NOTES ON The Book of JOSHUA
In this book and those that follow to the end of Esther, we have the history of the
Jewish nation. These books, to the end of the second book of Kings, the Jewish writers
call, the first book of the prophets: as being wrote by prophets, men divinely inspired.
Indeed it is probable they were collections of the authentic records of the nation, which
some of the prophets were divinely directed and assisted to put together. It seems the
substance of the several histories was written under divine direction, when the events had
just happened, and long after put into the form wherein they stand now, perhaps all by the
same hand. In the five books of Moses we had a full account of the rise and constitution
of the Old Testament church, the miracles by which it was built up, and the laws and
ordinances by which it was to be governed. And any nation that had statutes and judgments
so righteous, one would think, should have been very holy. But alas! a great part of the
history is a representation of their sins and miseries. For the law made nothing perfect;
that was to be done by the bringing in of the better hope. The book of Joshua, if not
written by him, was at least collected out of his journals or memoirs. It contains the
history of Israel under the command of Joshua: how he presided over them,
- In their entrance into Canaan, chap. 1 - 5.
- In their conquest of Canaan, chap. 6 - 12.
- In the distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel, chap. 13 - 21.
- In the establishment of religion among them, chap. 21 - 24.
In all which he was a great example of wisdom, courage, fidelity and piety. And in this
history we may see,
- Much of God and his providence; his power in the kingdom of nature; his justice in
punishing the Canaanites; his faithfulness to his covenant with the patriarchs; his
kindness to his people:
- Much of Christ and his grace: Joshua being in many respects an eminent type of him.
Chapter I
In this chapter,
- God appoints Joshua to govern in the stead of Moses, and gives him instructions and
encouragement, ver. 1 - 9.
- He enters on his office immediately, giving orders to the officers, and to the two
tribes and an half, ver. 10 - 1 5.
- The people accept him as their governor, ver. 16 - 18
| 1 |
After the death of Moses - Either immediately after it, or when the days of mourning
for Moses were expired. Joshua was appointed and declared Moses's successor in the
government before this time; and here he receives confirmation from God therein. The
servant of the Lord - This title is given to Moses here and Jos 1:2, as also Deut
34:5, and is repeated not without cause, to reflect honour upon him, to give
authority to his laws and writings, in publishing whereof he acted as God's servant, in
his name: and that the Israelites might not think of Moses above what was meet,
remembering that he was not the Lord himself, but only the Lord's servant; and therefore
not to be too pertinaciously followed in all his institutions when the Lord himself should
come and abolish part of the Mosaical dispensation; it being but reasonable that he who
was only a servant in God's house, should give place to him who was the son, and heir, and
Lord of it. The Lord spake - Either in a dream or vision, or by Urim, Numb 27:21.
Moses's minister - Who had waited upon Moses in his great employments, and thereby been
privy to his manner of government, and so prepared for it. |
| 2 |
Now therefore arise - Let not the withering of the most useful hands be the weakening
of ours. When God has work to do, he will either find or make instruments fit to carry it
on. Moses the servant is dead; but God the master is not: he lives forever. This Jordan -
Which is now near thee, which is the only obstacle in thy way to Canaan. Which I give -
That is, am now about to give thee actual possession of it, as I formerly gave a right to
it by promise. |
| 3 |
Every place - That is, within the following bounds. |
| 4 |
This Lebanon - Emphatically, as being the most eminent mountain in Syria, and the
northern border of the land: or this which is within thy view. Hittites - Of the
Canaanites, who elsewhere are all called Amorites; (Gen 15:16) and here
Hittites, the Hittites being the most considerable and formidable of all. The greater -
The midland sea, great in itself, and especially compared with those lesser collections of
waters, which the Jews called seas. "But the Israelites never possessed all this
land." I answer:
- That was from their own sloth and cowardice, and disobedience to God, and breach of
those conditions upon which this promise was suspended:
- Though their possessions extended not to Euphrates, yet their dominion did, and all
those lands were tributary to them in David's and Solomon's time.
|
| 5 |
With Moses - To assist him against all his enemies, and in all the difficulties of
governing this stiff - necked people, which Joshua might justly fear no less than the
Canaanites. Forsake thee - I will not leave thee destitute either of inward support, or of
outward assistance. |
| 6 |
Be strong and of a good courage - Joshua, though a person of great courage and
resolution, whereof he had given sufficient proof, yet needs these exhortations, partly
because his work was great, and difficult, and long, and in a great measure new; partly
because he had a very mean opinion of himself, especially if compared with Moses; and
remembering how perverse and ungovernable that people were, even under Moses, he might
very well suspect the burden of ruling them would be too heavy for his shoulders. |
| 7 |
Commanded thee - Remember, that though thou art the commander of my people, yet thou
art my subject, and obliged to observe all my commands. To the right hand or to the left -
That is, in any kind, or upon any pretence; which plainly shews, that God's assistance
promised to him and the Israelites, was conditional, and might justly be withdrawn upon
their breach of the conditions. Whithersoever thou goest - That is, whatsoever thou doest.
Mens actions are often compared to ways, or steps by which they come to the end they aim
at. |
| 8 |
Out of thy mouth - That is, thou shalt constantly read it, and upon occasion discourse
of it, and the sentence which shall come out of thy mouth, shall in all things be given
according to this rule. Day and night - That is, diligently study, and upon all occasions
consider what is God's will and thy duty. The greatness of thy place and employments shall
not hinder thee from this work, because this is the only rule of all thy private actions,
and publick administrations. |
| 9 |
I commanded thee - I whom thou art obliged to obey: I who can carry thee through every
thing I put thee upon: I of whose faithfulness and almighty power thou hast had large
experience? |
| 10 |
The officers of the people - These who commanded under Joshua, in their respective
tribes and families, attended him for orders, which they were to transmit to the people. |
| 11 |
Prepare you victuals - For although Manna was given them to supply their want of
ordinary provisions in the wilderness; yet they were allowed, when they had opportunity,
to purchase other provisions, and did so, Deut 2:6,28. And now having been
some time in the land of the Amorites, and together with Manna used themselves to other
food, which that country plentifully supplied them with; they are warned to furnish
themselves therewith for their approaching march. Three days - These words, though placed
here, seem not to have been delivered by Joshua 'till after the return of the spies; such
transpositions being frequent in scripture. And hence it comes, that these three days
mentioned here below, after the history of the spies, are again repeated Josh 3:2.
|
| 13 |
Commanded you - His charge to you, and your promise to him. Rest - That is, a place of
rest, as that word signifies. |
| 14 |
Before their brethren - In the front of all of them; which was but reasonable; because
they had the advantage of their brethren, having actually received their portion, which
their brethren had only in hope, because they were freed from those impediments which the
rest were exposed to, their wives, and children, and estates being safely lodged; and to
prevent their withdrawing themselves from the present service, which they otherwise would
have had temptation to do, because of the nearness of their habitations. Armed - For by
this time they were well furnished with arms, which they had either from the Egyptians,
Amalekites, or Amorites, from whom they had taken them; or by purchase from those people
by whose borders they passed. Men of valour - All such were obliged to go over if occasion
required it, but Joshua took only some of them, because they were sufficient for his
purpose, and because some were fit to be left, both to secure their own wives, children,
and possessions, and to prevent their enemies on that side from giving them disturbance in
their enterprise upon Canaan. |
| 16 |
And they answered - Not the two tribes and an half only, but the officers of all the
people, in their name, concurring with the divine appointment, by which Joshua was set
over them. Thus must we swear allegiance to our Lord Jesus, as the captain of our
salvation. |
| 17 |
Unto thee - The same obedience which we owed, to Moses, we promise unto thee. With
Moses - This is not a limitation of their obedience, as if they would not obey him any
longer than he was prosperous, but an additional prayer for him. As we have hereby
promised thee our obedience, so our prayer shall be, that God would bless and prosper
thee, as he did Moses. |
Chapter II
Joshua sends spies to Jericho, ver. 1. Rahab receives and conceals them, ver. 2 -
7. Her agreement with them for the safety of herself and family, ver. 8 - 21. The return
of the spies, and the account given by them, ver. 22 - 24.
| 1 |
Sent - Or, had sent: See note ... "Jos 1:11" Two men - Not twelve, as Moses
did, because those were to view the whole land, these but a small parcel of it. To spy -
That is, to learn the state of the land and people. It is evident Joshua did not this out
of distrust; it is probable, he had God's command and direction in it for the
encouragement of himself and his army. Secretly - With reference not to his enemies, that
being the practice of all spies, but to the Israelites; a good caution to prevent the
inconveniency which possibly might have arisen, if their report had been discouraging.
