Joshua 13:4

From the south. It cannot be definitely determined whether this phrase should go with the preceding or succeeding verses. The LXX and the Syriac connect it with what follows, which seems to make the better sense. The LXX employs for south the proper name, and translates it, “from Theman,” which was the southern limit of Avite territory.

Mearah. Literally, “cave.” The verse may be translated “and the cave that belongs to the Sidonians.” This cave has been thought to be the cave between Tyre and Sidon, called Mughar Jezzin, where a number of grottoes are hewn out of the limestone rocks of Lebanon. Another tentative identification is Mogheiriyeh, about 5 1/2 mi. (9 km.) northeast of Sidon. With this verse the writer turns to the northern unconquered areas.

Aphek. Apparently the northern Aphek (eh. 19:30), now Afka, northeast of Beirut. Not to be confused with the Aphek of eh. 12:18. Called by the Greeks Aphaka, it was near the source of the Adonis River. It was in the lot that fell to Asher.

Borders of the Amorites. That is, the land once inhabited by the Amorites, which belonged to Og, king of Bashan. It extended north of the central and upper Yarmuk River.