21:13) .
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh,etc Were we to judge from the actual state of matters, it would seem ridiculous repeatedly to celebrate an imaginary grant from which Caleb received no benefit while Joshua was alive. But herein due praise is given both to the truth of God, and to the faith of his saint in resting on his promise. Therefore, although sneering men, and the inhabitants of the place itself, if the rumor had reached them, might have derided the vain solicitude of Caleb, and the empty liberality of Joshua, the contempt thus expressed would only have proved them to be presumptuous scoffers. God at length evinced the firmness of his decree by the result, and Caleb, though he saw himself unable to obtain access to the mountain, testified that he was contented with the mere promise of God, the true exercise of faith, consisting in a willingness to remain without the fruition of things which have been promised till the period actually arrive. Moreover, this passage, and others similar to it, teach us that the giants who are usually called Enakim, were so named after their original progenitor, Enac, and that the word is hence of Gentile origin. The time when Caleb routed the sons of Enac we shall see in a short time. This passage also shows us that Caleb, when he brought forward the name of Moses, did not make a mere pretence, or utter anything that was not strictly true; for it is now plainly declared, that Moses had so appointed, in conformity with the command of God.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 23:2 Numbers 13:6 Joshua 14:13 Joshua 21:11 Judges 1:10 1 Samuel 25:3 1 Samuel 30:14 1 Chronicles 6:56

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Caleb's portion, His daughter's blessing.
Achsah obtained some land by Caleb's free grant. He gave her a south land. Land indeed, but a south land, dry and apt to be parched. She obtained more, on her request, and he gave the upper and the nether springs. Those who understand it but of one field, watered both with the rain of heaven, and the springs that issued out of the earth, countenance the allusion commonly made to this, when we pray for spiritual and heavenly blessings which relate to our souls, as blessings of the upper springs, and those which relate to the body and the life that now is, as blessings of the nether springs. All the blessings, both of the upper and the nether springs, belong to the children of God. As related to Christ, they have them freely given of the Father, for the lot of their inheritance.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Drove thence - That is, from the said territory, from their caves and forts in it. These giants having either recovered their cities, or defended themselves in the mountains. Three sons of Anak - Either the same who are mentioned, (Numbers 13:33) , and so they were long - lived men, such as mainly were in those times and places: or their sons, called by their father's names, which is very usual.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Here we have a narrative of what plainly appears from the book of Joshua to have taken place subsequent to the death of Joshua; but lest a question might have been raised by the novelty of the procedure, in giving a fertile and well watered field as the patrimony of a woman, the writer of the book thought proper to insert a history of that which afterwards happened, in order that no ambiguity might remain in regard to the lot of the tribe of Judah. First, Caleb is said, after he had taken the city of Hebron, to have attacked Debir or Ciriath-sepher, and to have declared, that the person who should be the first to enter it, would be his son-in-law. And it appears, that when he held out this rare prize to his fellow-soldiers for taking the city, no small achievement was required. This confirms what formerly seemed to be the case, that it was a dangerous and difficult task which had been assigned him, when he obtained his conditional grant. Accordingly, with the view of urging the bravest to exert themselves, he promises his daughter in marriage as a reward to the valor of the man who should first scale the wall. It is afterwards added that Othniel who was his nephew by a brother, gained the prize by his valor. I know not how it has crept into the common translation that he was a younger brother of Caleb; for nothing in the least degree plausible can be said in defense of the blunder. Hence some expositors perplex themselves very unnecessarily in endeavoring to explain how Othniel could have married his niece, since such marriage was forbidden by the law. It is easy to see that he was not the uncle, but the cousin of his wife. But here another question arises, How did Caleb presume to bargain concerning his daughter until he was made acquainted with her inclinations? Although it is the office of parents to settle their daughters in life, they are not permitted to exercise tyrannical power and assign them to whatever husbands they think fit without consulting them. For while all contracts ought to be voluntary, freedom ought to prevail especially in marriage that no one may pledge his faith against his will. But Caleb was probably influenced by the belief that his daughter would willingly give her consent, as she could not modestly reject such honorable terms;for the husband to be given her was no common man, but one who should excel all others in warlike prowess. It is quite possible, however, that Caleb in the heat of battle inconsiderately promised what it was not in his power to perform. It seems to me, however, that according to common law, the agreement implied the daughter’s consent, and was only to take effect if it was obtained.God certainly heard the prayer of Caleb, when he gave him a son-in-law exactly to his mind. For had the free choice been given him, there was none whom he would have preferred.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 13:22 Numbers 13:33 Deuteronomy 9:2 Joshua 11:21 Joshua 11:22 Judges 1:20 2 Samuel 21:16

