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<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [Joshua, Chapter V].</TITLE>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1708)
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<CENTER>
<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>J O S H U A</B></FONT>
<BR>
<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. V.</FONT>
<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
</CENTER>
<FONT SIZE=-1>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Israel have now got over Jordan, and the waters which had opened before
them, to favour their march forward, are closed again behind them, to
forbid their retreat backward. They have now got footing in Canaan, and
must apply themselves to the conquest of it, in order to which this
chapter tells us,
I. How their enemies were dispirited,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:1">ver. 1</A>.
II. What was done at their first landing to assist and encourage them.
1. The covenant of circumcision was renewed,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:2-9">ver. 2-9</A>.
2. The feast of the passover was celebrated,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:10">ver. 10</A>.
3. Their camp was victualled with the corn of the land, whereupon the
manna ceased,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:11,12">ver. 11, 12</A>.
4. The captain of the Lord's host himself appeared to Joshua to animate
and direct him,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:13-15">ver. 13-15</A>.</P>
</FONT>
<A NAME="Jos5_1"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos5_2"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos5_3"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos5_4"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos5_5"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos5_6"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos5_7"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos5_8"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos5_9"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Circumcision of the Israelites.</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> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>1 And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites,
which <I>were</I> on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of
the Canaanites, which <I>were</I> by the sea, heard that the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> had
dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel,
until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was
there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.
&nbsp; 2 At that time the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp
knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second
time.
&nbsp; 3 And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the
children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.
&nbsp; 4 And this <I>is</I> the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the
people that came out of Egypt, <I>that were</I> males, <I>even</I> all the
men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came
out of Egypt.
&nbsp; 5 Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all
the people <I>that were</I> born in the wilderness by the way as they
came forth out of Egypt, <I>them</I> they had not circumcised.
&nbsp; 6 For the children of Israel walked forty years in the
wilderness, till all the people <I>that were</I> men of war, which
came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the
voice of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>: unto whom the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> sware that he would not
shew them the land, which the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> sware unto their fathers that
he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey.
&nbsp; 7 And their children, <I>whom</I> he raised up in their stead, them
Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had
not circumcised them by the way.
&nbsp; 8 And it came to pass, when they had done circumcising all the
people, that they abode in their places in the camp, till they
were whole.
&nbsp; 9 And the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away
the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the
place is called Gilgal unto this day.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
A vast show, no doubt, the numerous camp of Israel made in the plains
of Jericho, where now they had pitched their tents. <I>Who can count
the dust of Jacob?</I> That which had long been the <I>church in the
wilderness has now come up from the wilderness, leaning upon her
beloved, and looks forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the
sun, and terrible as an army with banners.</I> How terrible she was in
the eyes of her enemies we are here told,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
How fair and clear she was made in the eyes of her friends, by the
rolling away of the reproach of Egypt, we are told in the following
verses.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
I. Here is the fright which the Canaanites were put into by their
miraculously passing over Jordan,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
The news of it was soon dispersed all the country over, not only as a
prodigy in itself, but as an alarm to all the kings and kingdoms of
Canaan. Now, as when Babylon was taken, <I>One post runs to meet
another, and one messenger to meet another,</I> to carry the amazing
tidings to every corner of their land,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+51:31">Jer. li. 31</A>.
And here we are told what impressions the tidings made upon the kings
of this land: <I>Their heart melted</I> like wax before the fire,
<I>neither was there spirit in them any more.</I> This intimates that,
though the heart of the people generally had fainted before (as Rahab
owned,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+2:9"><I>ch.</I> ii. 9</A>),
yet the kings had till now kept up their spirits pretty well, had
promised themselves that, being in possession, their country populous,
and their cities fortified, they should be able to make their part good
against the invaders; but when they heard not only that they had come
over Jordan, and that this defence of their country was broken through,
but that they had come over by a miracle, the God of nature manifestly
fighting for them, <I>their hearts failed them</I> too, they gave up
the cause for gone, and were now at their wits' end. And,
1. They had reason enough to be afraid; Israel itself was a formidable
body, and much more so when God was its head, a God of almighty power.
What can make head against them if Jordan be driven back before them?
