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…

4 And the lot, &c.) Here is set forth the number of the cities, whereof must be spoken soon after. Secondly, here is plainly expressed, that the lot of the sons of Aaron, fell in the tribe of Judah, which happened not by chance: for God by his marvellous counsel placed them in that seat, where he had appointed his Temple to be builded. Thirdly, the names of the cities are rehearsed, whereof Hebron is the first, which Caleb suffered to be taken from him with a good will. If any man object, that Jerusalem should have been especially given them, where they should have their lawful abiding place: the answer is easy, that small and mean cities were delivered to them, such as their state required. Moreover, Jerusalem was not yet recovered: for the Jebusites had it in possession. Finally, it had been against reason, that the seat of the kingdom, should have been appointed to the Priests. And in this, their faith and religion was better approved, that they went willingly out of their native country, to do their duty about the holy affairs. For no Priest did his office there, but he was a foreigner, & dwelt in some other place. But yet their infirmity was borne withal, when they were rewarded with cities that were near about, least it should be ⟨p. 90⟩troublesome to them: to take along journey to do their office. But whereas one only family, and that not very populous, had thirteen cities granted for their habitation, hereof is confirmed that I have noted elsewhere, that the other tribes had many cities under their dominion, whereof here is no mention: and that shall be confirmed more certainly soon after.

4 And the lotte, &c.) Here is set foorth the number of the cities, whereof must be spoken soone after. Secondly, here is plainely expressed, that the lot of the sonnes of Aaron, fell in the tribe of Iuda, which happened not by chance: for God by his meruellous counsell placed them in that seate, where he had appointed his Temple to be builded. Thirdly, the names of the cities are rehearsed, whereof Hebron is the first, which Caleb suffered to be taken from him with a good will. If any man obiect, that Hierusalem should haue bene especially geuen them, where they should haue their lawefull abiding place: the answere is easie, that small and meane cities were deliuered to them, such as their state required. Moreouer, Hierusalem was not yet recouered: for the Iebusites had it in possession. Finally, it had bene against reason, that the seate of the kingdome, should haue bene appointed to the Priestes. And in this, their faith and religion was better approued, that they went willingly out of their natiue countrie, to doe their duetie about the holy affaires. For no Priest did his office there, but he was aforeigner, & dwelt in some other place. But yet their infirmitie was borne withall, when they were rewarded with cities that were neere about, least it should be