_The Lord, in the person of the angel, who appeared to Josue, as he was praying in silent meditation, or reconnoitring the city of Jericho, chap. v. 13. (Haydock) --- Men. People of the different nations had come to defend the city, chap. xxiv. 11._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Men. These went first. Afterwards the priests bore the ark, which was followed by all the people. (Calmet) --- The procession began on a Sunday. (Rabbins)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Jubilee. (Numbers x. 2.) The number seven, is often used to express an indefinite number. But here a particular stress is laid upon it. See Masius. As, on the 7th year the Hebrews regained the possessions which they had sold: so now they assert their rights to the land of Chanaan. The sound of the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Tune, with certain modulations, continued for a long time, Numbers x. 5. (Haydock) --- Ground. The Rabbins say they sink in, so that the ruins might not impede the march of the army. Some think only a large breach was made, opposite to the Israelites, as the house of Rahab upon the walls was preser... [ Continue Reading ]
_He said. Some manuscripts and Hebrew editions have, "they said," though the points shew it must be singular, whatever Michaelis may object in favour of the Masora. Leusen foolishly admits here a double literal sense. (Kennicott) (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_There. This singular procession served to exercise the obedience of the people, and to teach them to despise the enemy, who durst not come out to attack them, though many were unarmed. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Seventh day. The Jews say it was the sabbath; but of this there is no proof. Marcion hence took occasion to accuse God of inconsistency, as he forbad all working, and yet ordered the people to go round Jericho on a sabbath day. But Tertullian (iv. 12,) answers very well, that servile work is forbid... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER VI. _ Said, or "had said," when he gave the people the sound of the trumpet for a sign (Haydock) when they were to shout, ver. 5. He probably gave the regulations respecting the plunder of the city, before the army left the camp. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_An anathema. That is, a thing accursed and devoted to utter destruction. (Challoner) --- Only the metal that was found, was consecrated to the Lord, (ver. 19,) and the family of Rahab saved. In devoting things, the person who laid on the curse, might extend its operation as he pleased. On some occa... [ Continue Reading ]
_Forbidden, transgression, sin. Hebrew has always anathema. (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Treasures, probably in the tabernacle. See Numbers xxxi. 48. God claims the first-fruits of the booty, as an acknowledgment that he granted the victory, (Calmet) and all the riches of the country, to his people. (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Men. Hebrew, "boys;" a name given to people advanced in years. --- Camp. A respect for the majesty of God, would not permit the Israelites to introduce unbelievers into the camp. They were first instructed, and then the men were circumcised, and the women received baptism. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Day. Rahab prefigured the wild olive tree, which St. Paul says was engrafted on the good olive tree, (Romans xi. 24,) and which will remain till the end of the world. (Theodoret, q. 8.) She married Salmon, of the tribe of Juda, and became the ancestor of David and of the Messias. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
Cursed, &c. Jericho, in the mystical sense, signifies iniquity; the sounding of the trumpets by the priests, signifies the preaching of the word of God; by which the walls of Jericho are thrown down, when sinners are converted; and a dreadful curse will light on them who build them up again. (Challo... [ Continue Reading ]