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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1708)
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>J O S H U A</B></FONT>
<BR>
<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. I.</FONT>
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<P>
The book begins with the history, not of Joshua's life (many remarkable
passages of that we had before in the books of Moses) but of his reign
and government. In this chapter,
I. God appoints him to the government in the stead of Moses, gives him
an ample commission, full instructions, and great encouragements,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:1-9">ver. 1-9</A>.
II. He accepts the government, and addresses himself immediately to the
business of it, giving orders to the officers of the people in
general,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:10,11">ver. 10, 11</A>,
and particularly to the two tribes and a half,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:12-15">ver. 12-15</A>.
III. The people agree to it, and take an oath of fealty to him,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:16-18">ver. 16-18</A>.
A reign which thus began with God could not but be honourable to the
prince and comfortable to the subject. The last words of Moses are
still verified, "Happy art thou, O Israel! Who is like unto thee, O
people?"
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+33:29">Deut. xxxiii. 29</A>.</P>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Joshua Directed and Encouraged.</I></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1451.</TD></TR>
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1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> it came
to pass, that the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses'
minister, saying,
2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this
Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give
to them, <I>even</I> to the children of Israel.
3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that
have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great
river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and
unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be
your coast.
5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the
days of thy life: as I was with Moses, <I>so</I> I will be with thee:
I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt
thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their
fathers to give them.
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest
observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant
commanded thee: turn not from it <I>to</I> the right hand or <I>to</I> the
left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but
thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest
observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then
thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good
success.
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage;
be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God
<I>is</I> with thee whithersoever thou goest.
</FONT></P>
<P>
Honour is here put upon Joshua, and great power lodged in his hand, by
him that is the fountain of honour and power, and by whom kings reign.
Instructions are given him by Infinite Wisdom, and encouragements by
the God of all consolation. God had before spoken to Moses concerning
him
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+27:18">Num. xxvii. 18</A>),
but now he speaks to him
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
probably as he spoke to Moses
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+1:1">Lev. i. 1</A>)
<I>out of the tabernacle of the congregation,</I> where Joshua had with
Moses presented himself
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+31:14">Deut. xxxi. 14</A>),
to learn the way of attending there. Though Eleazar had the
breast-plate of judgment, which Joshua was directed to consult as there
was occasion
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+27:21">Num. xxvii. 21</A>),
yet, for his greater encouragement, God here speaks to him immediately,
some think in a dream or vision (as
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+33:15">Job xxxiii. 15</A>);
for though God has tied us to instituted ordinances, in them to attend
him, yet he has not tied himself to them, but that he may without them
make himself known to his people, and speak to their hearts otherwise
than by their ears. Concerning Joshua's call to the government observe
here,</P>
<P>
I. The time when it was given him: <I>After the death of Moses.</I> As
soon as ever Moses was dead, Joshua took upon him the administration,
by virtue of his solemn ordination in Moses's life-time. An
interregnum, though but for a few days, might have been of bad
consequence; but it is probable that God did not speak to him to go
forward towards Canaan till after the thirty days of mourning for Moses
were ended; not, as the Jews say, because the sadness of his spirit
during those days unfitted him for communion with God (he sorrowed not
as one that had no hope), but by this solemn pause, and a month's
adjournment of the public councils, even now when time was so very
precious to them, God would put an honour upon the memory of Moses, and
give time to the people not only to lament their loss of him, but to
repent of their miscarriages towards him during the forty years of his
government.</P>
<P>
II. The place Joshua had been in before he was thus preferred. He was
Moses's minister, that is, an immediate attendant upon his person and
assistant in business. The LXX. translates it
<B><I>hypourgos,</I></B> a workman under Moses, under his direction and
command. Observe,
1. He that was here called to honour had been long bred to business.
Our Lord Jesus himself took upon him the form of a servant, and then
God highly exalted him.
2. He was trained up in subjection and under command. Those are fittest
to rule that have learnt to obey.
