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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1708)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>J O S H U A</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. I.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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The book begins with the history, not of Joshua's life (many remarkable
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passages of that we had before in the books of Moses) but of his reign
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and government. In this chapter,
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I. God appoints him to the government in the stead of Moses, gives him
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an ample commission, full instructions, and great encouragements,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:1-9">ver. 1-9</A>.
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II. He accepts the government, and addresses himself immediately to the
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business of it, giving orders to the officers of the people in
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general,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:10,11">ver. 10, 11</A>,
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and particularly to the two tribes and a half,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:12-15">ver. 12-15</A>.
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III. The people agree to it, and take an oath of fealty to him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:16-18">ver. 16-18</A>.
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A reign which thus began with God could not but be honourable to the
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prince and comfortable to the subject. The last words of Moses are
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still verified, "Happy art thou, O Israel! Who is like unto thee, O
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people?"
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+33:29">Deut. xxxiii. 29</A>.</P>
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<A NAME="Jos1_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Jos1_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Jos1_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Jos1_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Jos1_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Jos1_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Jos1_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="Jos1_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="Jos1_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Joshua Directed and Encouraged.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1451.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>
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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
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to pass, that the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses'
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minister, saying,
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2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this
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Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give
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to them, <I>even</I> to the children of Israel.
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3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that
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have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
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4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great
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river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and
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unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be
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your coast.
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5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the
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days of thy life: as I was with Moses, <I>so</I> I will be with thee:
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I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
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6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt
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thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their
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fathers to give them.
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7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest
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observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant
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commanded thee: turn not from it <I>to</I> the right hand or <I>to</I> the
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left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
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8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but
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thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest
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observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then
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thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good
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success.
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9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage;
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be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God
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<I>is</I> with thee whithersoever thou goest.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Honour is here put upon Joshua, and great power lodged in his hand, by
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him that is the fountain of honour and power, and by whom kings reign.
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Instructions are given him by Infinite Wisdom, and encouragements by
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the God of all consolation. God had before spoken to Moses concerning
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him
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+27:18">Num. xxvii. 18</A>),
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but now he speaks to him
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
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probably as he spoke to Moses
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+1:1">Lev. i. 1</A>)
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<I>out of the tabernacle of the congregation,</I> where Joshua had with
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Moses presented himself
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+31:14">Deut. xxxi. 14</A>),
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to learn the way of attending there. Though Eleazar had the
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breast-plate of judgment, which Joshua was directed to consult as there
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was occasion
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+27:21">Num. xxvii. 21</A>),
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yet, for his greater encouragement, God here speaks to him immediately,
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some think in a dream or vision (as
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+33:15">Job xxxiii. 15</A>);
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for though God has tied us to instituted ordinances, in them to attend
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him, yet he has not tied himself to them, but that he may without them
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make himself known to his people, and speak to their hearts otherwise
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than by their ears. Concerning Joshua's call to the government observe
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here,</P>
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<P>
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I. The time when it was given him: <I>After the death of Moses.</I> As
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soon as ever Moses was dead, Joshua took upon him the administration,
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by virtue of his solemn ordination in Moses's life-time. An
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interregnum, though but for a few days, might have been of bad
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consequence; but it is probable that God did not speak to him to go
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forward towards Canaan till after the thirty days of mourning for Moses
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were ended; not, as the Jews say, because the sadness of his spirit
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during those days unfitted him for communion with God (he sorrowed not
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as one that had no hope), but by this solemn pause, and a month's
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adjournment of the public councils, even now when time was so very
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precious to them, God would put an honour upon the memory of Moses, and
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give time to the people not only to lament their loss of him, but to
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repent of their miscarriages towards him during the forty years of his
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government.</P>
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<P>
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II. The place Joshua had been in before he was thus preferred. He was
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Moses's minister, that is, an immediate attendant upon his person and
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assistant in business. The LXX. translates it
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<B><I>hypourgos,</I></B> a workman under Moses, under his direction and
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command. Observe,
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1. He that was here called to honour had been long bred to business.
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Our Lord Jesus himself took upon him the form of a servant, and then
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God highly exalted him.
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2. He was trained up in subjection and under command. Those are fittest
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to rule that have learnt to obey.
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3. He that was to succeed Moses was intimately acquainted with him,
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that he might <I>fully know his doctrine and manner of life, his
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purpose and long-suffering</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+3:10">2 Tim. iii. 10</A>),
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might take the same measures, walk in the same spirit, in the same
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steps, having to carry on the same work.