Jericho - That is, the land about Jericho, together with the city. Heb. The land and
Jericho, that is, especially Jericho. Harlot's - So the Hebrew word is used, Judg
11:1, and so it is rendered by two apostles, Heb 11:31 Jam 2:25, such
she either now was, or rather, had been formerly. Lodged - Or, lay down; as the same word
is rendered, Jos 2:8, composed themselves to rest; but they were hindered
from that intention. |
| 2 |
To night - This evening. |
| 3 |
Probably Israel had but one friend in all Jericho: and God directed them to her! Thus
what seems to be most accidental, is often over - ruled, to serve the great ends of
providence. And those that acknowledge God in their ways, he will guide them with his eye.
|
| 4 |
And the woman - Or, But the woman had taken - and had hid them, before the messengers
came from the king; as soon as she understood from her neighbours, that there was a
suspicion of the matter, and guessed that search would be made. And this is justly
mentioned as a great and generous act of faith, Heb 11:31, for she apparently
ventured her life upon a steadfast persuasion of the truth of God's word and promise given
to the Israelites. Whence they were - Her answer contained in these and the following
words, was false, and therefore unquestionably sinful; tho' her intention was good
therein. But it is very probable, she being an Heathen, might think, that an officious lie
is not unlawful. |
| 6 |
Roof - Which was flat after their manner. Upon the roof - That they might be dried by
the heat of the sun. |
| 7 |
Fords - Or passages, that is, the places where people used to pass over Jordan,
whether by boats or bridges. The gate - Of the city, to prevent the escape of the spies,
if peradventure Rahab was mistaken, and they yet lurked therein. |
| 8 |
Laid down - To sleep as they intended. |
| 9 |
Your terror - That is, the dread of you. |
| 11 |
Melted - That is, were dissolved, lost all courage. |
| 12 |
By the Lord - By your God who is the only true God: so she owns his worship, one
eminent act whereof is swearing by his name. My father's house - My near kindred, which
she particularly names, Jos 2:13, husband and children it seems she had none.
And for herself, it was needless to speak, it being a plain and undeniable duty to save
their preserver. True token - Either an assurance that you will preserve me and mine from
the common ruin: or a token which I may produce as a witness of this agreement, and a
means of my security. This is all that she asks. But God did for her more than she could
ask or think. She was afterwards advanced to be a princess in Israel, the wife of Salmon
and one of the ancestors of Christ. |
| 13 |
All that they have - That is, their children, as appears from Jos 6:23. |
| 14 |
For yours - We will venture our lives for the security of yours. Our business - That
is, this agreement of ours, and the condition of it, lest others under this pretence,
should secure themselves. By which they shew both their piety and prudence in managing
their oath with so much circumspection, that neither their own consciences might be
ensnared, nor the publick justice obstructed. |
| 15 |
Town - wall - Which gave her the opportunity of dismissing them when the gates were
shut. Upon the wall - Her particular dwelling was there: which may possibly be added,
because the other part of her house was reserved for the entertainment of strangers. |
| 16 |
The mountain - That is, to some of the mountains wherewith Jericho was encompassed, in
which also there were many caves where they might lurk. Three days - Not three whole days,
but one whole day, and part of two days. |
| 17 |
Said - Or, had said; namely, before she let them down; it being very improbable,
either that she would dismiss them before the condition was agreed on; or that she would
discourse with them, or they with her, about such secret and weighty things after they
were let down, when others might overhear them. Blameless - That is, free from guilt or
reproach if it be violated, namely, if the following condition be not observed. |
| 18 |
Into the land - That is, over Jordan, and near the city. This line of scarlet -
Probably the same with which she was about to let them down. Window - That it may be
easily discerned by our soldiers. |
| 19 |
Upon his head - The blame of his death shall rest wholly upon himself, as being
occasioned by his own neglect of the means of safety. Our head - We are willing to bear
the sin, and shame, and punishment of it. Be upon him - So as to kill him. |
| 21 |
In the window - Forthwith, partly that the spies might see it hung out before their
departure, and so the better know it at some distance; partly lest some accident might
occasion a neglect about it. |
| 22 |
Three days - Supporting themselves there with the provisions, which Rahab had
furnished them with. The ways - That is, in the road to Jordan, and the places near it,
but not in the mountains. |
| 23 |
Passed over - Jordan unto Joshua. |
Chapter III
The people decamp from Shittim, and are directed to follow the ark, and sanctify
themselves, ver. 1 - 5. The priests are ordered to go first, ver. 6. Joshua being
encouraged and directed as God, tells the people what God is about to do, ver. 7 - 13.
Jordan is divided, and Israel marches through, ver. 14 - 17
| 1 |
In the morning - Not after the return of the spies, but after the three days, Jos
1:11, as it follows, ver. 3:2. Lodge there - That night, that they might go over in
the day time, that the miracle might be more evident and unquestionable, and strike the
greater terror into their enemies. |
| 2 |
After three days - Either at the end of them, or upon the last of them. Through the
host - The second time to give them more particular directions, as they had given them a
general notice, Jos 1:10,11. |
| 3 |
Commanded the people - In Joshua's name, and by his authority. Priests and Levites -
Who were not only Levites, but priests also. For altho' the Levites were to carry the ark,
Numb 4:1 - 15, yet the priests might perform that office, and did so upon
some solemn occasions. Go after it - Towards Jordan, to go over it in such a manner as I
am about to describe. 'Till this time the ark went in the middle of the cloudy pillar, now
it goes in the front. Probably the pillar of fire and cloud was still hovering over the
ark. |
| 4 |
Two thousand cubits - A thousand yards, at which distance from it the Israelites seem
to have been encamped in the wilderness. And because they generally went from their tents
to the ark to worship God, especially on the sabbath - days; hence it hath been conceived,
that a sabbath - day's journey reached only to two thousand cubits. But that may be
doubted; for those who encamped nearest the ark, were at that distance from it, and came
so far; but the rest were farther from it, and their sabbath - day's journey was
considerably longer. Near unto it - Partly from the respect they should bear to the ark;
but chiefly, that the ark marching so far before you into the river, and standing still
there 'till you pass over, may give you the greater assurance of your safe passage. Ye
have not passed this way heretofore - While we are here, we must expect unusual events, to
pathways that we have not passed before: and much more when we go hence, when we pass
thro' the valley of the shadow of death. But if we have the assurance of God's presence,
what have we to fear? |
| 5 |
And Joshua said - Or rather, had said, the day before their passage; for it follows,
to - morrow. Sanctify yourselves - Both in soul and body, that you may be meet to receive
such a favour, and with more reverence observe this great work, and fix it in your hearts.
|
| 6 |
Take up - Namely, upon your shoulders; for so they were to carry it, Numb 7:9.
Before the people - Not in the middle of them, as you used to do. |
| 7 |
Magnify thee - That is, to gain thee authority among them, as the person whom I have
set in Moses's stead, and by whom I will conduct them to the possession of the promised
land. |
| 8 |
The brink - Heb. to the extremity, so far as the river then spread itself, which was
now more than ordinary, Jos 3:15. In Jordan - Within the waters of Jordan, in
the first entrance into the river; Where they stood for a season, 'till the river was
divided, and then they went into the midst of it, and there abode 'till all the people
were passed over. |
| 9 |
Come hither - To the ark or tabernacle, the place of public assemblies. The Lord your
God - Who is now about to give a proof that he is both the Lord, the omnipotent governor
of heaven and earth, and all creatures; and your God, in covenant with you, having a
tender care and affection for you. |
| 10 |
Ye shall know - By experience and sensible evidence. The living God - Not a dull,
dead, senseless God, such as the gods of the nations are; but a God of life, and power,
and activity to watch over you, and work for you. Among you - Is present with you to
strengthen and help you. |
| 12 |
Twelve men - For the work described, Jos 4:2,3. |
| 13 |
The ark of the Lord - That so it may appear this is the Lord's doing, and that in
pursuance of his covenant made with Israel. Of all the earth - The Lord of all this globe
of earth and water, who therefore can dispose of this river and the adjoining land as he
pleaseth. Cut off - The waters which now are united now shall be divided, and part shall
flow down the channel towards the dead sea, and the other part that is nearer the spring
of the river, and flows down from it, shall stand still. An heap - Being as it were
congealed, as the Red - Sea was, Exod 15:8, and so kept from overflowing the
country. |
| 15 |
All the time of harvest - This is meant not of wheat - harvest, but of the barley -
harvest, as is manifest from their keeping the passover at their first entrance, Jos
5:10, which was kept on the fourteenth day of the first month, when they were to
bring a sheaf of their first - fruits, which were of barley. So that this harvest in those
hot countries fell very early in the spring, when rivers used to swell most; partly
because of the rains which have fallen all the winter, partly because of the snows which
melt and come into the rivers. And this time God chose that the miracle might be more
glorious, more amazing and terrible to the Canaanites; and that the Israelites might be
entertained at their first entrance with plentiful and comfortable provisions. |
| 16 |
Adam - The city Adam being more obscure, is described by its nearness to a more known
place, then eminent, but now unknown. The meaning is, that the waters were stopped in
their course at that place, and so kept at a distance from the Israelites whilst they
passed over. Against Jericho - Here God carried them over, because this part was,
- The strongest, as having in its neighbourhood an eminent city, a potent king, and a
stout and war - like people.