3. He that was to succeed Moses was intimately acquainted with him,
that he might <I>fully know his doctrine and manner of life, his
purpose and long-suffering</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+3:10">2 Tim. iii. 10</A>),
might take the same measures, walk in the same spirit, in the same
steps, having to carry on the same work.
4. He was herein a type of Christ, who might therefore be called
Moses's minister, because he was made under the law and fulfilled all
the righteousness of it.</P>
<P>
III. The call itself that God gave him, which is very full.</P>
<P>
1. The consideration upon which he was called to the government:
<I>Moses my servant is dead,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
All good men are God's servants; and it is no disparagement, but an
honour, to the greatest of men to be so: angels themselves are his
ministers. Moses was called to extraordinary work, was a steward in
God's house, and in the discharge of the trusts reposed in him he
served not himself but God who employed him; he was faithful as a
servant, and with an eye to the Son, as is intimated,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+3:5">Heb. iii. 5</A>,
where what he did is said to be for a <I>testimony of the things that
should be spoken after.</I> God will own his servants, will confess
them in the great day. But Moses, though God's servant, and one that
could ill be spared, is dead; for God will change hands, to show that
whatever instruments he uses he is not tied to any. Moses, when he has
done his work as a servant, dies and goes to <I>rest from his labours,
and enters into the joy of his Lord.</I> Observe, God takes notice of
the death of his servants. It is precious in his sight,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+116:15">Ps. cxvi. 15</A>.</P>
<P>
2. The call itself. <I>Now therefore arise.</I>
(1.) "Though Moses is dead, the work must go on; therefore arise, and
go about it." Let not weeping hinder sowing, nor the withering of the
most useful hands be the weakening of ours; for, when God has work to
do, he will either find or make instruments fit to carry it on. Moses
the <I>servant</I> is dead, but God the <I>Master</I> is not: he lives
for ever.
(2.) "Because Moses is dead, therefore the work devolves upon thee as
his successor, for hereunto thou wast appointed. Therefore there is
need of thee to fill up his place; up, and be doing." Note,
[1.] The removal of useful men should quicken survivors to be so much
the more diligent in doing good. Such and such are dead, and we must
die shortly, therefore let us work while it is day.
[2.] It is a great mercy to a people, if, when useful men are taken
away in the midst of their usefulness, others are raised up in their
stead to go on where they broke off. Joshua must arise to finish what
Moses began. Thus the latter generations enter into the labours of the
former. And thus Christ, our Joshua, does that for us which could never
be done by the law of Moses,--<I>justifies</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+13:39">Acts xiii. 39</A>),
and <I>sanctifies,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+8:3">Romans viii. 3</A>.
The life of Moses made way for Joshua, and prepared the people for what
was to be done by him. Thus the law is a schoolmaster to bring us to
Christ: and then the death of Moses made room for Joshua; thus we are
dead to the law, our first husband, that we may be <I>married to
Christ,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+7:4">Rom. vii. 4</A>.</P>
<P>
3. The particular service he was now called out to: "<I>Arise, go over
this Jordan,</I> this river which you have in view, and on the banks of
which you lie encamped." This was a trial to the faith of Joshua,
whether he would give orders to make preparation for passing the river
when there was no visible way of getting over it, at least not at this
place and at this time, when <I>all the banks were overflown,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+3:15"><I>ch.</I> iii. 15</A>.
He had no pontoons or bridge of boats by which to convey them over, and
yet he must believe that God, who had ordered them over, would open a
way for them. Going over Jordan was going into Canaan; thither Moses
might not, could not, bring them,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+31:2">Deut. xxxi. 2</A>.
Thus the honour of bringing the many sons to glory is reserved for
Christ the <I>captain of our salvation,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+2:10">Heb. ii. 10</A>.</P>
<P>
4. The grant of the land of Canaan to the children of Israel is here
repeated
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:2-4"><I>v.</I> 2-4</A>):
<I>I do give it them.</I> To the patriarchs it was promised, <I>I will
give it;</I> but, now that the fourth generation had expired, the
iniquity of the Amorites was full, and the time had come for the
performance of the promise, it is actually conveyed, and they are put
in possession of that which they had long been in expectation of: "I do
give it, enter upon it, it is all your own; nay
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>),
<I>I have given it;</I> though it be yet unconquered, it is as sure to
you as if it were in your hands." Observe,
(1.) The persons to whom the conveyance is made: <I>To them, even to
the children of Israel</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>),
because they are the seed of Jacob, who was called <I>Israel</I> at the
time when this promise was made to him,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+35:10,12">Gen. xxxv. 10, 12</A>.