2. God impressed these fears upon them, and dispirited them, as he had
promised
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+23:27">Exod. xxiii. 27</A>),
<I>I will send my fear before thee.</I> God can make the wicked to fear
<I>where no fear is</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+53:5">Ps. liii. 5</A>),
much more where there is such cause for fear as was here. He that made
the soul can, when he pleases, make his sword thus to approach to it
and kill it with his terrors.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. The opportunity which this gave to the Israelites to circumcise
those among them that were uncircumcised: <I>At that time</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>),
when the country about them was in that great consternation, God
ordered Joshua to circumcise the children of Israel, for at that time
it might be done with safety even in an enemy's country; their hearts
being melted, their hands were tied, that they could not take this
advantage against them as Simeon and Levi did against the Shechemites,
to come upon them <I>when they were sore.</I> Joshua could not be sure
of this, and therefore, if he had ordered this general circumcision
just at this time of his own head, he might justly have been censured
as imprudent; for, how good soever the thing was in itself, in the eye
of reason it was not seasonable at this time, and might have been of
dangerous consequence; but, when God commanded him to do it, he must
not <I>consult with flesh and blood;</I> he that bade them to do it
would, no doubt, protect them and bear them out in it. Now observe,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
1. The occasion there was for this general circumcision.
(1.) All that came out of Egypt were circumcised,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
while they had peace in Egypt doubtless they circumcised their children
the eighth day according to the law. But after they began to be
oppressed, especially when the edict was made for the destruction of
their male infants, the administration of this ordinance was
interrupted; many of them were uncircumcised, of whom there was a
general circumcision, either during the time of the three days'
darkness, as Dr. Lightfoot conjectures, or a year after, just before
their eating the second passover at Mount Sinai, and in order to that
solemnity
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+9:2">Num. ix. 2</A>)
as many think. And it is with reference to that general circumcision
that this is called a <I>second,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
But the learned Masius thinks it refers to the general circumcision of
Abraham's family when that ordinance was first instituted,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+17:23">Gen. xvii. 23</A>.
That first confirmed the promise of the land of Canaan, this second was
a thankful celebration of the performance of that promise. But,
(2.) All that were <I>born in the wilderness,</I> namely, after their
walking in the wilderness, became by the divine sentence a judgment
upon them for their disobedience, as is intimated by that repetition of
the sentence,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
All that were born since that fatal day on which God swore in his wrath
that none of that generation should <I>enter into his rest</I> were
uncircumcised. But what shall we say to this? Had not God enjoined it
to Abraham, under a very severe penalty, that every man-child of his
seed should be circumcised on the eighth day?
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+17:9-14">Gen. xvii. 9-14</A>.
Was it not the seal of the everlasting covenant? Was not so great a
stress laid upon it when they were coming out of Egypt that when,
immediately after the first passover, the law concerning that feast was
made perpetual, this was one clause of it, that no uncircumcised person
should eat of it, but should be deemed as a stranger? and yet, under
the government of Moses himself, to have all their children that were
born for thirty-eight years together left uncircumcised is
unaccountable. So great an omission could not be general but by divine
direction. Now,
[1.] Some think circumcision was omitted because it was needless: it
was appointed to be a mark of distinction between the Israelites and
other nations, and therefore in the wilderness, where they were so
perfectly separated from all and mingled with none, there was no
occasion for it.
[2.] Others think that they did not look upon the precept of
circumcision as obligatory till they came to settle in Canaan; for in
the covenant made with them at Mount Sinai nothing was said about
circumcision, neither was it of Moses but <I>of the fathers</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+7:22">John vii. 22</A>),
and with particular reference to the grant of the land of Canaan,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+17:8">Gen. xvii. 8</A>.