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4. He was herein a type of Christ, who might therefore be called
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Moses's minister, because he was made under the law and fulfilled all
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the righteousness of it.</P>
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<P>
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III. The call itself that God gave him, which is very full.</P>
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<P>
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1. The consideration upon which he was called to the government:
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<I>Moses my servant is dead,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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All good men are God's servants; and it is no disparagement, but an
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honour, to the greatest of men to be so: angels themselves are his
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ministers. Moses was called to extraordinary work, was a steward in
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God's house, and in the discharge of the trusts reposed in him he
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served not himself but God who employed him; he was faithful as a
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servant, and with an eye to the Son, as is intimated,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+3:5">Heb. iii. 5</A>,
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where what he did is said to be for a <I>testimony of the things that
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should be spoken after.</I> God will own his servants, will confess
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them in the great day. But Moses, though God's servant, and one that
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could ill be spared, is dead; for God will change hands, to show that
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whatever instruments he uses he is not tied to any. Moses, when he has
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done his work as a servant, dies and goes to <I>rest from his labours,
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and enters into the joy of his Lord.</I> Observe, God takes notice of
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the death of his servants. It is precious in his sight,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+116:15">Ps. cxvi. 15</A>.</P>
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<P>
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2. The call itself. <I>Now therefore arise.</I>
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(1.) "Though Moses is dead, the work must go on; therefore arise, and
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go about it." Let not weeping hinder sowing, nor the withering of the
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most useful hands be the weakening of ours; for, when God has work to
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do, he will either find or make instruments fit to carry it on. Moses
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the <I>servant</I> is dead, but God the <I>Master</I> is not: he lives
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for ever.
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(2.) "Because Moses is dead, therefore the work devolves upon thee as
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his successor, for hereunto thou wast appointed. Therefore there is
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need of thee to fill up his place; up, and be doing." Note,
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[1.] The removal of useful men should quicken survivors to be so much
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the more diligent in doing good. Such and such are dead, and we must
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die shortly, therefore let us work while it is day.
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[2.] It is a great mercy to a people, if, when useful men are taken
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away in the midst of their usefulness, others are raised up in their
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stead to go on where they broke off. Joshua must arise to finish what
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Moses began. Thus the latter generations enter into the labours of the
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former. And thus Christ, our Joshua, does that for us which could never
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be done by the law of Moses,--<I>justifies</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+13:39">Acts xiii. 39</A>),
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and <I>sanctifies,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+8:3">Romans viii. 3</A>.
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The life of Moses made way for Joshua, and prepared the people for what
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was to be done by him. Thus the law is a schoolmaster to bring us to
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Christ: and then the death of Moses made room for Joshua; thus we are
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dead to the law, our first husband, that we may be <I>married to
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Christ,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+7:4">Rom. vii. 4</A>.</P>
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<P>
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3. The particular service he was now called out to: "<I>Arise, go over
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this Jordan,</I> this river which you have in view, and on the banks of
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which you lie encamped." This was a trial to the faith of Joshua,
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whether he would give orders to make preparation for passing the river
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when there was no visible way of getting over it, at least not at this
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place and at this time, when <I>all the banks were overflown,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+3:15"><I>ch.</I> iii. 15</A>.
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He had no pontoons or bridge of boats by which to convey them over, and
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yet he must believe that God, who had ordered them over, would open a
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way for them. Going over Jordan was going into Canaan; thither Moses
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might not, could not, bring them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+31:2">Deut. xxxi. 2</A>.
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Thus the honour of bringing the many sons to glory is reserved for
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Christ the <I>captain of our salvation,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+2:10">Heb. ii. 10</A>.</P>
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<P>
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4. The grant of the land of Canaan to the children of Israel is here
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repeated
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:2-4"><I>v.</I> 2-4</A>):
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<I>I do give it them.</I> To the patriarchs it was promised, <I>I will
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give it;</I> but, now that the fourth generation had expired, the
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iniquity of the Amorites was full, and the time had come for the
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performance of the promise, it is actually conveyed, and they are put
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in possession of that which they had long been in expectation of: "I do
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give it, enter upon it, it is all your own; nay
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>),
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<I>I have given it;</I> though it be yet unconquered, it is as sure to
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you as if it were in your hands." Observe,
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(1.) The persons to whom the conveyance is made: <I>To them, even to
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the children of Israel</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>),
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because they are the seed of Jacob, who was called <I>Israel</I> at the
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time when this promise was made to him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+35:10,12">Gen. xxxv. 10, 12</A>.
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The children of Israel, though they had been very provoking in the
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wilderness, yet, for their fathers' sakes, should have the entail
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preserved. And it was the children of the murmurers that God said
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should enter Canaan,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+14:31">Num. xiv. 31</A>.