The children of Israel, though they had been very provoking in the
wilderness, yet, for their fathers' sakes, should have the entail
preserved. And it was the children of the murmurers that God said
should enter Canaan,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+14:31">Num. xiv. 31</A>.
(2.) The land itself that is conveyed: From the river Euphrates
eastward, to the Mediterranean Sea westward,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
Though their sin cut them short of this large possession, and they
never replenished all the country within the bounds here mentioned,
yet, had they been obedient, God would have given them this and much
more. Out of all these countries, and many others, there were in
process of time proselytes to the Jewish religion, as appears,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+2:5">Acts ii. 5</A>,
&c. If their church was enlarged, though their nation was not
multiplied, it cannot be said that the promise was of no effect. And,
if this promise had not its full accomplishment in the letter,
believers might thence infer that it had a further meaning, and was to
be fulfilled in the kingdom of the Messiah, both that of grace and that
of glory.
(3.) The condition is here implied upon which this grant is made, in
those words, <I>as I said unto Moses,</I> that is, "upon the terms that
Moses told you of many a time, <I>if you will keep my statutes,</I> you
shall go in and possess that good land. Take it under those provisos
and limitations, and not otherwise." The precept and promise must not
be separated.
(4.) It is intimated with what ease they should gain the possession of
this land, if it were not their own fault, in these words, "<I>Every
place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon</I> (within the
following bounds) shall be your own. Do but set your foot upon it and
you have it."</P>
<P>
5. The promises God here makes to Joshua for his encouragement.
(1.) That he should be sure of the presence of God with him in this
great work to which he was called
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>):
"<I>As I was with Moses,</I> to direct and strengthen him, to own and
prosper him, and give him success in bringing Israel out of Egypt and
leading them through the wilderness, so I will be with thee to enable
thee to settle them in Canaan." Joshua was sensible how far he came
short of Moses in wisdom and grace; But what Moses did was done by
virtue of the presence of God with him, and, though Joshua had not
always the same presence of mind that Moses had, yet, if he had always
the same presence of God, he would do well enough. Note, it is a great
comfort to the rising generation of ministers and Christians that the
same grace which was sufficient for those that went before them shall
not be wanting to them if they be not wanting to themselves in the
improvement of it. It is repeated here again
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>).
"<I>The Lord thy God is with thee</I> as a God of power, and that power
engaged for thee whithersoever thou goest." Note, Those that go where
God sends them shall have him with them wherever they go and they need
desire no more to make them easy and prosperous.
(2.) That the presence of God should never be withdrawn from him: <I>I
will not fail thee, nor forsake thee,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
Moses had assured him of this
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+31:8">Deut. xxxi. 8</A>),
that, though he must now leave him, God never would: and here God
himself confirms that word of his servant Moses
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+44:26">Isa. xliv. 26</A>),
and engages never to leave Joshua. We need the presence of God, not
only when we are beginning our work to set us in, but in the progress
of it to further us with a continual help. If that at any time fail us,
we are gone; this we may be sure, that <I>the Lord is with us while we
are with him.</I> This promise here made to Joshua is applied to all
believers, and improved as an argument against covetousness,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+13:5">Heb. xiii. 5</A>,
<I>Be content with such things as you have, for he hath said, I will
never leave thee.</I>
(3.) That he should have victory over all the enemies of Israel
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>):
<I>There shall not any man</I> that comes against thee <I>be able to
stand before thee.</I> Note, There is no standing before those that
have God on their side. <I>If he be for us, who can be against us?</I>
God promises him clear success--the enemy should not make any head
against him; and constant success--all the days of his life. However it
might be with Israel when he was gone, all his reign should be graced
with triumphs. What Joshua had himself encouraged the people with long
ago
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+14:9">Num. xiv. 9</A>)
God here encourages him with.