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Caleb's portion, His daughter's blessing.
Achsah obtained some land by Caleb's free grant. He gave her a south land. Land indeed, but a south land, dry and apt to be parched. She obtained more, on her request, and he gave the upper and the nether springs. Those who understand it but of one field, watered both with the rain of heaven, and the springs that issued out of the earth, countenance the allusion commonly made to this, when we pray for spiritual and heavenly blessings which relate to our souls, as blessings of the upper springs, and those which relate to the body and the life that now is, as blessings of the nether springs. All the blessings, both of the upper and the nether springs, belong to the children of God. As related to Christ, they have them freely given of the Father, for the lot of their inheritance.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Debir - The same mentioned above, (Joshua 15:7) . The name was Kirjath - sepher - This clause seems to be added to distinguish this from the other Debir subdued by Joshua, (Joshua 10:38-39) .
Bible Cross References
Joshua 10:38 Joshua 15:16 Judges 1:11 Judges 1:12

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Caleb's portion, His daughter's blessing.
Achsah obtained some land by Caleb's free grant. He gave her a south land. Land indeed, but a south land, dry and apt to be parched. She obtained more, on her request, and he gave the upper and the nether springs. Those who understand it but of one field, watered both with the rain of heaven, and the springs that issued out of the earth, countenance the allusion commonly made to this, when we pray for spiritual and heavenly blessings which relate to our souls, as blessings of the upper springs, and those which relate to the body and the life that now is, as blessings of the nether springs. All the blessings, both of the upper and the nether springs, belong to the children of God. As related to Christ, they have them freely given of the Father, for the lot of their inheritance.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
To wife - Which is to be understood with some conditions, as, if he were one who could marry her by God's law; and if she were willing; for though parents had a great power over their children, they could not force them to marry any person against their own wills. He might otherwise be an unfit and unworthy person; but this was a divine impulse, that Othniel's valour might be more manifest, and so the way prepared for his future government of the people, (Judges 3:9) .
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:15 Joshua 15:17 Judges 1:12 1 Samuel 17:25

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Caleb's portion, His daughter's blessing.
Achsah obtained some land by Caleb's free grant. He gave her a south land. Land indeed, but a south land, dry and apt to be parched. She obtained more, on her request, and he gave the upper and the nether springs. Those who understand it but of one field, watered both with the rain of heaven, and the springs that issued out of the earth, countenance the allusion commonly made to this, when we pray for spiritual and heavenly blessings which relate to our souls, as blessings of the upper springs, and those which relate to the body and the life that now is, as blessings of the nether springs. All the blessings, both of the upper and the nether springs, belong to the children of God. As related to Christ, they have them freely given of the Father, for the lot of their inheritance.
McArther Bible Commentary
Othniel. A conqueror like Caleb, who was his father-in-law, he would later be a judge in Israel (Jdg 3:9-11).
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:16 Judges 1:13 Judges 3:9

