Joshua 19:18

And their border lay above that of Manasseh, and, according to Josephus, "extended in length from Carmel to the Jordan, and in breadth to Mount Tabor."

was toward Jezreel Observe in this verse that the description of the boundaries of this tribe, though begun, is not continued. Instead, the names of the cities are given, which were included in it.

Jezreel (the planting, or seed-plot, of God, now Zerin), stood in the celebrated plain of the name between Gilboa and little Hermon on the brow of a very steep rocky slope of at least 100 feet in a strong and central position, commanding the view towards the Jordan on the east (2 Kings 9:17), and visible from Carmel on the west (1 Kings 18:46). The splendid site induced Ahab to make it his chief residence. Here (a) he had his palace and "ivory house" (1 Kings 21:1; 1 Kings 22:39); here (b) he had a watch-tower whence sentinels were able to give timely notice of danger (2 Kings 9:17); here (c) Jezebel lived, and from her high window facing eastward watched the entrance of the conquering Jehu (2 Kings 9:30).

Chesulloth ("the loins") was probably so called from its position on the slopes of some mountain, possibly between Jezreel and Shunem. On Mr Grove's map it is marked direct north of Jezreel, and is identified with Chisloth-tabor, the "Xaloth" of Josephus (B. J. iii. 3.1), the "Chasalus" of Jerome.

and Shunem Now Solâm, three miles to the N.E. of Jezreel in the Esdraelon plain, "full in view of the sacred spot on Mount Carmel, and situated in the midst of the finest corn-fields in the world." Here (a) the Philistines encamped before the fatal battle of Gilboa (1 Samuel 28:4); here (b) was the native place of Abishag (1 Kings 1:3); here (c) Elisha often lodged in the house of the "Shunammite woman," and here (d) he raised her son to life (2 Kings 4:8-37; 2 Kings 8:1-6).