- The most pleasant and fruitful, and therefore more convenient both for the refreshment
of the Israelites after their long and tedious marches, and for their encouragement.
|
| 17 |
Stood firm - That is, in one and the same place and posture; their feet neither moved
by any waters moving in upon them, nor sinking into any mire, which one might think was at
the bottom of the river. And this may be opposed to their standing on the bank of the
water when they came to it, commanded, Jos 3:8, which was but for a while,
'till the waters were divided and gone away; and then they were to go farther, even into
the midst of Jordan, where they are to stand constantly and fixedly, as this Hebrew word
signifies, until all were passed over. The midst of Jordan - In the middle and deepest
part of the river. |
Chapter IV
Twelve stones taken up out of the midst of Jordan, and twelve set up there for a
memorial, ver. 1 - 9. The march of the people through Jordan, ver. 10 - 13. God magnifies
Joshua, who commands the priests to come out of Jordan, ver. 14 - 17. The waters close
again, ver. 18, 19. Joshua erects twelve stones for a memorial, ver. 20 - 24.
| 1 |
Spake - This was commanded before, Josh 3:12, and is here repeated with
enlargement, as being now to be put in execution. |
| 2 |
Out of every tribe a man - For the greater evidence, and the more effectual spreading
the report of this marvellous work among all the tribes. |
| 3 |
Lodge this night - That is, in Gilgal, as is expressed below, ver.19,20. |
| 4 |
Prepared - That is, appointed for that work, and commanded to be ready for it. |
| 5 |
Before the ark - That is, go back again to the place where the ark stands. |
| 6 |
A sign - A monument or memorial of this day's work. |
| 9 |
Twelve stones - These stones are not the same with those which a man could carry upon
his shoulder, ver.5. They might be very much larger; and being set up in two
rows one above another, might be seen, at least when the water was low, especially where
it was shallow, as it was ordinarily, though not at this time, when Jordan overflowed all
its banks. Add to this, that the waters of Jordan are very clear; therefore these stones
might be seen in it, either by those who stood upon the shore, because the river was not
broad; or by those that passed in boats. Unto this day - This might be written, either
- by Joshua who probably wrote this book near 20 years after this was done: or,
- by some other holy man divinely inspired, who inserted this and some such passages both
in this book and in the writings of Moses.
|
| 10 |
Commanded Joshua - Not particularly, but in general; because he commanded Joshua to
observe and do all that God had commanded him by Moses, and all that he should command him
any other way. Hasted - That is, passed over with haste, an argument of their fear, or
weakness of their faith; as on the contrary, the priests are commended that they stood
firm, and settled in their minds, as well as in the posture of their bodies. |
| 13 |
Before the Lord - Either,
- before the ark, or,
- in the presence of God who observed whether they would keep their covenant made with
their brethren, or not.
|
| 16 |
Out of Jordan - For being now in the middle, and deepest place of the river, they are
most properly said to go up to the land. |
| 17 |
The priests - Who stayed contentedly in the river, 'till God by Joshua called them
out. |
| 18 |
Their place - Returned into their proper channel, according to their natural and usual
course. |
| 19 |
The first month - Namely, of Nisan, which wanted but five days of forty years from the
time of their coming out of Egypt, which was on the fifteenth day of this month. So
punctual is God in the performing of his word, whether promised or threatened. And this
day was very seasonable for the taking up of the lambs which were to he used four days
after, according to the law, Exod 12:3,6. Gilgal - A place afterwards so
called, Jos 5:9. |
| 20 |
In Gilgal - Probably in order, like so many little pillars, to keep up the remembrance
of this miraculous benefit. |
| 23 |
Before us - That is, myself and Caleb, and all of us here present; for this benefit,
though done to their fathers, is justly said to be done to themselves, because they were
then in their parent's loins. It greatly magnifies later mercies, to compare them with
former mercies; for hereby it appears, that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. |
Chapter V
The Canaanites terrified, ver. 1. Circumcision renewed, ver. 2 - 9. The passover
kept, ver. 10. The Israelites eat corn, and the manna ceases, ver. 11 - 12. Christ appears
to Joshua, ver. 13 - 15.
| 1 |
Amorites - These and the Canaanites are mentioned for all the rest, as being the chief
of them for number, and power, and courage. Westward - This is added to distinguish them
from the other Amorites, eastward from Jordan, whom Moses had subdued. Canaanites - So the
proper place of this nation was on both sides of Jordan. The sea - The midland sea, all
along the coast of it, which was the chief seat of that people, though divers colonies of
them were come into, and settled in other places. Jordan - Which was their bulwark on the
east - side, where the Israelites were; for it is very probable they had taken away all
bridges near those parts; and the Israelites having been so long in that neighbouring
country, and yet not making any attempt upon them, they were grown secure; especially now,
when Jordan swelled beyond its ordinary bounds; and therefore they did not endeavour to
hinder their passage. Melted - They lost all their courage, and durst attempt nothing upon
the Israelites; not without God's special providence, that the Israelites might quietly
participate of the two great sacraments of their church, circumcision and the passover,
and thereby be prepared for their high and hard work, and for the possession of the holy
and promised land; which would have been defiled by an uncircumcised people. |
| 2 |
At that time - As soon as ever they were come to Gilgal, which was on the tenth day;
and so this might be executed the eleventh day, and that in the morning: on the thirteenth
day they were sore of their wounds, and on the fourteenth day they recovered, and at the
even of that day kept the passover. Make - Or, prepare, or make ready, as this word
sometimes used. As it was not necessary for those who had such knives already to make
others for that use; so it is not probable that such were commanded to do so, but only to
make them sharp and fit for that work. The second time - He calleth this a second
circumcision, not as if these same persons had been circumcised before, but with respect
to the body of the people, where of one part had been circumcised before, and the other at
this time, which is called a second time, in relation to some former time wherein they
were circumcised, either, in Egypt, when many of the people, who possibly for fear or
favour of the Egyptians, had neglected this duty, were by the command of Moses
circumcised. Or at Sinai, when they received the passover, Numb 9:5, which no
uncircumcised person might do. |
| 3 |
And circumcised - That is, he caused this to be done; and, because it was to be done
speedily, the passover approaching, it was necessary to use many hands in it. Children of
Israel - That is, such of them as were uncircumcised. And, though it be not mentioned, it
is more than probable, that the Israelites beyond Jordan were circumcised at the same
time. |
| 4 |
Out of Egypt - This is to be restrained to such as were then above twenty years old,
and such as were guilty of that rebellion, Numb 14:1 - 25, as it is expressed
below, Jos 5:6. |
| 5 |
Them - Either their parents, or the rulers of Israel, by Divine permission and
indulgence; because they were now on a journey, in which case the passover also might be
neglected, Numb 9:10,13. Rather, it was a continued token of God's
displeasure against them, for their unbelief and murmuring: a token that they should never
have the benefit of that promise, whereof circumcision was the seal. |
| 6 |
The people - The Hebrew word commonly signifies the Gentiles; so he calls them, to
note that they were unworthy the name of Israelites. Shew them - That is, not give them so
much as a sight of it, which he granted to Moses, much less the possession. |
| 7 |
Circumcised - Which God would have done,
- As a testimony of God's reconciliation to the people, and that he would not farther
impute their parents rebellion to them.
- Because the great impediment of circumcision was now removed, their continued travels,
and frequent and uncertain removal.
- To prepare them for the approaching passover.
- To distinguish them from the Canaanites, into whose land they were now come.
- To ratify the covenant between God and them, whereof circumcision was a sign and seal,
to assure them that God would now make good his covenant, in giving them this land; and to
oblige them to perform all the duties to which that covenant bound them, as soon as they
came into Canaan, Exo 12:25 Lev 23:10 Num 15:2.
|
| 8 |
Whole - Free from that pain and soreness which circumcision caused, it was indeed an
act of great faith, to expose themselves to so much pain and danger too, in this place
where they were hemmed in by Jordan and their enemies. |
| 9 |
The reproach of Egypt - That is, uncircumcision, was both in truth, and in the opinion
of the Jews, a matter of great reproach, and although this was a reproach common to most
nations of the world, yet it is particularly called the reproach of Egypt, either,
- because the other neighbouring nations, being the children of Abraham by the concubines,
are supposed to have been circumcised, which the Egyptians at this time were not, as may
be gathered from Exod 2:6, where they knew the child to be an Hebrew by this
mark. Or
- because they came out of Egypt, and were esteemed to be a sort of Egyptians, Numb
22:5, which they justly thought a great reproach; but by their circumcision they
were now distinguished from them, and manifested to be another people. Or
- because many of them lay under this reproach in Egypt, having wickedly neglected this
duty there for worldly reasons; and others of them continued in the same shameful
condition for many years in the wilderness. Gilgal - That is, rolling.
|
| 10 |
The passover - Which was their third passover: the first was in Egypt, Exod
12:11 - 24, the second at mount Sinai, Numb 9:1 - 5, the third here;
for in their wilderness travels, these and all other sacrifices were neglected, Amos
5:25. While they were in the wilderness, they were denied the comfort of this
ordinance, as a farther token of God's displeasure. But now God comforted them again,
after the time that he had afflicted them. |
| 11 |
Old corn - The corn of the last year, which the inhabitants of those parts had left in
their barns, being fled into their strong cities, or other remoter parts. The morrow -
That is, on the sixteenth day; for the passover was killed between the two evenings of the
fourteenth day, and was eaten in that evening or night, which, according to the Jewish
computation, whereby they begin their days at the evening, was a part of the fifteenth
day, all which was the feast of the passover; and so the morrow of the sixteenth day, was
the morrow after the passover, when they were obliged to offer unto God the first sheaf,
and then were allowed to eat of the rest. Parched corn - Of that year's corn. which was
most proper for that use. Self - same day - Having an eager desire to enjoy the fruits of
the land. And this corn came very seasonably; for after the passover, they were to keep
the feast of unleavened bread, which they could not do, when they had nothing but manna to
live upon. |
| 12 |
The manna ceased - Which God now withheld, to shew that Manna was not an ordinary
production of nature, but an extraordinary and special gift of God to supply their
necessity. And because God would not be prodigal of his favours, by working miracles where
ordinary means were sufficient. The morrow - That is, on the seventeenth day. |
| 13 |
By Jericho - Heb. In Jericho, that is, in the territory adjoining to it; whither he
went to view those parts, and discern the fittest places for his attempt upon Jericho. A
man - One in the appearance of a man. Drawn - In readiness to fight, not, as Joshua
thought, against him, but for him and his people. |
| 14 |
As captain - I am the chief captain of this people, and will conduct and assist thee
and them in this great undertaking. Now this person is not a created angel, but the son of
God, who went along with the Israelites in this expedition, as their chief and captain.