(4.) That he should himself have the dividing of this land among the
people of Israel,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
It was a great encouragement to him in beginning this work that he was
sure to see it finished and his labour should not be in vain. Some make
it a reason why he should arm himself with resolution, and be of good
courage, because of the bad character of the people whom he must cause
to inherit that land. He knew well what a froward discontented people
they were, and how unmanageable they had been in his predecessor's
time; let him therefore expect vexation from them and be of good
courage.</P>
<P>
6. The charge or command he gives to Joshua, which is,</P>
<P>
(1.) That he conform himself in every thing to the law of God, and make
this his rule
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:7,8"><I>v.</I> 7, 8</A>.
God does, as it were, put the book of the law into Joshua's hand; as,
when Joash was crowned, they <I>gave him the testimony,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ki+11:12">2 Kings xi. 12</A>.
And concerning this book he is charged,
[1.] To <I>meditate therein day and night,</I> that he might understand
it and have it ready in him upon all occasions. If ever any man's
business might have excused him from meditation, and other acts of
devotion, one would think Joshua's might at this time. It was a great
trust that was lodged in his hands; the care of it was enough to fill
him, if he had had ten souls, and yet he must find time and thoughts
for meditation. Whatever affairs of this world we have to mind, we must
not neglect the one thing needful.
[2.] Not to let it depart out of his mouth; that is, all his orders to
the people, and his judgments upon appeals made to him, must be
consonant to the law of God; upon all occasions he must <I>speak
according to this rule,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+8:20">Isa. viii. 20</A>.
Joshua was to maintain and carry on the work that Moses had begun, and
therefore he must not only complete the salvation Moses had wrought for
them, but must uphold the holy religion he had established among them.
There was no occasion to make new laws; but <I>that good thing which
was committed to him</I> he must carefully and faithfully keep,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+1:14">2 Tim. i. 14</A>.
[3.] He must <I>observe to do according to all this law.</I> To this
end he must meditate therein, not for contemplation sake only, or to
fill his head with notions, or that he might find something to puzzle
the priests with, but that he might, both as a man and as a magistrate,
observe to do <I>according to what was written</I> therein; and several
things were written there which had particular reference to the
business he had now before him, as the laws concerning their wars, the
destroying of the Canaanites and the dividing of Canaan; &c.; these he
must religiously observe. Joshua was a man of great power and
authority, yet he must himself be under command and do as he is bidden.
No man's dignity or dominion, how great soever, sets him above the law
of God. Joshua must not only govern by law, and take care that the
people observed the law, but he must observe it himself, and so by his
own example maintain the honour and power of it. <I>First,</I> He must
do what was written. It is not enough to hear and read the word, to
commend and admire it, to know and remember it, to talk and discourse
of it, but we must do it. <I>Secondly,</I> He must do according to
what was written, exactly observing the law as his copy, and doing, not
only that which was there required, but in all circumstances according
to the appointment. <I>Thirdly,</I> He must do according to all that
was written, without exception or reserve, having a <I>respect to all
God's commandments,</I> even those which are most displeasing to flesh
and blood. <I>Fourthly,</I> He must observe to do so, observe the
checks of conscience, the hints of providence; and all the advantages
of opportunity. Careful observance is necessary to universal obedience.
<I>Fifthly,</I> He must <I>not turn from it,</I> either in his own
practice or in any act of government, to the right hand or to the left,
for there are errors on both hands, and virtue is in the mean.
<I>Sixthly,</I> He must be <I>strong and courageous,</I> that he might
do according to the law. So many discouragements there are in the way
of duty that those who will proceed and persevere in it must put on
resolution. And, <I>lastly,</I> to encourage him in his obedience, he
assures him that then he shall <I>do wisely</I> (as it is in the
margin) and <I>make his way prosperous,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:7,8"><I>v.</I> 7, 8</A>.
