Verse 1

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.

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-23and App-25.