And this appears,
- By his acceptance of adoration here, which a created angel durst not admit of, Rev
22:8,9.
- Because the place was made holy by his presence, Jos 5:15, which was God's
prerogative, Exod 3:5.
- Because he is called the Lord, Heb. Jehovah, Jos 6:2. My Lord - I
acknowledge thee for my Lord and captain, and therefore wait for thy commands, which I am
ready to obey.
|
| 15 |
From thy foot - In token of reverence and subjection. Holy - Consecrated by my
presence. The very same orders which God gave to Moses at the bush, when he was sending
him to bring Israel out of Egypt, he here gives to Joshua, for the confirming his faith,
that as he had been with Moses, so he would be with him. |
Chapter VI
Directions given to Joshua concerning Jericho, ver. 1 - 5. The people compass the
city seven days, ver. 6 - 14. The taking it, with the charge to destroy it utterly, ver.
15 - 21. The preservation of Rahab and her relations, ver. 22 - 25. A curse pronounced on
any that should rebuild it, ver. 26, 27.
| 3 |
Round about the city once - At a convenient distance, out of the reach of their
arrows. Six days - Every day once. This and the following course might seem ridiculous and
absurd, and is therefore prescribed by God, that they might learn to take new measures of
things, and to expect success not from their own valour, or skill, but merely from God's
appointment and blessing; and in general, not to judge of any of God's institutions by
mere carnal reason, to which divers of their ceremonies would seem no less foolish than
this action. |
| 5 |
The wall - Not all of it; which was unnecessary, and might have given the people
better opportunity of escaping, but only a considerable part of it, where the Israelites
might fitly enter: for Rahab's house was not overthrown, ver.22. Flat - Heb.
under it, it was not battered down with engines which would have made part of it fall out
of its place; but it fell of its own accord, and therefore in the place it did formerly
stand in. God chose this way, to try the faith and obedience of the people: whether they
would observe a precept, which to human policy seemed foolish, and believe a promise,
which seemed impossible to be performed: whether they could patiently bear the reproaches
of their enemies, and patiently wait for the salvation of God. Thus by faith, not by
force, the walls of Jericho fell down. |
| 6 |
Of rams horns - Of the basest matter, and the dullest sound, that the excellency of
the power might be of God. |
| 7 |
Him that is armed - God would have them armed both for the defense of themselves and
the ark, in case the enemies should make a sally upon them, and for the execution of the
Lord's vengeance upon that city. |
| 9 |
The rereward - Which being opposed to the armed men, may seem to note the unarmed
people, who were desirous to be spectators of this wonderful work. |
| 10 |
Ye shall not shout - Because shouting before the time appointed, would be ineffectual,
and so might give them some discouragement, and their enemies matter of insulting. |
| 16 |
Shout - To testify your faith in God's promise, and thankfulness for this glorious
mercy; to encourage yourselves and brethren, and to strike a terror into your enemies.
Given you the city - It is given to them, to be devoted to God, as the first, and perhaps
the worst of all the cities of Canaan. |
| 17 |
Accursed - That is, devoted to utter destruction. This he speaks by direction from
God, as is evident from 1Kings 16:34. To the Lord - Partly because the first
- fruits were appropriated to God; partly lest the soldiers being glutted with the spoil
of the rich city, should grow sluggish in their work; and partly to strike the greater
terror into the rest of their enemies. |
| 18 |
A curse - By provoking God to punish them for your sin, in which they may be one way
or other involved; or the whole camp having sins of their own, God might take what
occasion he saw fit to inflict this punishment. |
| 19 |
Vessels of brass and iron - Except that of which images were made, which were to be
utterly destroyed. Unto the Lord - Being first made to pass through the fire, Numb
31:22,23. Treasury of the Lord - To be employed wholly for the uses of the
tabernacle, not to be applied to the use of any private person or priest. |
| 21 |
Young and old - Being commanded to do so by the sovereign Lord of every man's life;
and being informed by God before that the Canaanites were abominably wicked, and deserved
the severest punishments. As for the infants, they were guilty of original sin, and
otherwise at the disposal of their creator; but if they had been wholly innocent, it was a
great favour to them to take them away in infancy, rather than reserve them to those
dreadful calamities which those who survived them were liable to. |
| 22 |
Harlot's house - Which together with the wall upon which it leaned, was left standing,
by a special favour of God to her. |
| 23 |
Without the camp of Israel - 'Till they were cleansed from the impurities of their
Gentile state, and instructed in the Jewish religion, and solemnly admitted into that
church, for which Rahab's good counsel and example had doubtless prepared them. |
| 25 |
The harlot olive - For that general command of rooting out the Canaanites seems to
have had some exception, in case any of them had sincerely and seasonably cast off their
wickedness, and submitted to the Israelites. |
| 26 |
Adjured them - Or, made them to fear; caused the people, or some in the name of all,
to swear for the present and succeeding generations, and to confirm their oath by a curse.
Before the Lord - That is, from God's presence, and by his sentence, as they are said to
cast lots before the Lord, Josh 18:8,10, that is, expecting the design from
God. He intimates, that he doth not utter this upon a particular dislike of that place,
but by divine inspiration. God would have the ruins of this city remain as a standing
monument of God's justice against this wicked and idolatrous people, and of his almighty
power in destroying so great and strong a city by such contemptible means. Buildeth - That
is, that shall attempt to build it. So this curse is restrained to the builder, but no way
belongs to those who should inhabit it after it was built, as is evident from 2Kings
4:18 Luke 19:1,5. In his youngest son - That is, he shall lose all his children in
the work, the first at the beginning, others in the progress of it by degrees, and the
youngest in the close of it, when the gates use to be set up. This was fulfilled, 1Kings
16:34. |
| 27 |
The word of the Lord was with him - (So the Chaldee:) Even Christ himself, the same
that was with Moses. Nothing makes a man appear more truly great, than to have the
evidences of God's presence with him. |
Chapter VII
We have here the sin of Achan in taking the accursed thing, ver. 1. The defeat of
Israel before Ai, ver. 2 - 5. Joshua's humiliation and prayer, ver. 6 - 9. God's
directions to him, ver. 10 - 15. The discovery, conviction, and execution of the criminal,
ver. 16 - 26.
| 1 |
The children of Israel - That is, one of them, by a very usual figure, as Matt
26:8, where that is ascribed to the disciples, which belonged to Judas only, John
12:4. Accursed thing - That is, in taking some of the forbidden and accursed goods.
