the Lord gave] That is, he assigned it unto them, and gave them right unto it, though divers of the tribes through their negligence, did not drive out the Canaanites. For that much of the land at this time remained unsubdued, appeareth, Chap. 13. and 23. and Judg. Chap. 1. But the meaning is, That all Gods promises were performed in that manner and time, as God made them. 1: e. That they should enjoy all the countrey in fit time, when as they were sufficient to inhabit it, Exodus 23:29. Deuteronomy 7:22.
possessed it] 1: e. So much of it as they subdued, or thought needfull for their present use.