Commentary on Joshua - Keil & Delitzsch - David Cox

Keil and Delitzsch <strong>Commentary</strong> on the Old Testament
( Tobler , pp. 150-1), with which Knobel identifies it, is upon the mountains and not
in the plain. Mizpeh , i.e., specula , a different place from the Mizpeh of Benjamin
(Josh 18:26), was on the north of Eleutheropolis, according to the Onom. ( s. v.
Maspha ), and therefore may possibly be the castle Alba Specula , or Alba Custodia
of the middle ages, the present Tell es Saphieh , in the middle of the plain and upon
the top of a lofty hill, from which there is an extensive prospect in all directions (see
Rob. ii. p. 363). Joktheel has possibly been preserved in the ruins of Keitulaneh (
Rob. Pal. iii. App.), which are said to lie in that neighbourhood.
Verse 39. Lachish , i.e., Um Lakis (see at Josh 10:3). Bozkath is unknown: according
to Knobel , it may possibly be the ruins of Tubakah , on the south of Um Lakis and
Ajlan ( Rob. ii. pp. 388, 648). Eglon , i.e., Ajlan; see at Josh 10:3.
Verse 40. Cabbon , probably the heap of ruins called Kubeibeh or Kebeibeh , "which
must at some time or other have been a strong fortification, and have formed the key
to the central mountains of Judah" ( v. de Velde , R. ii. p.
156), and which lie to the south of Beit-jibrin, and two hours and a half to the east of
Ajlan ( Rob. Pal. ii. p. 394). Lachmas: according to Knobel a corruption of Lachmam,
which is the reading given in many MSS and editions, whilst the Vulgate has
Leheman , and Luther (and the Eng. Ver ). Lahmam. Knobel connects it with the ruins
of el Lahem to the south of Beit-jibrin ( Tobler ). Kithlish ( Chitlis ) is unknown,
unless it is to be found in Tell Chilchis , to the S.S.E. of Beit-jibrin ( V. de Velde , R.
ii. p. 157).
Verse 41. Gederoth, Beth-dagon , and Naamah have not yet been traced. The village
mentioned in the Onom. ( s. v. Beth-dagon ) as grandis vicus Capher-dagon , and said
to lie between Diospolis and Jamnia , the present Beit-dejan ( Rob. iii. p. 30), was far
beyond the northern boundary of the tribe of Judah. Makkedah: see at Josh 10:10.
Verse 42-44. The third group, consisting of the towns in the southern half of the hilly
region: nine towns.
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