Joshua 4:1
Spake — This was commanded before, Joshua 3:12, and is here repeated with enlargement, as being now to be put in execution.... [ Continue Reading ]
Spake — This was commanded before, Joshua 3:12, and is here repeated with enlargement, as being now to be put in execution.... [ Continue Reading ]
Out of every tribe a man — For the greater evidence, and the more effectual spreading the report of this marvellous work among all the tribes.... [ Continue Reading ]
Lodge this night — That is, in Gilgal, as is expressed below, Joshua 4:19.... [ Continue Reading ]
Prepared — That is, appointed for that work, and commanded to be ready for it.... [ Continue Reading ]
Before the ark — That is, go back again to the place where the ark stands.... [ Continue Reading ]
A sign — A monument or memorial of this day's work.... [ Continue Reading ]
Twelve stones — These stones are not the same with those which a man could carry upon his shoulder, Joshua 4:5. They might be very much larger; and being set up in two rows one above another, might be seen, at least when the water was low, especially where it was shallow, as it was ordinarily, thoug... [ Continue Reading ]
Commanded Joshua — Not particularly, but in general; because he commanded Joshua to observe and do all that God had commanded him by Moses, and all that he should command him any other way. Hasted — That is, passed over with haste, an argument of their fear, or weakness of their faith; as on the con... [ Continue Reading ]
Before the Lord — Either, before the ark, or, in the presence of God who observed whether they would keep their covenant made with their brethren, or not.... [ Continue Reading ]
Out of Jordan — For being now in the middle, and deepest place of the river, they are most properly said to go up to the land.... [ Continue Reading ]
The priests — Who stayed contentedly in the river, 'till God by Joshua called them out.... [ Continue Reading ]
Their place — Returned into their proper channel, according to their natural and usual course.... [ Continue Reading ]
The first month — Namely, of Nisan, which wanted but five days of forty years from the time of their coming out of Egypt, which was on the fifteenth day of this month. So punctual is God in the performing of his word, whether promised or threatened. And this day was very seasonable for the taking up... [ Continue Reading ]
In Gilgal — Probably in order, like so many little pillars, to keep up the remembrance of this miraculous benefit.... [ Continue Reading ]
Before us — That is, myself and Caleb, and all of us here present; for this benefit, though done to their fathers, is justly said to be done to themselves, because they were then in their parent's loins. It greatly magnifies later mercies, to compare them with former mercies; for hereby it appears,... [ Continue Reading ]