Ver. 5. Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph—on the north— The meaning is, "The territory of the tribes of Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh, which are now provided for, shall no more be meddled with; there is no need to measure it anew. If it be necessary to retrench it, or add any thing to it, there will always be time to do so afterwards, when a more exact plan shall be taken of all the rest." Joshua speaks agreeably to the situation of Shiloh, the place where he then was; which stood a good way within the tribe of Ephraim, and pretty near to that of Judah; one lying on the north, the other on the south. See Calmet. We shall find in the sequel, that the tribe of Judah did in fact, and doubtless with common consent, give up a part of its territories to the tribes of Dan and Simeon, who found their station too scanty, ch. Joshua 19:29; Joshua 19:41.
REFLECTIONS.—Though seven tribes were yet unsettled, there was such plenty from the spoil of the Canaanites, and they were so taken with the state of peace which they enjoyed after the toils of war, that they seem to have been not at all solicitous to proceed in the division of the land; in doing which they must not only be separated from each other, and many a comfortable connection be dissolved, but must renew their warfare, to rescue the cities in their several lots, which were in the hands of their enemies. Note; (1.) The sweets of worldly comforts and connections are very apt to draw off our minds from desire after our inheritance in heaven. (2.) The difficulties which appear in the way to heaven are often discouragements from labouring thither, though they are usually the mere creatures of our unbelief and sloth. Joshua, observing this, reproves their negligence. While they were trifling, the Canaanites might recover courage and strength, and they might have all their work to do over again. Note; To do things by halves, is always the way to have double trouble: once well done, is done for ever.