1 And the lot, &c.) First he telleth generally, what lot fell to the two sons of Joseph, afterwards he rehearseth the lot of Ephraim. And it is marvel, seeing half the tribe of Manasseh was already placed beyond Jordan, yet more words are spent about the other part, which remained, than about all the tribe of Ephraim: which as it was more populous, so it did justly challenge a larger ground: but that the speech is longer about the posterity of Manasseh, it cometh by occasion: because the author of the book doeth repeat again, how they had a place appointed them, without casting of lots, in the land of Bashan. Afterward he rehearseth that that was confirmed by Joshua, which Moses by authority of God commanded concerning the daughters of Selophad. Therefore, when there was no doubt of the bounds of Ephraim, neither should there be any strife about them, their lot is briefly set forth. But here ariseth a new question: seeing the right of the first begotten was passed from Manasseh to Ephraim, how the posterity of him, which was higher in degree of honour, obtained their cities among the children of Manasseh. For by this means their state seemeth to be inferior unto them. But I do so interpret it, that when the portion of Manasseh was larger than according to the number of the men, when just account was made, certain cities were withdrawn which made up the just portion of the •ribe of Ephraim: not that they should dwell intermixed as it were by licence of the children of Manasseh: but because their borders were extended further toward them, whom a scanter possession might suffice. But in the ⟨p. 77⟩end of the Chapter, the sloth and cowardice of the tribe of Ephraim is noted with infamy, for that he drave not out the Canaanite out of Gaza, for if they had gone forward manfully, and wisely, to challenge the land which was fallen unto them by lot, the victory was in their hand: for they should have attempted nothing rashly, because the casting of lots was as good, as if God had reached forth his hand out of heaven. But their shameful slothfulness is more clearly expressed, and their fault augmented, because they made them tributaries, with whom it was not lawful to enter into any covenant.
1 And the lotte, &c.) First he telleth generally, what lotte fell to the two sonnes of Ioseph, afterwardes he rehearseth the lotte of Ephraim. And it is maxuell, seeing halfe the tribe of Manasse was alreadie placed beyond Iordan, yet more wordes are spent about the other parte, which remained, than about all the tribe of Ephraim: which as it was more populous, so it did iustly challenge a larger ground: but that the speech is longer about the posteritie of Manasse, it commeth by occasion: because the author of the booke doeth repeate againe, how they had a place appointed them, without casting of lots, in the land of Basan. Afterward he reherseth that that was confirmed by Iosue, which Moses by authoritie of God cōmanded concerning the daughters of Selophad. Therefore, when there was no doubt of the bounds of Ephraim, neither should there be any strife about them, their lotte is breefly set forth. But here ariseth a newe question: seeing the right of the first begotten was passed from Manasse to Ephraim, how the posteritie of him, which was higher in degree of honour, obteined their citties among the children of Manasse. For by this meanes their state seemeth to be inferiour vnto them. But I doe so interprete it, that when the portion of Manasse was larger than according to the number of the men, when iust accompt was made, certeine cities were withdrawen which made vp the iust portion of the •ribe of Ephraim: not that they should dwell intermixed as it were by licence of the children of Manasse: but because their borders were extended further toward them, whom a s•anter possession might suffice. But in the ⟨p. 77⟩end of the Chapter, the slouth and cowardise of the tribe of Ephraim is noted with in•amie, for that he draue not out the Chanaanite out of Gaza, for if they had gone forward manfully, and wisely, to challenge the land which was fallen vnto them by lot, the victorie was in their hande: for they should haue attempted nothing rashly, because the casting of lottes was as good, as if God had reached forth his hand out of heauen. But their shamefull slouthfulnes is more clearely expressed, and their fault augmented, because they made them tributaries, with whome it was not lawfull to enter into any couenant.
