mh_parser/vol_split/6 - Joshua/Chapter 1.xml

<div2 id="Jos.ii" n="ii" next="Jos.iii" prev="Jos.i" progress="0.43%" title="Chapter I">
<h2 id="Jos.ii-p0.1">J O S H U A</h2>
<h3 id="Jos.ii-p0.2">CHAP. I.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Jos.ii-p1">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,
<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.1-Josh.1.9" parsed="|Josh|1|1|1|9" passage="Jos 1:1-9">ver. 1-9</scripRef>. II. He accepts
the government, and addresses himself immediately to the business
of it, giving orders to the officers of the people in general,
<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.10-Josh.1.11" parsed="|Josh|1|10|1|11" passage="Jos 1:10,11">ver. 10, 11</scripRef>, and
particularly to the two tribes and a half, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.12-Josh.1.15" parsed="|Josh|1|12|1|15" passage="Jos 1:12-15">ver. 12-15</scripRef>. III. The people agree to it,
and take an oath of fealty to him, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.16-Josh.1.18" parsed="|Josh|1|16|1|18" passage="Jos 1:16-18">ver. 16-18</scripRef>. 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?" <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Deut.33.29" parsed="|Deut|33|29|0|0" passage="De 33:29">Deut. xxxiii. 29</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="Jos.ii-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1" parsed="|Josh|1|0|0|0" passage="Jos 1" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Jos.ii-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.1-Josh.1.9" parsed="|Josh|1|1|1|9" passage="Jos 1:1-9" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Josh.1.1-Josh.1.9">
<h4 id="Jos.ii-p1.8">Joshua Directed and
Encouraged. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Jos.ii-p1.9">b. c.</span> 1451.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Jos.ii-p2">1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of
the <span class="smallcaps" id="Jos.ii-p2.1">Lord</span> it came to pass, that the
<span class="smallcaps" id="Jos.ii-p2.2">Lord</span> 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 <span class="smallcaps" id="Jos.ii-p2.3">Lord</span> thy God <i>is</i> with thee whithersoever
thou goest.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p3">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 (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.27.18" parsed="|Num|27|18|0|0" passage="Nu 27:18">Num. xxvii. 18</scripRef>), but now he speaks to him
(<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.1" parsed="|Josh|1|1|0|0" passage="Jos 1:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>), probably as
he spoke to Moses (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:Lev.1.1" parsed="|Lev|1|1|0|0" passage="Le 1:1">Lev. i. 1</scripRef>)
<i>out of the tabernacle of the congregation,</i> where Joshua had
with Moses presented himself (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p3.4" osisRef="Bible:Deut.31.14" parsed="|Deut|31|14|0|0" passage="De 31:14">Deut.
xxxi. 14</scripRef>), 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 (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p3.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.27.21" parsed="|Num|27|21|0|0" passage="Nu 27:21">Num.
xxvii. 21</scripRef>), yet, for his greater encouragement, God here
speaks to him immediately, some think in a dream or vision (as
<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p3.6" osisRef="Bible:Job.33.15" parsed="|Job|33|15|0|0" passage="Job 33:15">Job xxxiii. 15</scripRef>); 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 class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p4">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 class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p5">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> (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.10" parsed="|2Tim|3|10|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:10">2 Tim. iii.
10</scripRef>), 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 class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p6">III. The call itself that God gave him,
which is very full.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p7">1. The consideration upon which he was
called to the government: <i>Moses my servant is dead,</i>
<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.2" parsed="|Josh|1|2|0|0" passage="Jos 1:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>. 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, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Heb.3.5" parsed="|Heb|3|5|0|0" passage="Heb 3:5">Heb. iii. 5</scripRef>, 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, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.116.15" parsed="|Ps|116|15|0|0" passage="Ps 116:15">Ps. cxvi. 15</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p8">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>
(<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Acts.13.39" parsed="|Acts|13|39|0|0" passage="Ac 13:39">Acts xiii. 39</scripRef>), and
<i>sanctifies,</i> <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:Rom.8.3" parsed="|Rom|8|3|0|0" passage="Ro 8:3">Romans viii.
3</scripRef>. 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> <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:Rom.7.4" parsed="|Rom|7|4|0|0" passage="Ro 7:4">Rom. vii. 4</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p9">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> <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:Josh.3.15" parsed="|Josh|3|15|0|0" passage="Jos 3:15"><i>ch.</i> iii. 15</scripRef>. 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, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:Deut.31.2" parsed="|Deut|31|2|0|0" passage="De 31:2">Deut. xxxi.