[3.] Others think that God favourably dispensed with the observance of
this ordinance in consideration of the unsettledness of their state,
and their frequent removals while they were in the wilderness. It was
requisite that children after they were circumcised should rest for
some time while they were sore, and stirring them might be dangerous to
them; God therefore would have mercy and not sacrifice. This reason is
generally acquiesced in, but to me it is not satisfactory, for
sometimes they staid a year in a place
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+9:22">Num. ix. 22</A>),
if not much longer, and in their removals the little children, though
sore, might be wrapped so warm, and carried so easy, as to receive no
damage, and might certainly be much better accommodated than the
mothers in travail or while lying in. Therefore,
[4.] To me it seems to have been a continued token of God's displeasure
against them for their unbelief and murmuring. Circumcision was
originally a seal of the promise of the land of Canaan, as we observed
before. It was in the believing hope of that good land that the
patriarchs circumcised their children; but when God had <I>sworn in his
wrath</I> concerning the men of was who came out of Egypt that they
should be consumed in the wilderness, and never enter Canaan, nor come
within sight of it (as that sentence is here repeated,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>,
reference being made to it), as a further ratification of that
sentence, and to be a constant memorandum of it to them, all that fell
under that sentence, and were to fall by it, were forbidden to
circumcise their children, by which they were plainly told that,
whatever others might, they should never have the benefit of that
promise of which circumcision was the seal. And this was such a
significant indication of God's wrath as the breaking of the tables of
the covenant was when Israel had broken the covenant by making the
golden calf. It is true that there is no express mention of this
judicial prohibition in the account of that sentence; but an intimation
of it in
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+14:33">Num. xiv. 33</A>,
<I>Your children shall bear your whoredoms.</I> It is probable the
children of Caleb and Joshua were circumcised, for they were excepted
out of that sentence, and of Caleb it is particularly said, <I>To him
will I give the land, and to his children</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+1:36">Deut. i. 36</A>),
which was the very promise that circumcision was the seal of: and
Joshua is here told to circumcise the people, not his own family.
Whatever the reason was, it seems that this great ordinance was omitted
in Israel for almost forty years together, which is a plain indication
that it was not of absolute necessity, nor was to be of perpetual
obligation, but should in the fulness of time be abolished, as now it
was for so long a time suspended.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
2. The orders given to Joshua for this general circumcision
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>):
<I>Circumcise again the children of Israel,</I> not the same person,
but the body of the people. Why was this ordered to be done now? Answ.
(1.) Because now the promise of which circumcision was instituted to be
the seal was performed. The seed of Israel was brought safely into the
land of Canaan. "Let them therefore hereby own the truth of that
promise which their fathers had disbelieved, and could not find in
their hearts to trust to."
(2.) Because now the threatening of which the suspending of
circumcision for thirty-eight years was the ratification was fully
executed by the expiring of the forty years. That <I>warfare is
accomplished, that iniquity is pardoned</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+40:2">Isa. xl. 2</A>),
and therefore now the seal of the covenant is revived again. But why
was it not done sooner? why not while they were resting some months in
the plains of Moab? why not during the thirty days of their mourning
for Moses? Why was it not deferred longer, till they had made some
progress in the conquest of Canaan, and had gained a settlement there,
at least till they had entrenched themselves, and fortified their camp?
why must it be done the very next day after they had come over Jordan?
Answ. Because divine Wisdom saw that to be the fittest time, just when
the forty years were ended, and they had entered Canaan; and the
reasons which human wisdom would have offered against it were easily
overruled.
[1.] God would hereby show that the camp of Israel was not governed by
the ordinary rules and measures of war, but by immediate direction from
God, who by thus exposing them, in the most dangerous moments,
magnified his own power in protecting them even then. And this great
instance of security, in disabling themselves for action just when they
were entering upon action, proclaimed such confidence in the divine
care for their safety as would increase their enemies' fears, much more
when their scouts informed them not only of the thing itself that was
done, but of the meaning of it, that it was a seal of the grant of this
land to Israel.
[2.] God would hereby animate his people Israel against the
difficulties they were now to encounter, by confirming his covenant
with them, which gave them unquestionable assurance of victory and
success, and the full possession of the land of promise.
[3.] God would hereby teach them, and us with them, in all great
undertakings to <I>begin with God,</I> to make sure of his favour, by
offering ourselves to him <I>a living sacrifice</I> (for that was
signified by the blood of circumcision), and then we may expect to
prosper in all we do.
[4.] The reviving of circumcision, after it had been so long disused,
was designed to revive the observance of other institutions, the
omission of which had been connived at in the wilderness. This command
to circumcise them was to remind them of that which Moses had told them
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+21:8">Deut. xxi. 8</A>),
that when they should have come <I>over Jordan</I> they must not do as
they had done <I>in the wilderness,</I> but must come under a stricter
discipline. It was said concerning many of the laws God had given them
that they must observe them <I>in the land</I> to which they were
going,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+6:1,12:1">Deut. vi. 1; xii. 1</A>.