Zabdi - Called also Zimri, 1Chron 2:6. Zerah - Or, Zarah, who was Judah's
immediate son, Gen 38:30, who went with Judah into Egypt: and so for the
filling up the 256 years that are supposed to come between that and this time, we must
allow Achan to be, now an old man, and his three ancestors to have begotten each his son
at about sixty years of age; which at that time was not incredible nor unusual. Against
the children of Israel - Why did God punish the whole society for this one man's sin? All
of them were punished for their own sins, whereof each had a sufficient proportion; but
God took this occasion to inflict the punishment upon the society, partly because divers
of them might be guilty of this sin, either by coveting what he actually did, or by
concealing his fault, which it is probable could not be unknown to others; or by not
sorrowing for it, and endeavoring to purge themselves from it: partly to make sin the more
hateful; as being the cause of such dreadful judgments: and partly to oblige all the
members of every society to be more circumspect in ordering their own actions, and more
diligent to prevent the miscarriages of their brethren, which is a great benefit to them,
and to the whole society. |
| 2 |
To Ai - They were not to go into the city of Ai, but into the country belonging to it,
to understand the state of the place; and the people. |
| 3 |
Go up - Which was done by the wise contrivance of Divine providence, that their sin
might be punished, and they awaked and reformed with as little mischief and reproach, as
might be: for if the defeat of these caused so great a consternation in Joshua, it is easy
to guess what dread it would have caused in the people if a host had been defeated. |
| 4 |
They fled - Not having courage to strike a stroke, which was a plain evidence that God
had forsaken then; and an useful instruction, to shew them what they were when God left
them: and that it was God, not their own valour, that gave the Canaanites into their
hands. |
| 5 |
About thirty and six men - A dear victory to them, whereby Israel was awakened and
reformed, and they hardened to their own ruin. The going down - By which it seems it was a
down - hill way to Jericho, which was nearer Jordan. As water - Soft and weak, and full of
fluctuation and trembling. |
| 6 |
Rent his clothes - In testimony of great sorrow, for the loss felt, the consequent
mischief feared, and the sin which he suspected. His face - In deep humiliation and
fervent supplication. Until the even - tide - Continuing the whole day in fasting and
prayer. Put dust upon their heads - As was usual in case of grief and astonishment. |
| 7 |
Over Jordan - This and the following clause, tho' well intended, yet favour of human
infirmity, and fall short of that reverence and modesty, and submission, which he owed to
God; and are mentioned as instances that the holy men of God were subject to like passions
and infirmities with other men. |
| 8 |
What shall I say - In answer to the reproaches of our insulting enemies. When Israel -
God's people, which he hath singled out of all nations for his own. |
| 9 |
Thy great name - Which will upon this occasion be blasphemed and charged with
inconstancy, and with inability to resist them, or to do thy people that good which thou
didst intend them. The name of God is a great name, above every name. And whatever
happens, we ought to pray, that this may not be polluted. This should be our concern more
than any thing else: on this we should fix our eye: and we cannot urge a better plea than
this, Lord, what wilt thou do for thy great name? Let God in all be glorified, and then
welcome his whole will! |
| 10 |
Upon thy face - This business is not to be done by inactive supplication, but by
vigorous endeavours for reformation. |
| 11 |
Israel - Some or one of them. Transgressed my covenant - That is, broken the
conditions of my covenant which they have promised to perform, whereof this was one, not
to meddle with the accursed thing. Stolen - That is, taken my portion which I had
reserved, Josh 6:19. Dissembled - Covered the fact with deep dissimulation.
Possibly Achan might be suspected, and being accused, had denied it. Among their own stuff
- Converted it to their own use, and added obstinacy to the crime. |
| 12 |
Were accursed - They have put themselves out of my protection, and therefore are
liable to the same destruction which belongs to this accursed people. |
| 13 |
Sanctify yourselves - Purify yourselves from that defilement which you have all in
some sort contracted by this accursed fact, and prepare yourselves to appear before the
Lord, expecting the sentence of God for the discovery and punishment of the sin, and that
the guilty person might hereby be awakened, and brought to a free confession of his fault.
And it is a marvellous thing that Achan did not on this occasion acknowledge his crime;
but this is to be imputed to the heart - hardening power of sin, which makes men, grow
worse and worse; to his pride, being loath to take to himself the shame of such a
mischievous and infamous action; and to his vain conceit, whereby he might think others
were guilty as well as he, and some of them might be taken, and he escape. |
| 14 |
The Lord taketh - Which shall be declared guilty by the lot, which is disposed by the
Lord, Prov 16:33, and which was to be cast in the Lord's presence before the
ark. Of such use of lots, see 1Sam 14:41,42 Jon 1:7 Acts 1:26. |
| 15 |
Shall be burnt with fire - As persons and things accursed were to be. All that he hath
- His children and goods, as is noted, ver.24, according to the law, Deut
13:16. Wrought folly - So sin is often called in scripture, in opposition to the
idle opinion of sinners, who commonly esteem it to be their wisdom. In Israel - That is,
among the church and people of God who had such excellent laws to direct them, and such an
all - sufficient and gracious God to provide for them, without any such unworthy
practices. It was sacrilege, it was invading God's rights, and converting to a private use
that which was devoted to his glory, which was to be thus severely punished, for a warning
to all people in all ages, to take heed how they rob God. |
| 17 |
The family - Either,
- the tribe or people, as the word family sometimes signifies, or,
- the families, as ver. 14, the singular number for the plural, the chief of
each of their five families, Numb 26:20,21. Man by man - Not every individual
person, as is evident from Jos 7:18, but every head of the several houses, or
lesser families of that greater family of the Zarhites, of which see 1Chron 2:6.
|
| 19 |
My son - So he calls him, to shew, that this severe inquisition and sentence did not
proceed from any hatred to his person, which he loved as a father doth his son, and as a
prince ought to do each of his subjects. The Lord God of Israel - As thou hast highly
dishonoured him, now take the blame to thyself, and ascribe unto God the glory of his
omniscience in knowing thy sin, of his justice in punishing it in thee, and others for thy
sake; of his omnipotency, which was obstructed by thee; and of his kindness and
faithfulness to his people, which was eclipsed by thy wickedness; all which will now be
evident by thy sin confessed and punished. |
| 20 |
Indeed I have sinned - He seems to make a sincere and ingenuous confession, and loads
his sin with all just aggravations. Against the Lord - Against his express command, and
glorious attributes. God of Israel - The true God, who hath chosen me and all Israel to be
the people of his peculiar love and care. |
| 21 |
When I saw - He accurately describes the progress of his sin, which began at his eye,
which he permitted to gaze upon them, which inflamed his desire, and made him covet them;
and that desire made him take them; and having taken, resolve to keep them; and to that
end hide them in his tent. Babylonish garment - Which were composed with great art with
divers colours, and of great price, as appears both from scripture, and Heathen authors.
Two hundred shekels - To wit, in weight, not in coin; for as yet they received and payed
money by weight. The silver under it - That is, under the Babylonish garment; covered with
it, or wrapt up in it. |
| 22 |
Sent messengers - That the truth of his confession might be unquestionable, which
some, peradventure might think was forced from him. And they ran - Partly longing to free
themselves and all the people from the curse under which they lay; and partly that none of
Achan's relations might get thither before them, and take away the things. It was hid -
That is, the parcel of things mentioned, ver.21 and 24. |
| 23 |
Before the Lord - Where Joshua and the elders continued yet in their assembly waiting
for the issue. |
| 24 |
His sons, and his daughters - Their death was a debt they owed to their own sins,
which debt God may require when he pleaseth; and he could not take it in more honourable
circumstances than these, that the death of a very few in the beginning of a new empire,
and of their settlement in the land, might be useful to prevent the deaths of many
thousands who took warning by this dreadful example, whom, if the fear of God did not, yet
the love of their own, and of their dear children's lives would restrain from such
pernicious practices. And it is very probable they were conscious of the fact, as the
Jewish doctors affirm. If it be pretended that some of them were infants; the text doth
not say so, but only calls them sons and daughters. And considering that Achan was an old
man, as is most probable, because he was the fifth person from Judah, it seems most
likely, that the children were grown up, and so capable of knowing, and concealing, or
discovering this fact. His oxen, and his asses, and his sheep - Which, though not capable
of sin, nor of punishment, properly so called, yet as they were made for man's use, so
they are rightly destroyed for man's good; and being daily killed for our bodily food, it
cannot seem strange to kill them for the instruction of our minds, that hereby we might
learn the contagious nature of sin, which involves innocent creatures in its plagues; and
how much sorer punishments are reserved for man, who having a law given to him, and that
excellent gift of reason and will to restrain him from the transgressions of it, his guilt
must needs be unspeakably greater, and therefore his sufferings more severe and terrible.
Farther, by this enumeration it appears, that he had no colour of necessity to induce him
to this fact. |
| 25 |
With stones - And burned him with fire; which is easily understood both out of the
following words, and from God's command to do so. They were stoned (which was the
punishment of such offenders, Lev 24:14 Numb 15:35,) and not burned to death;
but God would have their dead carcases burned to shew his utmost detestation of such
persons as break forth into sins of such a public scandal and mischief. |
| 26 |
A great heap of stones - As a monument of the sin and judgment here mentioned, that
others might be warned by the example; and as a brand of infamy, as Josh 8:29 2Sam
18:17. The valley of Achor - Or, the valley of trouble, from the double trouble
expressed, Jos 7:25. |
Chapter VIII
Here is God's encouragement to Joshua, ver. 1, 2. Joshua's orders to the men of
war, ver. 3 - 8. The stratagem succeeds, ver. 9 - 22. Joshua takes and destroys the city,
ver. 23 - 29. The solemn writing and reading of the law before all Israel, ver. 30 - 35.
| 1 |
Take all the people - That all of them might be partakers of this first spoil, and
thereby encouraged to proceed in their work. The weak multitude indeed were not to go,
because they might have hindered them in the following stratagem; and it was but fit that
the military men who run the greatest hazards, should have the precedency in the spoils. |
| 2 |
To Ai - That is, the city and people of Ai. Unto Jericho and her king - That is,
overcome and destroy them. This was enjoined to chastise their last insolence, and the
triumphs and blasphemies which doubtless their success had produced: and to revive the
dread and terror which had been impressed upon the Canaanites by Jericho's ruin, and had
been much abated by the late success of Ai. |
| 3 |
To go up against Ai - That is, to consider about this expedition; not as if all the
people of war did actually go up, which was both unnecessary and burdensome: but it seems
to be resolved by Joshua and all the council of war, that the thirty thousand here
following should be selected for the enterprize. Either, 1, the thirty thousand now
mentioned; or, 2. part of them; namely, such as were to lie in wait; and these were
only five thousand men, as is expressed, ver.12. |
| 4 |
Them - The same party last spoken of, even the five thousand mentioned ver.12,
there are only two parties engaged in the taking of Ai, and but one ambush, as plainly
appears by comparing ver.9, with ver.12, which speaks only of
five thousand, who are justly supposed to be a part of those thirty thousand named, ver.3.