2</scripRef>. Thus the honour of bringing the many sons to glory is
reserved for Christ the <i>captain of our salvation,</i> <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:Heb.2.10" parsed="|Heb|2|10|0|0" passage="Heb 2:10">Heb. ii. 10</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p10">4. The grant of the land of Canaan to the
children of Israel is here repeated (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.2-Josh.1.4" parsed="|Josh|1|2|1|4" passage="Jos 1:2-4"><i>v.</i> 2-4</scripRef>): <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 (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.3" parsed="|Josh|1|3|0|0" passage="Jos 1:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>), <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> (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p10.3" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.2" parsed="|Josh|1|2|0|0" passage="Jos 1:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>), because they are the seed of
Jacob, who was called <i>Israel</i> at the time when this promise
was made to him, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p10.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.35.10 Bible:Gen.35.12" parsed="|Gen|35|10|0|0;|Gen|35|12|0|0" passage="Ge 35:10,12">Gen. xxxv. 10,
12</scripRef>. 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, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p10.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.14.31" parsed="|Num|14|31|0|0" passage="Nu 14:31">Num. xiv. 31</scripRef>. (2.) The land itself that is
conveyed: From the river Euphrates eastward, to the Mediterranean
Sea westward, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p10.6" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.4" parsed="|Josh|1|4|0|0" passage="Jos 1:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>.
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,
<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p10.7" osisRef="Bible:Acts.2.5" parsed="|Acts|2|5|0|0" passage="Ac 2:5">Acts ii. 5</scripRef>, &amp;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 class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p11">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
(<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.5" parsed="|Josh|1|5|0|0" passage="Jos 1:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>): "<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 (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.9" parsed="|Josh|1|9|0|0" passage="Jos 1:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>). "<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> <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.5" parsed="|Josh|1|5|0|0" passage="Jos 1:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>. Moses had assured him of this
(<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p11.4" osisRef="Bible:Deut.31.8" parsed="|Deut|31|8|0|0" passage="De 31:8">Deut. xxxi. 8</scripRef>), that,
though he must now leave him, God never would: and here God himself
confirms that word of his servant Moses (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p11.5" osisRef="Bible:Isa.44.26" parsed="|Isa|44|26|0|0" passage="Isa 44:26">Isa. xliv. 26</scripRef>), 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, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p11.6" osisRef="Bible:Heb.13.5" parsed="|Heb|13|5|0|0" passage="Heb 13:5">Heb. xiii. 5</scripRef>, <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
(<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p11.7" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.5" parsed="|Josh|1|5|0|0" passage="Jos 1:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>): <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 (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p11.8" osisRef="Bible:Num.14.9" parsed="|Num|14|9|0|0" passage="Nu 14:9">Num. xiv.
9</scripRef>) God here encourages him with. (4.) That he should
himself have the dividing of this land among the people of Israel,
<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p11.9" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.6" parsed="|Josh|1|6|0|0" passage="Jos 1:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>. 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 class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p12">6. The charge or command he gives to
Joshua, which is,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p13">(1.) That he conform himself in every thing
to the law of God, and make this his rule <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.7-Josh.1.8" parsed="|Josh|1|7|1|8" passage="Jos 1:7,8"><i>v.</i> 7, 8</scripRef>. 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> <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.11.12" parsed="|2Kgs|11|12|0|0" passage="2Ki 11:12">2
Kings xi. 12</scripRef>. 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> <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p13.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.8.20" parsed="|Isa|8|20|0|0" passage="Isa 8:20">Isa. viii. 20</scripRef>. 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,
<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p13.4" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.1.14" parsed="|2Tim|1|14|0|0" passage="2Ti 1:14">2 Tim. i. 14</scripRef>. [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;
&amp;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> <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p13.5" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.7-Josh.1.8" parsed="|Josh|1|7|1|8" passage="Jos 1:7,8"><i>v.</i> 7, 8</scripRef>. 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 (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p13.6" osisRef="Bible:Ps.111.10" parsed="|Ps|111|10|0|0" passage="Ps 111:10">Ps. cxi. 10</scripRef>); and it will entitle them to
the best blessings: God shall <i>give them the desire of their
heart.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p14">(2.) That he encourage himself herein with
the promise and presence of God, and make these his stay (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.6" parsed="|Josh|1|6|0|0" passage="Jos 1:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>): <i>Be strong and of a
good courage.</i> And again (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.7" parsed="|Josh|1|7|0|0" passage="Jos 1:7"><i>v.</i>
7</scripRef>), as if this was the one thing needful: <i>Only be
strong and very courageous.</i> And he concludes with this
(<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p14.3" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.9" parsed="|Josh|1|9|0|0" passage="Jos 1:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>): <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>
<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p14.4" osisRef="Bible:John.10.18" parsed="|John|10|18|0|0" passage="Joh 10:18">John x. 18</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Jos.ii-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.10-Josh.1.15" parsed="|Josh|1|10|1|15" passage="Jos 1:10-15" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Josh.1.10-Josh.1.15">
<h4 id="Jos.ii-p14.6">Joshua's Address to the
Reubenites. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Jos.ii-p14.7">b. c.</span> 1451.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Jos.ii-p15">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 <span class="smallcaps" id="Jos.ii-p15.1">Lord</span> 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 <span class="smallcaps" id="Jos.ii-p15.2">Lord</span> commanded you, saying, The <span class="smallcaps" id="Jos.ii-p15.3">Lord</span> 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 <span class="smallcaps" id="Jos.ii-p15.4">Lord</span> have given your brethren rest, as
<i>he hath given</i> you, and they also have possessed the land
which the <span class="smallcaps" id="Jos.ii-p15.5">Lord</span> your God giveth them:
then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy
it, which Moses the <span class="smallcaps" id="Jos.ii-p15.6">Lord</span>'s servant
gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p16">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 (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.3.1" parsed="|1Tim|3|1|0|0" passage="1Ti 3:1">1 Tim. iii. 1</scripRef>), so
he that desires the office of a magistrate, desires a work, a good
work; neither is preferred to be idle.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p17">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> <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.2.13-1Pet.2.14" parsed="|1Pet|2|13|2|14" passage="1Pe 2:13,14">1 Pet. ii. 13,
14</scripRef>. 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, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:Josh.2.1-Josh.2.24" parsed="|Josh|2|1|2|24" passage="Jos 2:1-24"><i>ch.</i> ii.</scripRef> 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, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p17.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.19.4" parsed="|Exod|19|4|0|0" passage="Ex 19:4">Exod. xix. 4</scripRef>. 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 (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p17.4" osisRef="Bible:Josh.5.12" parsed="|Josh|5|12|0|0" passage="Jos 5:12"><i>ch.</i>
v. 12</scripRef>), yet since they had come <i>into a land
inhabited</i> (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p17.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.35" parsed="|Exod|16|35|0|0" passage="Ex 16:35">Exod. xvi.
