Matthew Poole and continuators on Judges 5:17

17 Gilead abode beyond Jordan : and why did▪ Dan remain in ships ? Asher continued on the sea▪ shore , and abode in his breaches .

Gilead is sometimes taken more largely, for all the Land of the Israelites beyond Iordan, as Numb. 32. 1, 26, 29. So it is not here taken, because Gilead is here distinguished from Reuben and his Land: sometimes it is taken more strictly for that part of the Land beyond Iordan which fell to the halftribe of Manasseh, as Numb. 32. 39, 40. Deut. 3. 15. Ios. 17. 1. And sometimes both for that part of Manasseh's, and for Gad's Portion, as Ios. 13. 24, 25, 29, 30, 31. And so it seems to be understood here; and the Land Gilead, is here put for the People, or Inhabitants of it, Gad and Manasseh.

In their own Portions, and did not come over Iordan to the help of the Lord, and of his People, as they ought to have done.

Dan, whose Coast was near the Sea, was wholly intent upon his Merchandise, and Shipping, as the great instrument both of his riches and safety; and therefore would not joyn in this Land-Expedition.

Where their Lot lay.

Either, First, in the creeks of the Sea, whether in design to save themselves by Ships in case of danger, as Dan also intended: or upon pretence of repairing the breaches made by the Sea into their Country. Or, Secondly, In their broken and craggy Rocks and Caves therein, in which they thought to secure themselves.

Marginal references: Or, part,; Or, creeks.