Ver. 1. This then was the lot of the tribe, &c.] The lot came forth, up, or out (Joshua 19:1,10,17) of the bosom, lap, (Proverbs 16:33) pot, or some other vessel in use for that purpose; for the manner of this lottery is not expressed: but that it was solemnly done with fasting and prayer premised, is probable; (Judges 20:26 Acts 1:24) and that it was ordered by a divine providence, is certain. (Proverbs 16:33) And hence it was that Judah’s lot came out first, and fell out in the best part of the land: to show that God had a purpose to exalt that tribe above the rest.
Ver. 2. And their south border.] See Numbers 34:2. Where God doth, as it were, draw a map of Canaan, and showeth the bounds of it on every side. From the bay that looketh southward.] Heb., From the tongue: some render it from the promontory running out into the sea, in form of a tongue.
Ver. 3. To Maalehacrabbim,] i.e., To the ascent of scorpions, or of the mountains that were crooked as scorpions, or that abounded with scorpions. (Judges 1:36) Passed along to Zin.] A city whence that wilderness, not the same with that of Sin or Sinai, had its name. To Hezron, and went up to Adar.] These two places are (Numbers 34:4) called Hazaraddar.
Ver. 4. This shall be your south coast.] It is God that “determineth the times before appointed, and the bounds of our habitations”; (Acts 17:26) the walls of his people’s houses are continually before him. (Isaiah 49:16)
Ver. 5. The salt sea.] The lake of Sodom, into which the river Jordan runneth, and there endeth.
Ver. 6. To the stone of Bohan.] Which had its name for some unknown reason: so Migdalgad. (Joshua 15:37)
Ver. 7. At Enrogel.] Or, The fuller’s well; who hath his name in Hebrew from footing it, quia pedibus mundet vestes. So hath the talebearer. (Psalms 15:3)
Ver. 8. By the valley of the son of Hinnon.] Where with barbarous cruelty they sacrificed their children to Moloch, or Saturn. (2 Kings 23:11) Hence Gehenna for hell. The same is Jerusalem.] Anciently Jebus, (Judges 19:11) afterwards Jerusalem; not quasi ιερον σολυμων vel σολομωντος, as Hegesippus dreameth, but of Jireh, (Genesis 22:14) “he will provide,” and Shalom, “peace.” The Hebrew here and elsewhere writeth it in the dual form, as it were the double Jerusalem, the higher and the lower town, from which the apostle gathereth an allegory. (Galatians 4:15)
Ver. 9. Which is Kirjathjearim,] i.e., Urbs nemorum. Vat.
Ver. 10. Unto mount Seir.] Not that of the Idumeans, but another of that name, from its roughness.
Ver. 11. Unto the side of Ekron.] Where Beelzebub was worshipped. Hence Acheron for hell, “ Fiectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo. ’’— Virg.
Ver. 12. The great sea,] i.e., The midland sea, great in comparison of the lakes of Palestine, called also seas.
Ver. 13. And unto Caleb.] See Joshua 14:13.
Ver. 14. And Caleb drove thence.] Nos quoque militemus, Heaven is not to be had sine sanguine et sudore, without pains, patience, violence.
Ver. 15. And the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher.] Which sign ifieth a city of books, as Debir doth a secret and sacred place. Some think it was a University, or at least, that there was a famous library, such as was afterwards the Serapion at Alexandria, furnished with the best books by Ptolomy Philadelph, who was φιλολογωτατος βασιλευς, as Cyril noteth, a great lover of learning.
Ver. 16. To him will I give Achsah my daughter.] Yet with her consent, who as she was not to be forced, (Genesis 24:51,57) so she might not refuse without reason, and say— “ Non amo te Sabidi, nec possum dicere quare. ’’— Martial.
Ver. 17. The son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb.] So that Othniel and Achsah were brothers’ children. Hence some infer the lawfulness of such marriages now.
Ver. 18. She moved him to ask.] Or, She moved her husband that she might ask another field. Covetousness is never contented, but still craving more, as the horse leeches’ daughters. Othniel hardly yielded to this motion, but she would have it so, and therefore lighted off her ass, either as discontented, or as desirous to present her request.
Ver. 19. Give me also springs of water,] i.e., Other lands well watered, whence we may derive water to the rest. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.] What can a kind father deny his child? And shall not God give his dear children “upper and nether springs,” blessings of both lives, bona throni et bona scabelli? and are they not worthily miserable that will not make themselves happy by asking? How confidently came Esau to his father for a blessing, and the prodigal for a child’s part! Now if men which are evil do give good things to their children that ask them: how much more will your heavenly Father? &c. See what he saith, (Isaiah 45:11) “Ask me of things to come concerning” (or on the behalf of) “my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.” Oh that we did but understand the latitude of this royal charter!