Now these [are] the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazarenan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east [and] west; a [portion for] Dan.
Ver. 1. Now these are the name, of the tribes.] Who are in this chapter assigned their several seats, and the land divided among them; but this division is much different from that of old, which was a plain prediction of a perfect and total abrogation of the Mosaic polity and Levitical worship, together with a new state of the Church of God after the coming of Jesus Christ.
To the coast of the way of Hethlon.] Ezekiel 47:15,17. Judea was not, say geographers, over two hundred miles long, and fifty miles broad; but R. Kimchi here noteth, that the Talmudists affirm that the possession of Israel shall extend unto the utmost coasts of the earth, id quod ex spiritu dictum existima, a This was well and truly spoken, though they understood not what they spake, as dreaming only of an earthly kingdom. But as elsewhere, so here, the land of Canaan is put for the whole world, Psa 89:11-12 whereof all true believers are heirs, together with faithful Abraham, Rom 4:11 whether they be Jews or Gentiles. Christ's kingdom runs to the end of the earth. Psalms 2:8 ; Psa 72:8
A Portion for Dan.] This tribe, which was, for their shameful revolt from the true religion, Jdg 18:30 cut out of the roll, as it were, 1 Chronicles 7:1 ; 1 Chronicles 7:13,14 ; 1Ch 7:20 ; 1Ch 7:30 Rev 7:5-8 is here reckoned first of those who had partem et sortem, part and lot among God's people. So true is that of our Saviour, "Many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first." Matthew 19:30 ; Mat 20:16 "Judge not therefore according to the appearance," &c. Repent, and God will re-accept. The fable of Antichrist to come of this tribe is long since exploded.
a Oecolamp.