Those that make the word of God their rule, and conscientiously walk by
that rule, shall both do well and speed well; it will furnish them with
the best maxims by which to order their conversation
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+111:10">Ps. cxi. 10</A>);
and it will entitle them to the best blessings: God shall <I>give them
the desire of their heart.</I></P>
<P>
(2.) That he encourage himself herein with the promise and presence of
God, and make these his stay
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>):
<I>Be strong and of a good courage.</I> And again
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>),
as if this was the one thing needful: <I>Only be strong and very
courageous.</I> And he concludes with this
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>):
<I>Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou
dismayed.</I> Joshua had long since signalized his valour, in the war
with Amalek, and in his dissent from the report of the evil spies; and
yet God sees fit thus to inculcate this precept upon him. Those that
have grace have need to be called upon again and again to exercise
grace and to improve in it. Joshua was humble and low in his own eyes,
not distrustful of God, and his power, and promise, but diffident of
himself, and of his own wisdom, and strength, and sufficiency for the
work, especially coming after so great a man as Moses; and therefore
God repeats this so often, "<I>Be strong and of a good courage;</I> let
not the sense of thy own infirmities dishearten thee; God is
all-sufficient. <I>Have not I commanded thee?</I>"
[1.] "I have commanded the work to be done, and therefore it shall be
done, how invincible soever the difficulties may seem that lie in the
way." Nay,
[2.] "I have commanded, called, and commissioned, thee to do it, and
therefore will be sure to own thee, and strengthen thee, and bear thee
out in it." Note, When we are in the way of our duty we have reason to
be strong and very courageous; and it will help very much to animate
and embolden us if we keep our eye upon the divine warrant, hear God
saying, "<I>Have not I commanded thee?</I> I will therefore help thee,
succeed thee, accept thee, reward thee." Our Lord Jesus, as Joshua
here, was borne up under his sufferings by a regard to the will of God
and the <I>commandment he had received from his Father,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+10:18">John x. 18</A>.</P>
<A NAME="Jos1_10"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos1_11"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos1_12"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos1_13"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos1_14"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos1_15"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Joshua's Address to the Reubenites.</I></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1451.</TD></TR>
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P>
<FONT SIZE=+1>10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,
11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying,
Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over
this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> your
God giveth you to possess it.
12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the
tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,
13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>
commanded you, saying, The L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> your God hath given you rest, and
hath given you this land.
14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain
in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye
shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of
valour, and help them;
15 Until the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> have given your brethren rest, as <I>he hath
given</I> you, and they also have possessed the land which the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>
your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your
possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>'s servant gave you
on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.
</FONT></P>
<P>
Joshua, being settled in the government, immediately applies himself to
business; not to take state or to take his pleasure, but to further the
work of God among, the people over whom God had set him. As he that
desires the office of a minister
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+3:1">1 Tim. iii. 1</A>),
so he that desires the office of a magistrate, desires a work, a good
work; neither is preferred to be idle.</P>
<P>
I. He issues out orders to the people to provide for a march; and they
had been so long encamped in their present post that it would be a work
of some difficulty to decamp. The officers of the people that commanded
under Joshua in their respective tribes and families attended him for
orders, which they were to transmit to the people. Inferior magistrates
are as necessary and as serviceable to the public good in their places
as the supreme magistrate in his. What could Joshua have done without
officers? We are therefore required to be subject, not only to <I>the
king as supreme, but to governors as to those that are sent by him,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+2:13,14">1 Pet. ii. 13, 14</A>.
By these officers,
1. Joshua gives public notice that they were <I>to pass over Jordan
within three days.</I> These orders, I suppose, were not given till
after the return of the spies that were sent to bring an account of
Jericho, though the story of that affair follows,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+2:1-24"><I>ch.</I> ii.</A>
And perhaps that was such an instance of his jealousy, and excessive
caution, as made it necessary that he should be so often bidden as he
was to be strong and of a good courage. Observe with what assurance
Joshua says to the people, because God had said it to him, <I>You shall
pass over Jordan, and shall possess</I> the land. We greatly honour the
truth of God.
