Commentaries
Matthew Henry Concise
Puritan pastoral commentary (1710). Warm, devotional, and strong on practical application. Covers every chapter. Lighter on original languages.
Wesley's Notes
Methodist verse notes (1754). Clear and concise; useful for a quick plain reading of the text. Not every verse has a note.
Poole's Annotations
Nonconformist verse annotations (1685). Concise and text-focused, with strong attention to the Hebrew and Greek text. Praised by Spurgeon for its balance of brevity and depth.
Jamieson, Fausset and Brown
Evangelical critical commentary (1871). Strong on exegesis, word study, and cross-references. Dense and technical; best for readers who want scholarly depth.
Gill's Exposition
Reformed Baptist exposition (1746). Exhaustive treatment of Hebrew, Greek, and Rabbinic sources. Covers every verse with great depth; entries can be long.
vv. 1-15
Canaan was of small extent; as it is here bounded, it is but about 160 miles in length, and about 50 in breadth; yet this was the country promised to the father of the faithful, and the possession of the seed of Israel. This was that little spot of ground, in which alone, for many ages, God was known. This was the vineyard of the Lord, the garden enclosed; but as it is with gardens and vineyards, the narrowness of the space was made up by the fruitfulness of the soil. Though the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof, yet few know him, and serve him; but those few are happy, because fruitful to God. Also, see how little a share of the world God gives to his own people. Those who have their portion in heaven, have reason to be content with a small pittance of this earth. Yet a little that a righteous man has, having it from the love of God, and with his blessing, is far better and more comfortable than the riches of many wicked. (Nu 34:16-29)
vv. 16-29
God here appoints men to divide the land to them. So sure must they feel of victory and success while God fought for them, that the persons are named who should be intrusted with the dividing of the land.