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Caleb's portion, His daughter's blessing.
Achsah obtained some land by Caleb's free grant. He gave her a south land. Land indeed, but a south land, dry and apt to be parched. She obtained more, on her request, and he gave the upper and the nether springs. Those who understand it but of one field, watered both with the rain of heaven, and the springs that issued out of the earth, countenance the allusion commonly made to this, when we pray for spiritual and heavenly blessings which relate to our souls, as blessings of the upper springs, and those which relate to the body and the life that now is, as blessings of the nether springs. All the blessings, both of the upper and the nether springs, belong to the children of God. As related to Christ, they have them freely given of the Father, for the lot of their inheritance.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
As she came - Or, as she went, namely, from her father's house to her husband's, as the manner was. She moved him - She persuaded her husband, either, That he would ask: or rather, That he would suffer her to ask, as she did. She lighted - That she might address herself to her father in an humble posture, and as a suppliant, which he understood by her gesture.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And it came to pass as she came unto him, etc Although we may conjecture that the damsel Acsa was of excellent morals and well brought up, as marriage with her had been held forth as the special rewardof victory, yet perverse cupidity on her part is here disclosed. She knew that by the divine law women were specially excluded from hereditary lands, but she nevertheless covets the possession of them, and stimulates her husband by unjust expostulation. In this way ambitious and covetous wives cease not to molest their husbands until they force them to forget shame, modesty, and equity. For although the avarice of men also is insatiable, yet women are apt to be much more precipitate. The more carefully ought husbands to be on their guard against being set as it were on flame by the blast of such importunate counsels.But a greater degree of intemperance is displayed when she acquires additional boldness from the facility of her husband and the indulgence of her father. Not contented with the field given to her, she demands for herself a well-watered district. And thus it is when a person has once overleaped the bounds of rectitude and honesty, the fault is forthwith followed up by impudence. Moreover, her father in refusing her nothing gives proof of his singular affection for her. But it does not therefore follow that the wicked thirst of gain which blinds the mind and perverts right judgment is the less hateful. In regard to Acsa’s dismounting from the ass, some interpreters ascribe it to dissimulation and craft, as if she were pretending inability to retain her seat from grief. In this way her dismounting or falling off is made an indication of criminality and defective character. It is more simple, however, to suppose that she placed herself at her father’s feet with the view of accosting him as a suppliant. Be this as it may, by her craft and flattery she gained his consent, and in so far diminished the portion of her brothers.
McArther Bible Commentary
Caleb's daughter sought blessing and exercised faith for it-like father, like daughter.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:19 Judges 1:14

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Caleb's portion, His daughter's blessing.
Achsah obtained some land by Caleb's free grant. He gave her a south land. Land indeed, but a south land, dry and apt to be parched. She obtained more, on her request, and he gave the upper and the nether springs. Those who understand it but of one field, watered both with the rain of heaven, and the springs that issued out of the earth, countenance the allusion commonly made to this, when we pray for spiritual and heavenly blessings which relate to our souls, as blessings of the upper springs, and those which relate to the body and the life that now is, as blessings of the nether springs. All the blessings, both of the upper and the nether springs, belong to the children of God. As related to Christ, they have them freely given of the Father, for the lot of their inheritance.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A blessing - That is, a gift, as that word signifies, (Genesis 33:11) . A south land - That is, a dry land, much exposed to the south wind, which in those parts was very hot and drying, as coming from the deserts of Arabia. Springs of water - That is, a field, wherein are springs of water, which in that country were of great price; she begs a well moistened field, which also might give some relief to that which was dry and barren. Upper and nether springs - Or two fields, one above and the other below that south and dry ground which she complained of, that by this means it might be watered on both sides.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 12:9 Joshua 15:18 Joshua 15:20 Judges 1:15

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
This is the inheritance, etc He had formerly, indeed, traced out the boundaries of the children of Judah; but it is now shown for a different reason how large and fertile the territory was which the Lord in his great liberality had bestowed upon them. One hundred and thirteen cities with their towns and villages are enumerated. The number attests not only the populousness, but also the fertility of the country. And there cannot be a doubt that by the divine blessing a new degree of fertility was imparted to it. The goodness of God was, however, manifested in the very nature of the land selected for his people, a land abounding in all kinds of advantages. If we attend to the number of souls in the tribe, we shall find that one half of the country would have been amply sufficient for their habitation. For when eight hundred were allocated in each of the cities, the remainder had the towns and the villages. It is no doubt true that a portion was afterwards withdrawn and given to the tribe of Simeon. For in this was accomplished the dispersion of which Jacob had prophesied,“I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.” (Genesis 49:7)They were accordingly admitted by the children of Judah as a kind of guests.
McArther Bible Commentary
the inheritance of … Judah. Judah's cities are grouped in four areas: south (Jos 15:20-32); lowland or foothills over near the Mediterranean (Jos 15:33-47); hilly central region (Jos 15:48-60); Judean wilderness dropping eastward down to the Dead Sea (Jos 15:61-62).
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:19 Joshua 15:21

