Joshua 1:1-9. The Command of God to Joshua 1. _Now_ Rather, AND. The usual connective particle. It implies that something has gone before, of which it is the continuation. Compare the opening words of the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Judges. Here, as often afterwards, the Book of Joshua... [ Continue Reading ]
_Moses my servant_ Comp. Deuteronomy 34:5. The highest possible title under the theocracy. Joshua as yet is but the "attendant" of Moses. The higher title is given him in Joshua 24:29. _this Jordan_ one of the most singular rivers in the world, which "has never been navigable, and flows into a sea... [ Continue Reading ]
_as I said unto Moses_ Comp. Deuteronomy 11:24; Joshua 14:9.... [ Continue Reading ]
_From the wilderness_ For the boundaries of the Land of Promise compare (_a_) Genesis 15:18-21; (_b_) Exodus 23:31; (_c_) Numbers 34:1-12; (_d_) Deuteronomy 11:24. They were to be, _on the South_, the desert of _El-Tíh; on the North_, Mount Lebanon; _on the East_, the Euphrates; _on the West_, the M... [ Continue Reading ]
_as I was with Moses_ "The narrative labours to impress upon us the sense that the continuity of the nation and of its high purpose was not broken by the choice of person and situation." _I will not fail thee_ Comp. Deuteronomy 31:6; Deuteronomy 31:8; 1 Chronicles 28:20. The words are cited in Hebr... [ Continue Reading ]
_This book of the law_ Joshua is admonished that the Law must be strictly and carefully observed, if the great work, to which he had been called, was to be successfully accomplished. He was "to read, mark, and inwardly digest it," and carry out its provisions to the letter.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Have not I commanded thee_?] Observe the repetition of the words of exhortation. The Hebrew leader is reminded again and again that it was not his work but God's work, which he had been raised up to carry out. Comp. Deuteronomy 31:7-8; Deuteronomy 31:23.... [ Continue Reading ]
The Command of Joshua to the People 10. _the officers_ Or, _Shoterim_. The word denotes (1) literally a "writer," or "scribe;" then (2) an overseer, in whose office were combined various duties, including enrolments, orders &c., also genealogies; (3) a magistrate, prefect, leader of the people, espe... [ Continue Reading ]
_Prepare you victuals_ The word denotes (_a) food got in hunting;_(_b) food of any kind_, especially _provisions for a journey_. Comp. Exodus 12:39, "neither had they prepared for themselves any _victual_;" Joshua 9:11; Joshua 9:14; Judges 7:8, "So the people took _victuals_in their hands, and their... [ Continue Reading ]
_the Reubenites_ Gadites, and the Half-Tribe of Manasseh, on account of their wealth in flocks and herds (Numbers 32:16; Numbers 32:24), had received already their possessions in "the forest-land," "the pastureland" of the country beyond the Jordan, the territory of the conquered kings Sihon and Og.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Remember the word_ Numbers 32:20-24 is quoted, not literally, but freely according to the sense. _hath given you rest_ Comp. Deuteronomy 25:19, "It shall be, when the Lord thy God hath _given thee rest from all thine enemies_round about, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inherit... [ Continue Reading ]
_ye shall pass over_ According to the promise solemnly given, Numbers 32:17; Numbers 32:27; Numbers 32:32. _all the mighty men of valour_ Not the whole of the adults who were fit for war, and who numbered, according to Numbers 26:7; Numbers 26:18; Numbers 26:34, upwards of 136,930 men, but 40,000 ... [ Continue Reading ]
_All that thou commandest us_ A joyful answer instinct with a spirit of true fraternal love and resolute obedience.... [ Continue Reading ]
_only the Lord thy God_ The promise of the Two Tribes and a Half closes with the same call to trust and confidence in the Most High, which God Himself had already addressed to Joshua.... [ Continue Reading ]