[5.] This <I>second</I> circumcision, as it is here called, was typical
of the spiritual circumcision with which the Israel of God, when they
enter into the gospel rest, are circumcised; it is the learned bishop
Pierson's observation that this circumcision being performed under the
direction of Joshua, Moses' successor, it points to <I>Jesus as the
true circumciser,</I> the author of <I>another circumcision</I> than
that <I>of the flesh,</I> commanded by the law, even the
<I>circumcision of the heart</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+2:29">Rom. ii. 29</A>),
called the <I>circumcision of Christ,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+2:11">Col. ii. 11</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
3. The people's obedience to these orders. Joshua <I>circumcised the
children of Israel</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>),
not himself with his own hands, but he commanded that it should be
done, and took care that it was done: it might soon be despatched, for
it was not necessary that it should be done by a priest or Levite, but
any one might be employed to do it. All those that were under twenty
years old when the people were numbered at Mount Sinai, and not being
numbered with them fell not by the fatal sentence, were circumcised,
and by them all the rest might be circumcised in a little time. The
people had promised to hearken to Joshua as they had hearkened to Moses
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:17"><I>ch.</I> i. 17</A>),
and here they gave an instance of their dutifulness by submitting to
this painful institution, and not calling him for the sake of it a
bloody governor, as Zipporah because of the circumcision called Moses a
bloody husband.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
4. The names given to the place where this was done, to perpetuate the
memory of it.
(1.) It was called <I>the hill of the foreskins,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
Probably the foreskins that were cut off were laid on a heap, and
covered with earth, so that they made a little hillock.
(2.) It was called <I>Gilgal,</I> from a word which signifies to take
away, from that which God said to Joshua
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>),
<I>This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt.</I> God is
jealous for the honour of his people, his own honour being so much
interested in it; and, whatever reproach they may lie under for a time,
first or last it will certainly be rolled away, and every tongue that
riseth up against them he will condemn.
[1.] Their circumcision rolled away the reproach of Egypt. They were
hereby owned to be the free-born children of God, having the seal of
the covenant in their flesh, and so the reproach of their bondage in
Egypt was removed. They were tainted with the idolatry of Egypt, and
that was their reproach; but now that they were circumcised it was to
be hoped they would be so entirely devoted to God that the reproach of
their affection to Egypt would be rolled away.
[2.] Their coming safely to Canaan rolled away the reproach of Egypt,
for it silenced that spiteful suggestion of the Egyptians, that <I>for
mischief they were brought out, the wilderness had shut them in,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+14:3">Exod. xiv. 3</A>.
Their wandering so long in the wilderness confirmed the reproach, but
now that they had entered Canaan in triumph that reproach was done
away. When God glorifies himself in perfecting the salvation of his
people he not only silences the reproach of their enemies, but rolls it
upon themselves.</P>
<A NAME="Jos5_10"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos5_11"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos5_12"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Ceasing of the Manna.</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> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>10 And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the
passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains
of Jericho.
&nbsp; 11 And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow
after the passover, unleavened cakes, and parched <I>corn</I> in the
selfsame day.
&nbsp; 12 And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of
the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel
manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of
Canaan that year.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
We may well imagine that the people of Canaan were astonished, and that
when they observed the motions of the enemy they could not but think
them very strange. When soldiers take the field they are apt to think
themselves excused from religious exercises (they have not time nor
thought to attend to them), yet Joshua opens the campaign with one act
of devotion after another. What was afterwards said to another Joshua
might truly be said to this, <I>Hear now, O Joshua! thou and thy
fellows that sit before thee are men wondered at</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Zec+3:8">Zech. iii. 8</A>),
and yet indeed he took the right method. That is likely to end well
which begins with God. Here is,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
I. A solemn passover kept, at the time appointed by the law, <I>the
fourteenth day of the first month,</I> and in the same place where they
were circumcised,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
While they were wandering in the wilderness they were denied the
benefit and comfort of this ordinance, as a further token of God's
displeasure; but now, in answer to the prayer of Moses upon the passing
of that sentence
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+90:15">Ps. xc. 15</A>,
God comforted them again, after the time that he had afflicted them,
and therefore now that joyful ordinance is revived again. Now that they
had entered into Canaan it was very seasonable to remember those
wondrous works of divine power and goodness by which they were brought
out of Egypt. The finishing of mercies should bring to mind the
beginning of them; and when it is perfect day we must not forget how
welcome the morning-light was when we had long waited for it. The
solemn passover followed immediately after the solemn circumcision;
thus, when those that received the word were baptized, immediately we
find them <I>breaking bread,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+2:41,42">Acts ii. 41, 42</A>.