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Mark 3:8 Genesis 35:21 Joshua 15:20 Joshua 15:22 2 Samuel 23:20

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:21 Joshua 15:23

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:22 Joshua 15:24

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:23 Joshua 15:25 1 Samuel 15:4

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:24 Joshua 15:26

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:25 Joshua 15:27 Joshua 19:2

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:26 Joshua 15:28 Nehemiah 11:26

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 21:31 Joshua 15:27 Joshua 15:29 Joshua 19:3 1 Chronicles 4:28

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 33:45 Joshua 15:28 Joshua 15:30 Joshua 19:3

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:29 Joshua 15:31 1 Samuel 30:30

Verse 31

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:30 Joshua 15:32 1 Samuel 27:6 1 Samuel 30:1

Verse 32

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Twenty nine - Here are thirty seven or thirty eight cities named before; how then are they only reckoned twenty nine? There were only twenty nine of them, which either, properly belonged to Judah; the rest fell to Simeon's lot; or Were cities properly so called, that is, walled cities, or such as had villages under them, as it here follows; the rest being great, but unwalled towns, or such as had no villages under them.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:31 Joshua 15:33 Zechariah 14:10

Verse 33

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:32 Joshua 15:34 Joshua 19:41 Judges 13:25 Judges 16:31

Verse 34

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:33 Joshua 15:35 Joshua 19:21 Joshua 21:29

Verse 35

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 38:1 Joshua 15:34 Joshua 15:36 1 Samuel 17:1 1 Samuel 22:1 1 Kings 4:10 Micah 1:15

Verse 36

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:35 Joshua 15:37 1 Samuel 17:52

Verse 37

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:36 Joshua 15:38 Micah 1:11

Verse 38

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 11:3 Joshua 15:37 Joshua 15:39 2 Kings 14:7

Verse 39

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 10:3 Joshua 15:38 Joshua 15:40 2 Kings 14:19 2 Kings 22:1

Verse 40

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:39 Joshua 15:41

Verse 41

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:40 Joshua 15:42 Joshua 19:27

Verse 42

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 10:29 Joshua 15:41 Joshua 15:43 Joshua 21:13 1 Samuel 30:30

Verse 43

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:42 Joshua 15:44

Verse 44

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:43 Joshua 15:45 1 Samuel 23:1 Micah 1:14 Micah 1:15

Verse 45

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 25:16 Joshua 15:44 Joshua 15:46

Verse 46

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 11:22 Joshua 15:45 Joshua 15:47

Verse 47

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:4 Joshua 15:46 Joshua 15:48 Judges 16:1

Verse 48

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The mountains - That is, in the higher grounds called mountains or hills, in comparison of the sea - coast.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:47 Joshua 15:49 Joshua 21:14 1 Samuel 30:27

Verse 49

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:48 Joshua 15:50 Joshua 21:15

Verse 50

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:49 Joshua 15:51 Joshua 21:14 1 Samuel 30:28

Verse 51

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 10:41 Joshua 15:50 Joshua 15:52 2 Samuel 15:12

Verse 52

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:51 Joshua 15:53

Verse 53

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:52 Joshua 15:54

Verse 54

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 23:2 Joshua 15:53 Joshua 15:55 Joshua 21:13

Verse 55

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Ziph - Which gave its name to the neighbouring mountains, (1 Samuel 26:1) .
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:54 Joshua 15:56 Joshua 21:16 1 Samuel 15:12 1 Samuel 23:14 1 Samuel 23:24 1 Samuel 25:2 2 Samuel 23:35