2. He gives them directions to prepare victuals, not to prepare
transport vessels. He that bore Egypt upon eagle's wings would in like
manner bear them into Canaan, to bring them to himself,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+19:4">Exod. xix. 4</A>.
But those that were desirous to have other victuals besides the manna,
which had not yet ceased, must prepare it and have it ready against the
time appointed. Perhaps, though the manna did not quite cease till they
came into Canaan
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:12"><I>ch.</I> v. 12</A>),
yet since they had come <I>into a land inhabited</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+16:35">Exod. xvi. 35</A>),
where they might be furnished in part with other provisions, it did not
fall so plentifully, nor did they gather so much as when they had it
first given to them in the wilderness, but decreased gradually, and
therefore they are ordered to provide other victuals, in which perhaps
was included all other things necessary to their march. And some of the
Jewish writer, considering that having manna they needed not to provide
other victuals, understand it figuratively, that they must <I>repent of
their sins,</I> and make their <I>peace with God,</I> and resolve to
live a new life, that they might be ready to receive this great favour.
See
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+19:10,11">Exod. xix. 10, 11</A>.</P>
<P>
II. He reminds the two tribes and a half of the obligations they were
under to go over Jordan with their brethren, though they left their
possessions and families on this side. Interest would make the other
tribes glad to go over Jordan, but in these it was an act of
self-denial, and against the grain; therefore it was needful to produce
the agreement which Moses had made with them, when he gave them their
possession before their brethren
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>):
<I>Remember the word which Moses commanded you.</I> Some of them
perhaps were ready to think now that Moses was dead, who they thought
was too hard upon them in this matter, they might find some excuse or
other to release themselves from this engagement, or might prevail with
Joshua to dispense with them; but he holds them to it, and lets them
know that, though Moses was dead, his commands and their promises were
still in full force. He reminds them,
1. Of the advantages they had received in being first settled: "<I>The
Lord your God hath given you rest.</I> He has given your minds rest;
you know what you have to trust to, and are not as the rest of the
tribes waiting the issue of the war first and then of the lot. He has
also given your families rest, your wives and children, whose
settlement is your satisfaction. He has given you rest by giving you
this land, this good land, of which you are in full and quiet
possession." Note, When God by his providence has given us rest we
ought to consider how we may honour him with the advantages of it, and
what service we may do to our brethren who are unsettled, or not so
well settled as we are When God had given David rest
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+7:1">2 Sam. vii. 1</A>),
see how restless he was till he had <I>found out a habitation</I> for
the ark,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+132:4,5">Ps. cxxxii. 4, 5</A>.
When God has given us rest, we must take heed of slothfulness and of
settling upon our lees.
2. He reminds them of their agreement to help their brethren in the
wars of Canaan till God had in like manner given them rest,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:14,15"><I>v.</I> 14, 15</A>.
This was,
(1.) Reasonable in itself. So closely were all the tribes incorporated
that they must needs look upon themselves as members one of another.
(2.) It was enjoined them by Moses, the servant of the Lord; he
commanded them to do this, and Joshua his successor would see his
commands observed.
(3.) It was the only expedient they had to save themselves from the
guilt of a great sin in settling on that side Jordan, a sin which would
one time or other find them out,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+32:23">Num. xxxii. 23</A>.
(4.) It was the condition of the grant Moses had made them of the land
they were possessed of, so that they could not be sure of a good title
to, or a comfortable enjoyment of, <I>the land of their possession,</I>
as it is here called
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>),
if they did not fulfil the condition.
(5.) They themselves had covenanted and agreed thereunto
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+32:25">Num. xxxii. 25</A>):
<I>Thy servants will do as my Lord commandeth.</I> Thus we all lie
under manifold obligations to strengthen the hands one of another, and
not to seek our own welfare only, but one another's.</P>
<A NAME="Jos1_16"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos1_17"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos1_18"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Reubenites' Answer.</I></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1451.</TD></TR>
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P>
<FONT SIZE=+1>16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest
us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.