35</scripRef>), 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 <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p17.6" osisRef="Bible:Exod.19.10-Exod.19.11" parsed="|Exod|19|10|19|11" passage="Ex 19:10,11">Exod. xix. 10,
11</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p18">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 (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.13" parsed="|Josh|1|13|0|0" passage="Jos 1:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>):
<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 (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.7.1" parsed="|2Sam|7|1|0|0" passage="2Sa 7:1">2 Sam. vii. 1</scripRef>),
see how restless he was till he had <i>found out a habitation</i>
for the ark, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p18.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.132.4-Ps.132.5" parsed="|Ps|132|4|132|5" passage="Ps 132:4,5">Ps. cxxxii. 4,
5</scripRef>. 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, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p18.4" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.14-Josh.1.15" parsed="|Josh|1|14|1|15" passage="Jos 1:14,15"><i>v.</i> 14, 15</scripRef>. 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, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p18.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.32.23" parsed="|Num|32|23|0|0" passage="Nu 32:23">Num. xxxii. 23</scripRef>. (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 (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p18.6" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.15" parsed="|Josh|1|15|0|0" passage="Jos 1:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>), if they did not fulfil the
condition. (5.) They themselves had covenanted and agreed thereunto
(<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p18.7" osisRef="Bible:Num.32.25" parsed="|Num|32|25|0|0" passage="Nu 32:25">Num. xxxii. 25</scripRef>): <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>
</div><scripCom id="Jos.ii-p0.4" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.16-Josh.1.18" parsed="|Josh|1|16|1|18" passage="Jos 1:16-18" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Josh.1.16-Josh.1.18">
<h4 id="Jos.ii-p18.9">The Reubenites' Answer. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Jos.ii-p18.10">b. c.</span> 1451.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Jos.ii-p19">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 <span class="smallcaps" id="Jos.ii-p19.1">Lord</span> 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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p20">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> (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.10" parsed="|Josh|1|10|0|0" passage="Jos 1:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>), 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 class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p21">I. They promise him obedience (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p21.1" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.16" parsed="|Josh|1|16|0|0" passage="Jos 1:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>), 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> <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p21.2" osisRef="Bible:Matt.8.9" parsed="|Matt|8|9|0|0" passage="Mt 8:9">Matt.
viii. 9</scripRef>. 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, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p21.3" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.17" parsed="|Josh|1|17|0|0" passage="Jos 1:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>. To speak truth, they
had no reason to boast of their obedience to Moses; he had found
them a stiff-necked people, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p21.4" osisRef="Bible:Deut.9.24" parsed="|Deut|9|24|0|0" passage="De 9:24">Deut. ix.
24</scripRef>. 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 class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p22">II. They pray for the presence of God with
him (<scripRef id="Jos.ii-p22.1" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.17" parsed="|Josh|1|17|0|0" passage="Jos 1:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>):
"<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, <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p22.2" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.2.1-1Tim.2.2" parsed="|1Tim|2|1|2|2" passage="1Ti 2:1,2">1 Tim. ii. 1, 2</scripRef>. 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 class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p23">III. They pass an act to make it death for
any Israelite to disobey Joshua's orders, or <i>rebel against his
commandment,</i> <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p23.1" osisRef="Bible:Josh.1.18" parsed="|Josh|1|18|0|0" passage="Jos 1:18"><i>v.</i>
18</scripRef>. 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> <scripRef id="Jos.ii-p23.2" osisRef="Bible:Deut.18.19" parsed="|Deut|18|19|0|0" passage="De 18:19">Deut. xviii.
19</scripRef>, <i>I will require it of him.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Jos.ii-p24">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>
</div></div2>