13. The redivision of the land: the boundaries. The latter are
substantially the same as those given by Moses in
Nu 34:1-29;
they here begin with the north, but in Numbers they begin with the
south
(Nu 34:3).
It is only Canaan proper, exclusive of the possession of the two and a
half tribes beyond Jordan, that is here divided.
Joseph . . . two portions--according to the original promise of Jacob
(Ge 48:5, 22).
Joseph's sons were given the birthright forfeited by Reuben, the
first-born
(1Ch 5:1).
Therefore the former is here put first. His two sons having
distinct portions make up the whole number twelve portions, as
he had just before specified "twelve tribes of Israel"; for Levi
had no separate inheritance, so that he is not reckoned in the
twelve.
JFB.
Picture Study Bible