The contents of this and the next chapter, which record the miraculous passage of Israel over Jordan, are given in four sections: (1) Joshua 3:1, describing the preliminary directions; (2) Joshua 3:7, the commencement of the passage; (3) Joshua 4:1, the accomplishment of it; (4) Joshua 4:15, the... [ Continue Reading ]
“The acacia groves” (Exodus 25:5 note) of Shittim on both sides of Jordan line the upper terraces of the valley (compare 2 Kings 6:4). They would be in this part at some six miles distance from the river itself.... [ Continue Reading ]
These days (Joshua 1:11 note) were no doubt occupied in preparations of various kinds. The host consisted not of armed men only, but of women and children also; and many arrangements would be necessary before they actually advanced into a hostile country.... [ Continue Reading ]
The ark, which was since the making of the covenant the special shrine and seat of God’s presence, went before to show the people that God, through its medium, was their leader. They were to follow at a distance that they might the better observe and mark how the miracle was accomplished. This they... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY TOOK UP - i. e. on the day following. The course of events is anticipated.... [ Continue Reading ]
THIS DAY WILL I BEGIN TO MAGNIFY THEE - One cause why the miracle now to be narrated was performed is here suggested. As Moses was declared to he sent immediately from God with an extraordinary commission by the miracles which he worked, more especially that of dividing the Red Sea in two parts, so... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LIVING GOD - Compare the marginal reference. The gods of the pagan are “dead idols.” On the names of the seven nations, see Genesis 10:16, etc., note.... [ Continue Reading ]
JORDAN OVERFLOWETH ALL HIS BANKS - Rather “is full up to all his banks,” i. e. “brim-full.” This remark strikingly illustrates the suddenness and completeness, not less than the greatness, of the marvel. The Jordan River flows at the bottom of a deep valley, which descends to the water’s edge on eit... [ Continue Reading ]
The passage should run “rose up, an heap far away, by Adam, the city which is beside Zarthan.” The city of Adam is not named elsewhere, and Zarthan (mentioned here and in marginal references.) has also disappeared. It is, however, probably connected with the modern Kurn Sartabeh (Horn of Sartabeh),... [ Continue Reading ]
The miraculous passage to the holy land through Jordan is not less pregnant with typical meaning than that through the Red Sea (compare 1 Corinthians 10:1). The solemn inauguration of Joshua to his office, and his miraculous attestation, by the same waters with which Jesus was baptized on entering o... [ Continue Reading ]