They kept this passover in the plains of Jericho, as it were in
defiance of the Canaanites that were round about them and enraged
against them, and yet could not give them any disturbance. Thus God
gave them an early instance of the performance of that promise that
when they went up to keep the feasts their land should be taken under
the special protection of the divine Providence.
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+34:24">Exod. xxxiv. 24</A>,
<I>Neither shall any man desire thy land.</I> He now <I>prepared a
table before them in the presence of their enemies,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+23:5">Ps. xxiii. 5</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. Provision made for their camp of the <I>corn of the land,</I> and
the <I>ceasing of the manna</I> thereupon,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:11,12"><I>v.</I> 11, 12</A>.
Manna was a wonderful mercy to them when they needed it. But it was the
mark of a wilderness state; it was the food of children; and therefore,
though it was angel's food, and not to be complained of a light bread,
yet it would be more acceptable to them to eat of the <I>corn of the
land,</I> and this they are now furnished with.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
1. The country people, having retired for safety into Jericho, had left
their barns and fields, and all that was in them, which served for the
subsistence of this great army. And the supply came very seasonably,
for,
(1.) After the passover they were to keep <I>the feast of unleavened
bread,</I> which they could not do according to the appointment when
they had nothing but manna to live upon; and perhaps this was one
reason why it was intermitted in the wilderness. But now they found old
corn enough in the barns of the Canaanites to supply them plentifully
for that occasion; thus <I>the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the
just,</I> and little did those who laid it up think <I>whose all these
things should be which they had provided.</I>
(2.) On the morrow after the passover-sabbath they were to <I>wave the
sheaf of first-fruits before the Lord,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+23:10,11">Lev. xxiii. 10, 11</A>.
And this they were particularly ordered to do when they <I>came into
the land which God would vice them:</I> and they were furnished for
this with the <I>fruit of the land that year</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:12">(<I>v.</I> 12</A>),
which was then growing and beginning to be ripe. Thus they were well
provided for, both with <I>old and new corn, as good householders.</I>
See
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+13:52">Matt. xiii. 52</A>.
And as soon as ever the fruits of this good land came to their hands
they had an opportunity of honouring God with them, and employing them
in his service according to his appointment. And thus, <I>behold, all
things were clean</I> and comfortable <I>to them.</I> Calvin is of
opinion that they had kept the passover every year in its season during
their wandering in the wilderness, though it is not mentioned, and that
God dispensed with their being uncircumcised, as he did,
notwithstanding that, admit them to offer other sacrifices. But some
gather from
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Am+5:25">Amos v. 25</A>
that after the sentence passed upon them there were no sacrifices
offered till they came to Canaan, and consequently no passover was
kept. And it is observable that after that sentence
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+14:1-45">Num. 14</A>)
the law which follows
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+15:1-41">Num. xv.</A>)
concerning sacrifices begins thus: "<I>When you shall have come into
the land of your habitations</I>" you shall do so and so.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
2. Notice is taken of the ceasing of the manna as soon as ever they had
eaten the <I>old corn of the land,</I>
(1.) To show that it did not come by chance or common providence, as
snow or hail does, but by the special designation of divine wisdom and
goodness; for, as it came just when they needed it, so it continued as
long as they had occasion for it and no longer.
(2.) To teach us not to expect extraordinary supplies when supplies may
be had in an ordinary way. If God had dealt with Israel according to
their deserts, the manna would have ceased when they called it light
bread; but as long as they needed it God continued it, though they
despised it; and now that they needed it not God withdrew it, though
perhaps some of them desired it. He is a wise Father, who knows the
necessities of his children, and accommodates his gifts to <I>them,</I>
not to their humours. The word and ordinances of God are spiritual
manna, with which God nourishes his people in this wilderness, and,
though often forfeited, yet they are continued while we are here; but
when we come to the heavenly Canaan this manna will cease, for we shall
no longer have need of it.</P>
<A NAME="Jos5_13"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos5_14"> </A>
<A NAME="Jos5_15"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Captain of the Lord's Host.</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> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he
lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man
over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua
went unto him, and said unto him, <I>Art</I> thou for us, or for our
adversaries?