Verse 56

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:55 Joshua 15:57 1 Samuel 25:43 2 Chronicles 22:6

Verse 57

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 38:12 Genesis 38:13 Joshua 15:56 Joshua 15:58

Verse 58

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:57 Joshua 15:59 1 Chronicles 2:45 2 Chronicles 11:7

Verse 59

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:58 Joshua 15:60

Verse 60

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 9:17 Joshua 15:59 Joshua 15:61 Joshua 18:14 1 Samuel 6:21

Verse 61

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 3:1 Joshua 8:15 Joshua 15:60 Joshua 15:62 1 Kings 2:34

Verse 62

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
City of salt - So called either from the salt sea, which was near it; or from the salt which was made in, or about it.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:61 Joshua 15:63 1 Samuel 23:29 2 Chronicles 20:2 Ezekiel 47:10

Verse 63

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The cities of Judah.
Here is a list of the cities of Judah. But we do not here find Bethlehem, afterwards the city of David, and ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. That city, which, at the best, was but little among the thousands of Judah, (Micah 5:2), except that it was thus honoured, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Inhabitants of Jerusalem - For though Jerusalem was in part taken by Joshua before this; yet the upper and stronger part of it, called Zion, was still kept by the Jebusites, even until David's time; and it seems from thence they descended to the lower town called Jerusalem, and took it so that the Israelites were forced to win it a second time; yea, and a third time also: for afterwards it was possessed by the Jebusites, (Judges 19:11) ; (2 Samuel 5:6-7) . Could not drive them out - Namely, because of their unbelief, as Christ could do no mighty work, because of the peoples unbelief, (Mark 6:5-6) ; (Matthew 13:58) , and because of their sloth, and cowardice, and wickedness, whereby they forfeited God's help. The children of Judah - The same things which are here said of the children of Judah, are said of the Benjamites, (Judges 1:21) . Hence ariseth a question, To which of the tribes Jerusalem belonged? It seems probable, that part of it, and indeed the greatest part, stood in the tribe of Benjamin; and hence this is mentioned in the list of their cities, and not in Judah's list; and part of it stood in Judah's share, even mount Moriah, on which the temple was built; and mount Sion, when it was taken from the Jebusites. To this day - When this book was written, whether in Joshua's life, which continued many years after the taking of Jerusalem; or after his death, when this clause was added by some other man of God. But this must be done before David's time, when the Jebusites were quite expelled, and their fort taken.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
As for the Jebusites, etc This furnishes no excuse for the people, nor is it set down with that view; for had they exerted themselves to the full measure of their strength, and failed of success, the dishonor would have fallen on God himself, who had promised that he would continue with them as their leader until he should give them full and free possession of the land, and that he would send hornets to drive out the inhabitants. Therefore, it was owing entirely to their own sluggishness that they did not make themselves masters of the city of Jerusalem. This they were not able to do; but their own torpor, their neglect of the divine command from a love of ease, were the real obstacles.This passage is deserving of notice: we ought to learn from it to make vigorous trial of our strength in attempting to accomplish the commands of God, and not to omit any opportunity, lest while we are idly resting the door may be shut. A moderate delay might have been free from blame; but a long period of effeminate ease in a manner rejected the blessing which God was ready to bestow.
McArther Bible Commentary
Jebusites. The inhabitants of Jerusalem were descendants from the third son of Canaan (Gen 10:15-16; Gen 15:21). Joshua killed their king, who had joined a pact against Gibeon (Josh. 10). Israelites called the area "Jebus" until David ordered Joab and his soldiers to capture the city (2Sa 5:6-7) and made it his capital. Jdg 1:8, Jdg 1:21 show that the Israelites conquered Jebus and burned it, but the Jebusites later regained control until David's day. Melchizedek had been a very early king (Gen. 14), a believer in the true God, when the site was "Salem" (cf. Psa 76:2, "Salem" is "Jerusalem").
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:8 Joshua 15:62 Judges 1:8 Judges 1:21 2 Samuel 5:6 1 Kings 9:21 1 Chronicles 11:4