|
| 5 |
That are - Or, that shall be: for at present he sent them away, ver.9,
but the next morning followed, and joined himself with them, ver.10,11. That
we - I and the twenty five thousand with me. |
| 9 |
Sent them - The same party. Among the people - Heb. that people, the people of war as
they are called, ver.11, that is, the main body of the host consisting of
thirty thousand. |
| 10 |
The people - Heb. that people, not all the people of Israel; which was needless, and
required more time than could now be spared; but the rest of that host of thirty thousand,
whereof five thousand were sent away; the remainder are numbered, to see whether some of
them had not withdrawn themselves, taking the advantage of the night, and of the design of
laying an ambush; and that it might be evident, this work was done without any loss of
men, whereby they might be encouraged to trust in God, and to proceed resolutely in their
work. The elders of Israel - The chief magistrates and rulers of Israel under Joshua; and
these, I suppose, went with Joshua, and with the army, to take care that the cattle and
the spoil of the city, which was given by God to all Israel for a prey, ver.2,
27, might be justly and equally divided between those that went to battle, and the rest of
the people. |
| 11 |
That were with him - Namely, the thirty thousand mentioned, ver.3, or the
most of them. |
| 12 |
And he took - Or rather, but he had taken, namely, out of the said number of thirty
thousand, for this is added by way of recapitulation and farther explication of what is
said in general, ver.9. |
| 13 |
Joshua went - Namely, accompanied with a small part of the host now mentioned, that
is, very early in the morning, when it was yet dark, as is said in a like case, John
20:1, whence it is here called night, though it was early in the morning, as is
said, Jos 8:10, for it seems most probable, that all was done in one night's
space, and in this manner; Joshua sends away the ambush by night, ver.3, and
lodgeth that night with twenty - five thousand men, ver.9, not far from the
city. But not able or willing to sleep all night, he rises very early, ver.10,
and numbers his men, which by the help of the several officers was quietly done, and so
immediately leads them towards Ai; and while it was yet duskish or night, he goes into the
midst of the valley, ver.13, and when the day dawns he is discovered by the
king and people of Ai, who thereupon rose up early to fight with them, ver.14.
The valley - Which was near the city, thereby to allure them forth. |
| 14 |
His people - Namely, all his men of war, for the rest were left in Ai, ver.16.
At a time appointed - At a certain hour agreed upon between the king and people of Ai, and
of Bethel too, who were their confederates in this enterprize, as it may seem from ver.17.
Possibly they might appoint the same hour of the day on which they had fought against
Israel with good success, looking upon it as a lucky hour. Before the plain - That is,
towards or in sight of that plain or valley in which the Israelites were, that so they
might put themselves in battle - array. Against him - The former success having made him
secure, as is usual in such cases; God also blinding his mind, and infatuating him, as he
useth to do with those whom he intends to destroy. |
| 15 |
Made as if they were beaten - That is, fled from them, as it were for fear of a second
blow. The wilderness - Which lay between Ai and Jericho, whither they now seemed to flee. |
| 16 |
All the people - Namely, all that were able to bear arms, for old men and children
were unfit for the pursuit or fight; and that they were yet left, may seem from ver.24,
25. |
| 17 |
Not a man - Namely, fit for war. Bethel - Which, being a neighbouring city, and
encouraged by the former success, had sent some forces to assist them; and now, upon
notice sent to them of the flight of their common enemies, or upon some other signal
given, all their men of war join with those of Ai in the pursuit. |
| 18 |
Stretch out the spear - This was, either,
- for a sign to his host present with him, to stop their flight, and make head against the
pursuers: or,
- for a signal to the liers in wait, or,
- as a token of God's presence and assistance with them, and of their victory.
|
| 19 |
Set the city on fire - Not all of it, as appears from ver.28, and because
then they had lost that prey which God had allowed them; but part of it, enough to raise a
smoke, and give notice to their brethren of their success. |
| 21 |
All Israel - That is, all the Israelites there present. |
| 22 |
The other - They who lay in ambush. |
| 23 |
Took alive - Reserving him to a more ignominious punishment. |
| 24 |
Smote it - That is, the inhabitants of it, the men, who through age or infirmity were
unfit for war, and the women, ver.25. |
| 25 |
Of Ai - Not strictly, but largely so called, who were now in Ai, either as constant
and settled inhabitants, or as sojourners and such as came to them for their help. |
| 26 |
Drew not his hand back - He kept his hand and spear in the same posture, both
stretched out and lifted up, as a sign both to encourage them, and to direct them to go on
in the work. |
| 29 |
Hanged on a tree - He dealt more severely with the kings of Canaan than with the
people, because the abominable wickedness of that people was not restrained and punished
(as it should have been) but countenanced and encouraged by their evil examples; and
because they were the principal authors of the destruction of their own people, by
engaging them in an obstinate opposition against the Israelites. Down from the tree -
According to God's command in that case, Deut 21:22. The gate of the city -
Which place he chose either as most commodious, now especially when all the city within
the gate was already turned in to an heap of stones and rubbish; or because this was the
usual place of judgment; and therefore proper to bear the monument of God's just sentence
against him, not without reflection upon that injustice which he had been guilty of in
that place. |
| 30 |
Then - Namely, after the taking of Ai. For they were obliged to do this, when they
were brought over Jordan into the land of Canaan, Deu 11:29 27:2,3, which is
not to be understood strictly, as if it were to be done the same day; for it is manifest
they were first to be circumcised, and to eat the passover, which they did, and which was
the work of some days; but as soon as they had opportunity to do it, which was now when
these two great frontier cities were taken and destroyed, and thereby the coast cleared,
and the bordering people under great consternation, so that all the Israelites might
securely march thither. And indeed this work was fit to be done as soon as might be, that
thereby they might renew their covenant with God, by whose help alone they could expect
success in their great and difficult enterprize. Built an altar - Namely, for the offering
of sacrifices, as appears from the following verse. Mount Ebal - God's altar was to be but
in one place, Deut 12:13,14, and this place was appointed to he mount Ebal, Deut
27:4,5, which also seems most proper, that in that place whence the curses of the
law were denounced against sinners, there might also be the tokens and means of grace, and
peace, and reconciliation with God, for the removing of the curses, and the procuring of
God's blessing to sinners. |
| 32 |
Upon the stones - Not upon the stones of the altar, which were to be rough and
unpolished, ver.31, but upon other stones, smooth and plaistered, as is
manifest from Deut 27:2. The law of Moses - Not certainly the whole five
books of Moses, for what stones and time would have sufficed for this, but the most
weighty parts of the law, and especially the law of the ten commandments. |
| 33 |
All Israel - That is, the whole congregation, old and young, male and female. That
side - Some on one side of it, and some on the other. Mount Gerizim - These two places
were in the tribe of Ephraim, not far from Shechem, as appears both from scripture, and
from other authors. Bless - Or curse, which is easily understood out of the following
verse. |
| 34 |
Afterward - After the altar was built, and the stones plaistered and writ upon. He
read - That is, he commanded the priests or Levites to read, Deut 27:14.
Blessings and cursings - Which words came in not by way of explication, as if the words of
the law were nothing else besides the blessings and curses; but by way of addition, to
note that these were read over and above the words of the law. |
| 35 |
Read not - Therefore he read not the blessings and curses only, as some think, but the
whole law, as the manner was when all Israel, men and women, were assembled together, or
the ten commandments. Among them - Who were proselytes, for no others can be supposed to
be with them at this time. |
Chapter IX
The confederacy of the kings of Canaan against Israel, ver. 1,2. The confederacy of
the Gibeonites with Israel, ver. 3 - 18. Their employment, ver. 19 - 27.
| 2 |
Together - They entered into a league to do this. Tho' they were many kings of
different nations, and doubtless of different interests, often at variance with each
other, yet they are all determined to unite against Israel. O that Israel would learn this
of Canaanites, to sacrifice private interests to the public good, and to lay aside all
animosities among themselves, that they may cordially unite against the common enemy. |
| 3 |
Gibeon - A great and royal city of the Hivites. |
| 4 |
Been ambassadors - Sent from a far country. |
| 6 |
The camp at Gilgal - The place of their head - quarters. Men of Israel - To those who
used to meet in council with Joshua, to whom it belonged to make leagues, even the princes
of the congregation. Now therefore - Because we are not of this people, whom, as we are
informed, you are obliged utterly to destroy. |
| 7 |
The Hivites - That is, the Gibeonites who were Hivites, Josh 11:19. Among
us - That is, in this land, and so are of that people with whom we are forbidden to make
any league or covenant. |
| 8 |
Thy servants - We desire a league with you upon your own terms; we are ready to accept
of any conditions. From whence came ye - For this free and general concession gave Joshua
cause to suspect that they were Canaanites. |
| 9 |
Name of the Lord - Being moved thereunto by the report of his great and glorious
nature and works; so they gave them hopes that they would embrace their religion. In Egypt
- They cunningly mention those things only which were done some time ago, and say nothing
of dividing Jordan, or the destruction of Jericho and Ai, as if they lived so far off that
the fame of those things had not yet reached them. |
| 13 |
The bottles - Leathern bottles. |
| 14 |
The men - That is, the princes. Their victuals - That they might examine the truth of
what they said. The mouth of the Lord - As they ought to have done upon all such weighty
occasions. So they are accused of rashness and neglect of their duty. For though it is
probable, if God had been consulted, he would have consented to the sparing of the
Gibeonites; yet it should have been done with more caution, and an obligation upon them to
embrace the true religion. In every business of importance, we should stay to take God
along with us, and by the word and prayer consult him. Many a time our affairs miscarry,
because we asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord. Did we acknowledge him in all our
ways, they would be more safe, easy and successful. |
| 15 |
To let them live - That is, they should not destroy them. That this league was lawful
and obliging, appears,
- Because Joshua and all the princes, upon the review concluded it so to be, and spared
them accordingly.
