Commentary Critical and Explanatory
Joshua 19:17-23
And the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families.
The fourth lot came out to Issachar. Instead of describing the boundaries of this tribe, the inspired historian gives a list of its principal cities. These cities are all in the eastern part of the plain of Esdraelon.
Jezreel (town of God) [Septuagint, Iazeel, and Iezrael (Tischendorf)] - now, Zer'in. Eusebius and Jerome ('Onomast,' art. 'Jezrael') describe it as situated between Legio (el-Lejjun) and Eleutheropolis (now Beisan) (see Robinson's 'Biblical Researches,' 3:, pp. 163-167; Porter's 'Handbook,' p. 363).
Chesulloth, х wªha-Kªcuwlot (H3694), the loins; Septuagint, Chasalooth] - or Chisloth-tabor (Joshua 19:12); identified by Robinson ('Biblical Researches,' 3:, p. 162, and note 3) with the village of Iksal, situated on a low rocky ridge or mound near Tabor.
Shunem, х wª-Shuwneem (H7766) or wªShuwnaam (two resting-places, Gesenius); Septuagint, Sounam] Eusebius called it Salem, now Solam, lying on the declivity at the western end or lower slope of Jebel ed-Duhy, over, against Zer'in (Robinson's 'Biblical Researches,' 3:, p. 169; Porter's 'Handbook,' p. 357).
Haphraim, х wa-Chapaarayim (H2663), the two pits; Septuagint, Agin] - supposed to be represented by the modern village el-Afuleh, about two miles west of Solam (Shunem).
Shihon, х wª-Shiy'on (H7866); Septuagint, Sioona]. It is mentioned by Eusebius and Jerome ('Onomast.') as standing in their time 'near mount Tabor.' But it has not been identified.
Anaharath, [Septuagint, Anachereth]. Its site is unknown.
Verse 20. Rabbith, х wªhaa-Rabiyt (H7245), the multitude; Septuagint, Dabiroon]. Nothing is known of it.
Kishion, х wª-Qishyown (H7191), hardness; Septuagint, Kisoon] - unknown.
Abez, х waa-'Aabets (H77), tin; Septuagint, Rebes] - unknown.
Verse 21. Remeth, [Septuagint, Remmas]. Several conjectures have been advanced respecting the position of this city; but as they are doubtful, it is needless to mention them.
Engannim, х wª-`Eeyn-Ganiym (H5873), fountain of gardens; Septuagint, Hieoon kai Tomman] - the Ginaea of Josephus ('Antiquities,' b. 20:, ch. 6:, sec. 1; also 'Jewish Wars,' b. 3:, ch. 3:, sec. 4), on the Borders of the great plain toward Samaria, now Jenin (Robinson's 'Biblical Researches,' 3:, p., 156; Bovet, 'Voyage en Terre Salute,' p. 382).
En-haddah, х wª-`Eeyn-Chadaah (H5876), swift fountain] - not identified.
Beth-pazzez, х uw-Beeyt-Patseets (H1048), house of dispersion; Septuagint, Beersafees] - unknown.
Verse 22. Tabor - a Levitical city (1 Chronicles 6:77; Hosea 5:1).
Shahazimah, х wª-Shachatsuwmaah (H7831); Septuagint, Salim kata thalassan] - unknown.
Beth-shemesh - house of the sun [Septuagint, Baithsamus]; unknown.