17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will
we hearken unto thee: only the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God be with thee, as he
was with Moses.
18 Whosoever <I>he be</I> that doth rebel against thy commandment,
and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest
him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good
courage.
</FONT></P>
<P>
This answer was given not by the two tribes and a half only (though
they are spoken of immediately before), but by the <I>officers of all
the people</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>),
as their representatives, concurring with the divine appointment, by
which Joshua was set over them, and they did it heartily, and with a
great deal of cheerfulness and resolution.</P>
<P>
I. They promise him obedience
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>),
not only as subjects to their prince, but as soldiers to their general,
of whose particular orders they are to be observant. He that hath
<I>soldiers under him saith to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to
another, Come, and he cometh,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+8:9">Matt. viii. 9</A>.
Thus the people of Joshua; "<I>All that thou commandest us we will
readily do,</I> without murmuring or disputing; and whithersoever thou
sends us, though upon the most difficult and perilous expedition, we
will go." We must thus swear allegiance to our Lord Jesus, as the
captain of our salvation, and bind ourselves to do what he commands us
by his word, and to go where he sends us by his providence. And since
Joshua, being humbly conscious to himself how far short he came of
Moses, feared he should not have such an influence upon the people and
such an interest in them as Moses had, they here promise that they will
be as obedient to him as ever they had been to Moses,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
To speak truth, they had no reason to boast of their obedience to
Moses; he had found them a stiff-necked people,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+9:24">Deut. ix. 24</A>.
But they meant that they would be as observant of Joshua as they should
have been, and as some of them were (and the generality of them at
least sometimes) of Moses. Note, We must not so magnify those that are
gone, how eminent soever they were, either in the magistracy or in the
ministry, as to be wanting in the honour and duty we owe to those that
survive and succeed them, though in gifts they may come short of them.
Obedience for conscience' sake will continue, though Providence change
the hands by which it rules and acts.</P>
<P>
II. They pray for the presence of God with him
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>):
"<I>Only the Lord thy God be with thee,</I> to bless and prosper thee,
and give thee success, <I>as he was with Moses.</I>" Prayers and
supplications are to be made for all in authority,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+2:1,2">1 Tim. ii. 1, 2</A>.
And the best thing we can ask of God for our magistrates is that they
may have the presence of God with them; this will make them blessings
to us, so that in seeking this for them we consult our own interest. A
reason is here intimated why they would obey him as they had obeyed
Moses, because they believed (and in faith prayed) that God's presence
would be with him as it was with Moses. Those that we have reason to
think have favour from God should have honour and respect from us. Some
understand it as a limitation of their obedience: "We will obey only as
far as we perceive the Lord is with thee, but no further. While thou
keepest close to God we will keep close to thee; hitherto shall our
obedience come, but no further." But they were so far from having any
suspicion of Joshua's deviating from the divine rule that there needed
not such a proviso.</P>
<P>
III. They pass an act to make it death for any Israelite to disobey
Joshua's orders, or <I>rebel against his commandment,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
Perhaps if such a law had been made in Moses's time it might have
prevented many of the rebellions that were formed against him; for most
men fear the sword of the magistrate more than the justice of God. Yet
there was a special reason for the making of this law now that they
were entering upon the wars of Canaan; for in times of war the severity
of military discipline is more necessary than at other times. Some
think that in this statute they had an eye to that law concerning the
prophet God would raise up like unto Moses, which they think, though it
refer chiefly to Christ, yet takes in Joshua by the way as a type of
him, that whosoever would not hearken to him should be <I>cut off from
his people.</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+18:19">Deut. xviii. 19</A>,
<I>I will require it of him.</I></P>
<P>
IV. They animate him to go on with cheerfulness in the work to which
God had called him; and, in desiring that he would be strong and of a
good courage, they did in effect promise him that they would do all
they could, by an exact, bold, and cheerful observance of all his
orders, to encourage him. It very much heartens those that lead in a
good work to see those that follow follow with a good will. Joshua,
though of approved valour, did not take it as an affront, but as a
great kindness, for the people to bid him be strong and of a good
courage.</P>
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