- Because God punished the violation of it long after, 2Sam 21:1.
- Because God is said to have hardened the hearts of all other cities, not to seek peace
with Israel, that so he might utterly destroy them, Jos 11:19,20, which seems
to imply that their utter destruction did not necessarily come upon them by virtue of any
peremptory command of God, but by their own obstinate hardness, whereby they refused to
make peace with the Israelites.
|
| 16 |
Three days - That is, at the last of them, or upon the third day, as it is said, ver.17.
|
| 17 |
And Kirjath - jearim - Which cities were subject to Gibeon, the royal city, chap.10:2.
|
| 18 |
Against the princes - Both from that proneness which is in people to censure the
actions of their rulers; and from their desire of the spoil of these cities. |
| 21 |
Unto all the congregation - That is, Let them be public servants, and employed in the
meanest offices, (one kind being put for all the rest) for the use of the congregation; to
do this partly for the sacrifices and services of the house of God, which otherwise the
Israelites themselves must have done; partly for the service of the camp or body of the
people; and sometimes, even to particular Israelites. |
| 22 |
Called for them - Probably not only the messengers, but the elders of Gibeon were now
present. |
| 23 |
Ye are cursed - You shall not escape the curse of God which by divine sentence belongs
to all the Canaanites; but only change the quality of it, you shall feel that curse of
bondage, which is proper to your race by virtue of that ancient decree, Gen 9:25.
Bond - men - The slavery, which is upon you shall be entailed on your posterity. The house
of my God - This only service they mention here, because it was their durable servitude,
being first in the tabernacle, and then in the temple, whence they were called Nethinim, 1Chr
9:2 Ezra 2:43, whereas their servitude to the whole congregation in a great measure
ceased when the Israelites were dispersed to their several habitations. |
| 25 |
In thine hand - That is, in thy power to use us as thou wilt. Unto thee - We refer
ourselves to thee and thy own piety, and probity, and faithfulness to thy word and oath;
if thou wilt destroy thy humble suppliants, we submit. Let us in like manner submit to our
Lord Jesus, and refer ourselves to him; saying, We are in thy hand; do unto us as seemeth
right unto thee. Only save our souls: give us our lives for a prey; and let us serve thee,
just as thou wilt! |
| 27 |
The altar of the Lord - By which appears, that they were not only to do this service
in God's house, but upon all other occasions, as the congregation needed their help. |
Chapter X
In this chapter we have an account of the confederacy against Gibeon, and the
request of the Gibeonites to Joshua, ver. 1 - 6. Of Joshua's marching and defeating the
confederate kings, ver. 7 - 11. Of the sun's standing still, ver. 12 - 14. Of the
execution of the kings, ver. 15 - 27. Of the taking their cities, and conquering all that
country, ver. 28 - 42. Of the return of the army to Gilgal, ver. 43.
| 1 |
Among them - That is, were conversant with them, had submitted to their laws, and
mingled interests with them. |
| 2 |
Thy - That is, he and his people, the king being spoken of ver.1, as a
publick person representing all his people. Royal cities - Either really a royal city, or
equal to one of the royal cities, though it had no king, but seems to have been governed
by elders, chap.9:11. |
| 3 |
Adoni - zedek sent - Either because he was superior to them, or because he was nearest
the danger, and most forward in the work. |
| 5 |
Of the Amorites - This name being here taken largely for any of the Canaanites, as is
frequent; for, to speak strictly, the citizens of Hebron here mentioned, ver.3,
were Hittites. It is reasonably supposed, that the Amorites being numerous and victorious
beyond Jordan poured forth colonies into the land of Canaan, subdued divers places, and so
communicated their name to all the rest. |
| 6 |
Slack not thy hand - Do not neglect or delay to help us. Whom thou art obliged to
protect both in duty as thou art our master; and by thy owns interest, we being part of
thy possessions; and in ingenuity, because we have given ourselves to thee, and put
ourselves under thy protection. In the mountains - ln the mountainous country. |
| 7 |
Joshua ascended - Having no doubt asked advice of God first, which is implied by the
answer God gives him, ver.8. All the mighty men - That is, an army of the
most valiant men picked out from the rest; for it is not probable, either that he would
take so many hundred thousands with him, which would have hindered one another, or that he
would leave the camp without an army to defend it. |
| 9 |
Came suddenly - Though assured by God of the victory, yet he uses all prudent means.
All night - It is not said, that he went from Gilgal to Gibeon in a night's space; but
only that he travelled all night; unto which you may add part either of the foregoing or
of the following day. It is true, God had promised, that he would without fail deliver the
enemies into his hand. But God's promises are intended, not to slacken, but to quicken our
endeavours. He that believeth doth not make haste, to anticipate providence; but doth make
haste to attend it, with a diligent, not a distrustful speed. |
| 10 |
At Gibeon - Heb. in Gibeon, not in the city, but in the territory belonging to it. |
| 11 |
Great stones - That is, hailstones of extraordinary greatness, cast down with that
certainty, as to hit the Canaanites and not their pursuers the Israelites. Josephus
affirms, that thunder and lightning were mixed with the hail, which may seem probable from
Hab 3:11. They had robbed the true God of his honour, by worshipping the host
of heaven, and now the hosts of heaven fights against them, and triumphs in their ruin.
Beth - horon lay north of Gibeon, Azekah and Makkedah, south, so that they fled each way.
But which way soever they fled, the hailstones pursued them. There is no fleeing out of
the hands of God! |
| 12 |
Spoke Joshua - Being moved to beg it out of zeal to destroy God's enemies, and
directed to it by the motion of God's spirit, and being filled with holy confidence of the
success, he speaks the following words before the people, that that they might be
witnesses. In the sight - That is, in the presence and audience of Israel. Over Gibeon -
That is, in that place and posture in which now it stands towards, and looks upon Gibeon.
Let it not go down lower, and by degrees, out of the sight of Gibeon. It may seem, that
the sun, was declining, and Joshua perceiving that his work was great and long, and his
time but short, begs of God the lengthening out of the day, and that the sun and moon
might stop their course, He mentions two places, Gibeon and Ajalon, not as if the sun
stood over the one and the moon over the other, which is absurd especially these places
being so near the one to the other; but partly to vary the phrase, as is common in
poetical passages; partly because he was in his march in the pursuit of his enemies, to
pass from Gibeon to Ajalon; and he begs that he may have the help of longer light to
pursue them, and to that end that the sun might stand still, and the moon also; not that
he needed the moon's light, but because it was fit, either that both sun and moon should
go, or that both should stand still to prevent disorder in the heavenly bodies. The prayer
is thus exprest with authority, because it was not an ordinary prayer, but the prayer of a
prophet, divinely inspired at this very time for this purpose. And yet it intimates to us
the prevalency of prayer in general, and may mind us of that honour put upon prayer,
concerning the work of my hands command you me. |
| 13 |
Avenged them on their enemies - That is, till they bad utterly destroyed them. Book of
Jasher - This book was written and published before Joshua wrote his, and so is fitly
alluded here. But this, as well as some other historical books, is lost, not being a
canonical book, and therefore not preserved by the Jews with the same care as they were.