&nbsp; 14 And he said, Nay; but <I>as</I> captain of the host of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>
am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did
worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
&nbsp; 15 And the captain of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>'s host said unto Joshua, Loose
thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest
<I>is</I> holy. And Joshua did so.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
We have hitherto found God often speaking to Joshua, but we read not
till now of any appearance of God's glory to him; now that his
difficulties increased his encouragements were increased in proportion.
Observe,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
I. The time when he was favoured with this vision. It was immediately
after he had performed the great solemnities of circumcision and the
passover; then God made himself known to him. Note, We may then expect
the discoveries of the divine grace when we are found in the way of our
duty and are diligent and sincere in our attendance on holy
ordinances.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. The place where he had this vision. It was <I>by Jericho; in
Jericho,</I> so the word is; in it by faith and hope, though as yet he
had not begun to lay siege to it; in it in thought and expectation; or
in the fields of Jericho, hard by the city. There, it should seem, he
was all alone, fearless of danger, because sure of the divine
protection. There he was (some think) meditating and praying; and to
those who are so employed God often graciously manifests himself. Or
perhaps there he was to take a view of the city, to observe its
fortifications, and contrive how to attack it; and perhaps he was at a
loss within himself how to make his approaches, when God came and
directed him. Note, God will <I>help those that help themselves.
Vigilantibus non dormientibus succurrit lex--The law succours those who
watch, not those who sleep.</I> Joshua was in his post as a general,
when God came and made himself known as Generalissimo.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
III. The appearance itself. Joshua, as is usual with those that are
full of thought and care, was looking downwards, his eyes fixed on the
ground, when of a sudden he was surprised with the appearance of a man
who stood before him at some little distance, which obliged him to lift
up his eyes, and gave a diversion to his musings,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
He appeared to him as a man, but a considerable man, and one fit to be
taken notice of. Now,
1. We have reason to think that this man was the Son of God, the
eternal Word, who, before he assumed the human nature for a perpetuity,
frequently appeared in a human shape. So bishop Patrick thinks,
consonant to the judgment of the fathers. Joshua gave him divine
honours, and he received them, which a created angel would not have
done, and he is called <I>Jehovah,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+6:2"><I>ch.</I> vi. 2</A>.
2. He here appeared as a soldier, with <I>his sword drawn in his
hand.</I> To Abraham in his tent he appeared as a traveller; to Joshua
in the field as a man of war. Christ will be to his people what their
faith expects and desires. Christ had his sword drawn, which served,
(1.) To justify the war Joshua was engaging in, and to show him that it
was of God, who gave him commission to kill and slay. If the sovereign
draw the sword, this proclaims war, and authorizes the subject to do so
too. The sword is then well drawn when Christ <I>draws it, and gives
the banner to those that fear him, to be displayed because of the
truth,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+60:4">Ps. lx. 4</A>.
(2.) To encourage him to carry it on with vigour; for Christ's sword
drawn in his hand denotes how ready he is for the defence and salvation
of his people, who through him shall do valiantly. His sword turns
every way.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
IV. The bold question with which Joshua accosted him; he did not send a
servant, but stepped up to him himself, and asked, <I>Art thou for us
or for our adversaries?</I> which intimates his readiness to entertain
him if he were for them, and to fight him if he were against them. This
shows,
1. His great courage and resolution. He was not ruffled by the
suddenness of the appearance, nor daunted with the majesty and bravery
which no doubt appeared in the countenance of the person he saw; but,
with a presence of mind that became so great a general, put this fair
question to him. God had bidden Joshua be courageous, and by this it
appears that he was so; for what God by his word requires of his people
he does by his grace work in them.
2. His great concern for the people and their cause; so heartily has he
embarked in the interests of Israel that none shall stand by him with
the face of a man but he will know whether he be a friend or a foe. It
should seem, he suspected him for an enemy, a Goliath that had come to
<I>defy the armies of the living God,</I> and to give him a challenge.
