Sent — Or, had sent: See note ... "Joshua 1:11" Two men — Not twelve, as Moses did, because those were to view the whole land, these but a small parcel of it. To spy — That is, to learn the state of the land and people. It is evident Joshua did not this out of distrust; it is probable, he had God's... [ Continue Reading ]
To night — This evening.... [ Continue Reading ]
Probably Israel had but one friend in all Jericho: and God directed them to her! Thus what seems to be most accidental, is often over — ruled, to serve the great ends of providence. And those that acknowledge God in their ways, he will guide them with his eye.... [ Continue Reading ]
And the woman — Or, But the woman had taken — and had hid them, before the messengers came from the king; as soon as she understood from her neighbours, that there was a suspicion of the matter, and guessed that search would be made. And this is justly mentioned as a great and generous act of faith,... [ Continue Reading ]
Roof — Which was flat after their manner. Upon the roof — That they might be dried by the heat of the sun.... [ Continue Reading ]
Fords — Or passages, that is, the places where people used to pass over Jordan, whether by boats or bridges. The gate — Of the city, to prevent the escape of the spies, if peradventure Rahab was mistaken, and they yet lurked therein.... [ Continue Reading ]
Laid down — To sleep as they intended.... [ Continue Reading ]
Your terror — That is, the dread of you.... [ Continue Reading ]
Melted — That is, were dissolved, lost all courage.... [ Continue Reading ]
By the Lord — By your God who is the only true God: so she owns his worship, one eminent act whereof is swearing by his name. My father's house — My near kindred, which she particularly names, Joshua 2:13, husband and children it seems she had none. And for herself, it was needless to speak, it bein... [ Continue Reading ]
All that they have — That is, their children, as appears from Joshua 6:23.... [ Continue Reading ]
For yours — We will venture our lives for the security of yours. Our business — That is, this agreement of ours, and the condition of it, lest others under this pretence, should secure themselves. By which they shew both their piety and prudence in managing their oath with so much circumspection, th... [ Continue Reading ]
Town — wall — Which gave her the opportunity of dismissing them when the gates were shut. Upon the wall — Her particular dwelling was there: which may possibly be added, because the other part of her house was reserved for the entertainment of strangers.... [ Continue Reading ]
The mountain — That is, to some of the mountains wherewith Jericho was encompassed, in which also there were many caves where they might lurk. Three days — Not three whole days, but one whole day, and part of two days.... [ Continue Reading ]
Said — Or, had said; namely, before she let them down; it being very improbable, either that she would dismiss them before the condition was agreed on; or that she would discourse with them, or they with her, about such secret and weighty things after they were let down, when others might overhear t... [ Continue Reading ]
Into the land — That is, over Jordan, and near the city. This line of scarlet — Probably the same with which she was about to let them down. Window — That it may be easily discerned by our soldiers.... [ Continue Reading ]
Upon his head — The blame of his death shall rest wholly upon himself, as being occasioned by his own neglect of the means of safety. Our head — We are willing to bear the sin, and shame, and punishment of it. Be upon him — So as to kill him.... [ Continue Reading ]
In the window — Forthwith, partly that the spies might see it hung out before their departure, and so the better know it at some distance; partly lest some accident might occasion a neglect about it.... [ Continue Reading ]
Three days — Supporting themselves there with the provisions, which Rahab had furnished them with. The ways — That is, in the road to Jordan, and the places near it, but not in the mountains.... [ Continue Reading ]
Passed over — Jordan unto Joshua.... [ Continue Reading ]