Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Joshua Ch.13 / 24 Ch.s
JOS:13
* Bounds of the land not yet conquered. (1-6) Inheritance of
Reuben. (7-33)
#1-6 At this chapter begins the account of the dividing of the
land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel by lot; a narrative
showing the performance of the promise made to the fathers, that
this land should be given to the seed of Jacob. We are not to
pass over these chapters of hard names as useless. Where God has
a mouth to speak, and a hand to write, we should find an ear to
hear, and an eye to read; and may God give us a heart to profit!
Joshua is supposed to have been about one hundred years old at
this time. It is good for those who are old and stricken in
years to be put in remembrance of their being so. God considers
the frame of his people, and would not have them burdened with
work above their strength. And all people, especially old
people, should set to do that quickly which must be done before
they die, lest death prevent them, #Ec 9:10|. God promise that
he would make the Israelites masters of all the countries yet
unsubdued, through Joshua was old, and not able to do it; old,
and not likely to live to see it done. Whatever becomes of us,
and however we may be laid aside as despised, broken vessels,
God will do his own work in his own time. We must work out our
salvation, then God will work in us, and work with us; we must
resist our spiritual enemies, then God will tread them under our
feet; we must go forth to our Christian work and warfare, then
God will go forth before us.
#7-33 The land must be divided among the tribes. It is the will
of God that every man should know his own, and not take that
which is another's. The world must be governed, not by force,
but right. Wherever our habitation is placed, and in whatever
honest way our portion is assigned, we should consider them as
allotted of God; we should be thankful for, and use them as
such, while every prudent method should be used to prevent
disputes about property, both at present and in future. Joshua
must be herein a type of Christ, who has not only conquered the
gates of hell for us, but has opened to us the gates of heaven,
and having purchased the eternal inheritance for all believers,
will put them in possession of it. Here is a general description
of the country given to the two tribes and a half, by Moses.
Israel must know their own, and keep to it; and may not, under
pretence of their being God's peculiar people, encroach on their
neighbours. Twice in this chapter it is noticed, that to the
tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance: see #Nu 18:20|. Their
maintenance must be brought out of all the tribes. The ministers
of the Lord should show themselves indifferent about worldly
interests, and the people should take care they want nothing
suitable. And happy are those who have the Lord God of Israel
for their inheritance, though little of this world falls to
their lot. His providences will supply their wants, his
consolations will support their souls, till they gain heavenly
joy and everlasting pleasures.