A commentary of M. John Calvin, upon the book of Joshua finished a little…A commentarie of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the booke of Iosue finished a little…

1 Then came, &c.) Here is declared afterward, that which should have gone before. For the cities of refuge were not given, before they were assigned to the Levites. As also we must remember, that which was said before, that Joshua and Eleazer made an end of dividing the land: for the land was not justly divided, until the ⟨image 93⟩Levites had their dwelling place appointed them. Therefore we must consider, that when the lots were cast in the name of the ten tribes, certain cities in the land of Canaan were drawn out of every portion, in which the Levites should dwell. For they had their portion already appointed them beyond Jordan. But whereas the Levites come and require, that the gift of God may be confirmed, that they might possess their cities with their suburbs, it is like they were neglected, until they pleaded their own cause. For so it falleth out commonly, while every man is busy to provide for him self, they forget their brethren. Surely it was a shame for the people to be pulled by the ear, and to be brought in remembrance of that which God had so plainly commanded, concerning the Levites. And yet, if they had not spoken earnestly for a house, they were in danger to have lien abroad in the fields. Although we may easily gather, that the people offended, rather of negligence and forgetfulness, than of purpose to defraud them: for they make no delay, as soon as they are admonished: yea, their obedience is praised, that according to the word of the Lord they performed that which was equal and right.

1 Then came, &c.) Here is declared afterward, that which should haue gone before. For the cities of refuge were not geuen, before they were assigned to the Leuites. As also we must remember, that which was saied before, that Iosue and Eleazer made an ende of diuiding the lande: for the lande was not iustly diuided, vntill the ⟨image 93⟩Leuites had their dwelling place appointed them. Therefore we must consider, that when the lottes were cast in the name of the ten tribes, certeine cities in the land of Chanaan were drawen out of euery portion, in which the Leuites shoulde dwell. For they had their portion alredie appointed them beyond Iordan. But whereas the Leuites come and require, that the gifte of God may be confirmed, that they might possesse their cities with their suburbes, it is like they were neglected, vntill they pleaded their owne cause. For so it falleth out commonly, while euery man is busie to prouide for him selfe, they forgette their brethren. Surely it was a shame for the people to be pulled by the eare, and to be brought in remembraunce of that which God had so plainly commaunded, concerning the Leuites. And yet, if they had not spoken earnestly for a house, they were in daunger to haue lien abroade in the fieldes. Although we may easily gather, that the people offended, rather of negligence and forgetfulnesse, than of purpose to defraud them: for they make no delay, as soone as they are admonished: yea, their obedience is praised, that according to the worde of the Lorde they performed that which was equall and right.