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(2.) The land itself that is conveyed: From the river Euphrates
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eastward, to the Mediterranean Sea westward,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
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Though their sin cut them short of this large possession, and they
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never replenished all the country within the bounds here mentioned,
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yet, had they been obedient, God would have given them this and much
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more. Out of all these countries, and many others, there were in
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process of time proselytes to the Jewish religion, as appears,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+2:5">Acts ii. 5</A>,
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&c. If their church was enlarged, though their nation was not
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multiplied, it cannot be said that the promise was of no effect. And,
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if this promise had not its full accomplishment in the letter,
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believers might thence infer that it had a further meaning, and was to
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be fulfilled in the kingdom of the Messiah, both that of grace and that
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of glory.
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(3.) The condition is here implied upon which this grant is made, in
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those words, <I>as I said unto Moses,</I> that is, "upon the terms that
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Moses told you of many a time, <I>if you will keep my statutes,</I> you
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shall go in and possess that good land. Take it under those provisos
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and limitations, and not otherwise." The precept and promise must not
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be separated.
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(4.) It is intimated with what ease they should gain the possession of
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this land, if it were not their own fault, in these words, "<I>Every
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place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon</I> (within the
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following bounds) shall be your own. Do but set your foot upon it and
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you have it."</P>
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<P>
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5. The promises God here makes to Joshua for his encouragement.
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(1.) That he should be sure of the presence of God with him in this
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great work to which he was called
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>):
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"<I>As I was with Moses,</I> to direct and strengthen him, to own and
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prosper him, and give him success in bringing Israel out of Egypt and
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leading them through the wilderness, so I will be with thee to enable
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thee to settle them in Canaan." Joshua was sensible how far he came
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short of Moses in wisdom and grace; But what Moses did was done by
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virtue of the presence of God with him, and, though Joshua had not
|
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always the same presence of mind that Moses had, yet, if he had always
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the same presence of God, he would do well enough. Note, it is a great
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|
comfort to the rising generation of ministers and Christians that the
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same grace which was sufficient for those that went before them shall
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|
not be wanting to them if they be not wanting to themselves in the
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improvement of it. It is repeated here again
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>).
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"<I>The Lord thy God is with thee</I> as a God of power, and that power
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|
engaged for thee whithersoever thou goest." Note, Those that go where
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God sends them shall have him with them wherever they go and they need
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|
desire no more to make them easy and prosperous.
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(2.) That the presence of God should never be withdrawn from him: <I>I
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will not fail thee, nor forsake thee,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
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Moses had assured him of this
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(<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,
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and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest
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him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good
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courage.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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This answer was given not by the two tribes and a half only (though
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they are spoken of immediately before), but by the <I>officers of all
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the people</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>),
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as their representatives, concurring with the divine appointment, by
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which Joshua was set over them, and they did it heartily, and with a
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great deal of cheerfulness and resolution.</P>
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<P>
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I. They promise him obedience
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>),
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not only as subjects to their prince, but as soldiers to their general,
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|
of whose particular orders they are to be observant. He that hath
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<I>soldiers under him saith to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to
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another, Come, and he cometh,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+8:9">Matt. viii. 9</A>.
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Thus the people of Joshua; "<I>All that thou commandest us we will
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readily do,</I> without murmuring or disputing; and whithersoever thou
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|
sends us, though upon the most difficult and perilous expedition, we
|
|
will go." We must thus swear allegiance to our Lord Jesus, as the
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captain of our salvation, and bind ourselves to do what he commands us
|
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by his word, and to go where he sends us by his providence. And since
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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
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such an interest in them as Moses had, they here promise that they will
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be as obedient to him as ever they had been to Moses,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
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To speak truth, they had no reason to boast of their obedience to
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|
Moses; he had found them a stiff-necked people,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+9:24">Deut. ix. 24</A>.
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|
But they meant that they would be as observant of Joshua as they should
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|
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.
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|
Obedience for conscience' sake will continue, though Providence change
|
|
the hands by which it rules and acts.</P>
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<P>
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II. They pray for the presence of God with him
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|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+1:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>):
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"<I>Only the Lord thy God be with thee,</I> to bless and prosper thee,
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|
and give thee success, <I>as he was with Moses.</I>" Prayers and
|
|
supplications are to be made for all in authority,
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+2:1,2">1 Tim. ii. 1, 2</A>.
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And the best thing we can ask of God for our magistrates is that they
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|
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>
|
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|
<P>
|
|
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|
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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