The sun stood - Here is no mention of the moon, because the sun's standing was the only
thing which Joshua desired and needed; and the moon's standing he desired only by accident
to prevent irregularity in the motions of those celestial lights. And if it seem strange
to any one, that so wonderful a work should not be mentioned in any Heathen writers; he
must consider, that it is confessed by the generality of writers, Heathens and others,
that there is no certain history or monument in Heathen authors of any thing done before
the Trojan war, which was a thousand years after Joshua's time; and that all time before
that, is called by the most learned Heathens, the uncertain, unknown, or obscure time. A
whole day - That is, for the space of a whole day. Understand an artificial day between
sun - rising and sun - setting; for that was the day which Joshua needed and desired, a
day to give him light for his work. |
| 14 |
No day like that - Namely, in those parts of the world in which he here speaks, vain
therefore is that objection, that the days are longer near the northern and southern
poles, where they are constantly longer at certain seasons, and that by the order of
nature; whereas the length of this day was purely contingent, and granted by God in answer
to Joshua's prayer. The Lord hearkened to a man - Namely, in such a manner to alter the
course of nature, and of the heavenly bodies, that a man might have more time to pursue
and destroy his enemies. The Lord fought - This is added as the reason why God was so
ready to answer Joshua's petition, because he was resolved to fight for Israel, and that
in a more than ordinary manner. But this stupendous miracle was designed for something
more, than to give Israel light to destroy the Canaanites. It was designed to convince and
confound those idolaters, who worshipped the sun and moon, by demonstrating, that these
also were subject to the command of the God of Israel: as also to signify, that in the
latter days, when the world was covered with darkness, the sun of righteousness, even our
Joshua, should arise, and be the true light of the world. To which we may add, that when
Christ conquered our enemies upon the cross, the miracle wrought on the sun was the
reverse of this. It was then darkened, as if going down at noon. For Christ needed not the
light of the sun, to compleat his victory: so he made darkness his pavilion. |
| 15 |
Joshua returned - Not upon the same day, but after he had dispatched the matter which
here follows; as appears by ver.43, where the very same words are repeated.
And they are put here to close the general discourse of the fight which begun ver.10,
and ends here; which being done he particularly describes some remarkable passages, and
closeth them with the same words. |
| 16 |
A cave - A place of the greatest secrecy; but there is no escaping the eye or hand of
God. At Makkedah - Heb. in Makkedah, not in the city, for that was not yet taken; but in
the territory of it. |
| 19 |
Enter their cities - Whereby they will recover their strength, and renew the war. God
hath delivered them - Your work will be easy, God hath already done the work to your
hands. |
| 20 |
The children of Israel - That is, a party of them by the command of Joshua; for Joshua
himself went not with them, but abode in the siege before Makkedah, ver.21. |
| 21 |
To the camp - To the body, of the army which were engaged there with Joshua to besiege
that place. None moved his tongue - Not only their men of war could not find their hands,
but they were so confounded, that they could not move their tongues in way of insult, as
doubtless they did when the Israelites were smitten at Ai; but now they were silenced as
well as conquered: they durst no more provoke the Israelites. |
| 24 |
Put your feet on the necks - This he did not from pride and contempt; but as a
punishment of their impious rebellion against their Sovereign Lord; in pursuance of that
curse of servitude due to all this people, and as a token to assure his captains, that God
would subdue the proudest of them under their feet. |
| 27 |
Took them down - That neither wild beasts could come to devour them, nor any of their
people to give them honourable burial. Thus that which they thought would have been their
shelter, was made their prison first, and then their grave. So shall we surely be
disappointed, in whatever we flee to from God. |
| 28 |
And that day - On which the sun stood still. Nor is it strange that so much work was
done, and places so far distant taken in one day, when the day was so long, and the
Canaanites struck with such a terror. |
| 29 |
All Israel - Namely, who were with him in this expedition. |
| 35 |
On that day - On which they first attempted it. |
| 36 |
Unto Hebron - The conquest of Hebron is here generally related, afterwards repeated,
and more particularly described, chap. 15:13,14. |
| 37 |
All the cities - Which were subject to its jurisdiction; this being, it seems, a royal
city as Gibeon was, ver.2, and having cities under it as that had. |
| 38 |
Joshua returned - He is said to return thither, not as if he had been there before,
but because having gone as far westward and southward as he thought fit, even as far as
Gaza, ver.41, he now returned towards Gilgal, which lay north - ward and
eastward from him, and in his return fell upon Debir. |
| 40 |
All that breathed - That is, all mankind, they reserved the cattle for their own uses.
As God had commanded - This is added for the vindication of the Israelites, whom God would
not have to suffer in their reputation for executing his commands; and therefore he
acquits them of that cruelty, which they might be thought guilty of, and ascribes it to
his own just indignation. And hereby was typified the final destruction of all the
impenitent enemies of the Lord Jesus, who having slighted the riches of his grace, must
for ever feel the weight of his wrath. |
| 41 |
Kadesh - barnea - Which lay in the south of Canaan, Numb 34:4 Deut 1:19 Josh
15:3. Gaza - Which was in the south - west of Canaan. So he here signifies, that
Joshua did in this expedition subdue all those parts which lay south and west from Gilgal.
Goshen - Not that Goshen in Egypt, but another in Judah. |
Chapter XI
The confederacy of many kings against Israel, ver. 1 - 5. God's encouragement to
Joshua, and his conquest of them and their cities, ver. 6 - 20. The destruction of the
Anakims, ver. 21 - 23.
| 1 |
Hazor - The chief city of those parts, ver.10. Had heard - This was a
remarkable instance of the wisdom and goodness of Divine Providence, which so governed the
minds of the Canaanites, that they were not all united under one king, but divided amongst
many petty kings; and next, that these did not all unanimously join their counsels and
forces together to oppose the Israelites at their first entrance, but quietly suffered the
destruction of their brethren, thereby preparing the way for their own. |
| 2 |
On the north - The general designation of all the particular places following: they
were in the northern parts of Canaan, as those mentioned chap.10:1 - 43, were
in the southern parts; in the mountain, either in or near the mountain of Lebanon, called
the mountain by way of eminency; or in the mountainous country. Cinneroth - Heb. in the
plain lying southward from Cinneroth, or the lake of Genesareth. Dor - A place upon the
coast of the midland - sea. |
| 3 |
The Canaanite - The Canaanites properly so called, lived part of them on the east near
Jordan, and part on the west near the sea, and both are here united. The Hivite - That
dwelt under mount Hermon in the north of Canaan, whereby they are differenced from those
Hivites who lived in Gibeon. Mizpeh - That Mizpeh which was in the northern part of
Gilead. But there are other cities called by that name, which signifying a watching -
place, might be easily applied to several places of good prospect. |
| 5 |
Merom - A lake made by the river Jordan in the northern part of it, which was in the
territory of the King of Schimron, near Hazor, Jabin's royal city, and almost in the
middle of these confederate kings. |
| 6 |
Hough their horses - Cut their hamstrings that they may my be unfit for war. For God
forbad them to keep many horses, now especially, that they might not trust to their
horses, nor ascribe the conquest of the land to their own strength, but wholly to God, by
whose power alone a company of raw and unexperienced footmen were able to subdue so potent
a people, who besides their great numbers, and giants, and walled cities, had the
advantage of many thousands of horses and chariots. |
| 7 |
Suddenly - When they least expected them, intending there to refresh, and prepare, and
order themselves for the offensive war which they designed. |
| 8 |
Great Zidon - A great city in the northwest part of Canaan, upon the sea. Misrephoth -
maim - A place not far from Zidon, supposed to be so called from the salt or glass which
they made there. Valley of Mizpeh - Under mount Hermon, as appears by comparing this with
ver.3, and 17. where it seems to be called the valley of Lebanon. This lay on
the east, as Zidon did on the west; and so it seems they fled several ways, and the
Israelites also divided themselves into two bodies, one pursuing east, and the other west.
|
| 10 |
The king - In his royal city, to which he fled out of the battle. Head of these
kingdoms - Not of all Canaan, but of all those who were confederate with him in this
expedition. |
| 11 |
Not any left - That is, no human person. |
| 13 |
In their strength - Heb. with their fence, walls or bulwarks, that is, which were not
ruined with their walls in taking them. Save Hazor - Because this city began the war, and
being the chief and royal city, might renew the war. If the Canaanites should ever seize
upon it: which in fact they did, and settled there, under a king of the same name, Judges
4:2. |
| 16 |
All that land - Of Canaan, whose parts here follow. The hill - Or, the mountain, that
is, the mountainous country, namely, of Judea. A considerable part of Judea was called the
hilly or the mountainous country, Luke 1:39,65. The south country - That is,
not only the mountainous part, but all the country of Judea, which lay in the southern
part of Canaan, and often comes under the name of the south. The vale - The low countries.
The plain - The fields or campaign grounds. The mountain of Israel - The mountains or
mountainous country of Israel. |
| 17 |
To Seir - That is, To the country of Seir or Edom; namely, that part of it which was
south from Judea, not that which was eastward from it, as appears from hence, that here is
mention of the two extreme bounds of the land conquered by Joshua; whereof the other which
follows being in the north, this must needs be in the south of the land. Baal - Gad - A
part of mount Lebanon. |
| 18 |
A long time - For divers years together, as is evident by the following history. And
this is here expressed, lest it should be thought that as all these wars are here recorded
in a short narration, so they were dispatched in a short time. And God would have the land
to be conquered gradually, for many weighty reasons;
- Lest the sudden extirpation of those nations should have made a great part of the land
desert, and thereby have increased the number of wild beasts, Deut 7:22.
- Lest being done suddenly and easily, it should soon be forgotten and despised, as the
nature of man is apt to do in those cases.
- That by long exercise the Israelites might grow skilful in the art of war.
- For the trial and exercise of their patience and courage, and trust in God.
- To oblige them to the greater care to please God, whom they yet need for their help
against their enemies.
|
| 19 |
All other - Namely, all that were taken by Joshua, were taken by the sword, and
therefore it is no wonder that the war was long, when the enemy was so obstinate. |
| 20 |
To harden their hearts - It was the | |
