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(^172) Tola (10:1), Jair (10:3), Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon (12:8-15).
(^173) It is difficult to resist the impression that Canaan was not only the focus of ancient
heathenism in its worst abominations, but the center whence it spread. Very much in the
mythology, and almost all the vileness of Greek and Roman heathenism is undoubtedly
of Canaanitish origin. Indeed, we may designate the latter as the only real missionary
heathenism at the time in the world. Consider the significance of planting in its stead the
kingdom of God, with its untold missionary influences and its grand purpose to the
world! We must also bear in mind, that the spread of Canaanitish idolatry would be
greatly promoted by the chain of colonies which extended from Asia Minor into
Europe.
(^174) Cassel derives the name from the slimy nature of the soil.
(^175) According to Cassel: "My god is splendor," perhaps a sun worshipper.
(^176) Cassel enumerates many such.
(^177) "In longum sui ludibrium," Curtius de Rebus: Alex. v. 5, 6.
(^178) This notice is here inserted, probably, because the event happened between the
taking of Debir (1:11) and that of Zephath (1:17).
(^179) Only Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron seem to have been taken, but neither Gath nor
Ashdod.
(^180) These were armed with scythes on their wheels.
(^181) They drove them out of the valley (1:35) which constituted the principal part of the
possession of Dan (Joshua 19:40). The Amorites even "dared to dwell" in Har-Heres, in
Aijalon, and in Shaalbim (Judges 1:35), although they were afterwards made tributary
by the house of Joseph.
(^182) Cassel erroneously regards this as a human messenger from God.
(^183) For the situation of this Gilgal, comp. a previous chapter.
(^184) Ashtaroth is the "star-goddess" of the night, Astarte, whose symbol, properly
speaking, was the Asherah. It is impossible to detail the vileness of her service. Mention
of it occurs so early as in Genesis 14:5, where we read of Ashteroth Karnaim, the "star-
goddess of the horns," i.e., the quarter of the moon.
(^)