Thus apt are we to look upon that as against us which is most for us.
The question plainly implies that the cause between the Israelites and
the Canaanites, between Christ and Beelzebub, will not admit of a
neutrality. <I>He that is not with us is against us.</I></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
V. The account he gave of himself,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>.
"Nay, not for your adversaries, you may be sure, but <I>as captain of
the host of the Lord have I now come,</I> not only for you as a friend,
but over you as commander in chief." Here were now, as of old
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+32:2">Gen. xxxii. 2</A>),
<I>Mahanaim, two hosts,</I> a host of Israelites ready to engage the
Canaanites and a host of angels to protect them therein, and he, as
captain of both, conducts the host of Israel and commands the host of
angels to their assistance. Perhaps in allusion to this Christ is
called the <I>captain of our salvation</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+2:10">Heb. ii. 10</A>),
<I>and a leader and commander to the people,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+55:4">Isa. lv. 4</A>.
Those cannot but be victorious that have such a captain. He now came as
captain to review the troops, to animate them, and to give the
necessary orders for the besieging of Jericho.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
VI. The great respect Joshua paid him when he understood who he was; it
is probable that he perceived, not only by what he said but by some
other sensible indications, that he was a divine person, and not a man.
1. Joshua paid homage to him: He <I>fell on his face to the earth and
did worship.</I> Joshua was himself general of the forces of Israel,
and yet he was far from looking with jealousy upon this stranger, who
produced a commission as captain of the Lord's host above him; he did
not offer to dispute his claims, but cheerfully submitted to him as his
commander. It will become the greatest of men to be humble and reverent
in their addresses to God.
2. He begged to receive commands and directions from him: <I>What saith
my Lord unto his servant?</I> His former question was not more bold and
soldier-like than this was pious and saint-like; nor was it any
disparagement to the greatness of Joshua's spirit thus to humble
himself when he had to do with God: even crowned heads cannot bow to
low before the throne of the Lord Jesus, who is <I>King of kings,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+2:10,11,72:10,11,Re+19:16">Ps. ii. 10, 11; lxxii. 10, 11;
Rev. xix. 16</A>.
Observe,
(1.) The relation he owns between himself and Christ, that Christ was
his Lord and himself his servant and under his command, Christ his
Captain and himself a soldier under him, to do as he is bidden,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+8:9">Matt. viii. 9</A>.
Note, The foundation of all acceptable obedience is laid in a sincere
dedication of ourselves, as servants to Jesus Christ as <I>our
Lord,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+16:2">Ps. xvi. 2</A>.
(2.) The enquiry he makes pursuant to this relation: <I>What saith my
Lord?</I> which implies an earnest desire to know the will of Christ,
and a cheerful readiness and resolution to do it. Joshua owns himself
an inferior officer, and stands to receive orders. This temper of mind
shows him fit for the post he was in; for those know best how to
command that know how to obey.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
VII. The further expressions of reverence which this divine captain
required from Joshua
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+5:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>):
<I>Loose thy shoe from off thy foot,</I> in token of reverence and
respect (which with us are signified by uncovering the head), and as an
acknowledgment of a divine presence, which, while it continued there,
did in a manner sanctify the place and dignify it. We are accustomed to
say of a person for whom we have a great affection that we love the
very ground he treads upon; thus Joshua must show his reverence for
this divine person, he must not tread the ground he stood on with his
dirty shoes,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+5:1">Eccl. v. 1</A>.
Outward expressions of inward reverence, and a religious awe of God,
well become us, and are required of us, whenever we approach to him in
solemn ordinances. Bishop Patrick well observes here that the very same
orders that God gave to Moses at the bush, when he was sending him to
bring Israel out of Egypt
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+3:5">Exod. iii. 5</A>),
he here gives to Joshua, for the confirming of his faith in the promise
he had lately given him, that as he had been with Moses so he would be
with him,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:5"><I>ch.</I> i. 5</A>.
Had Moses such a presence of God with him as, when it became sensible,
sanctified the ground? So had Joshua.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
And (<I>lastly</I>) Hereby he prepares him to receive the instructions
he was about to give him concerning the siege of Jericho, which this
captain of the Lord's host had now come to give Israel possession
of.</P>
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