CONTENTS We have a sad interruption to the conquest of Canaan related in this chapter, in one of the children of Israel disobeying the commands of God, and taking of the spoil for himself; for which sin the Lord manifested his displeasure against Israel, and causeth the men of Ai, to be victorious... [ Continue Reading ]
The scouts were not interrupted in their progress by the enemy, it seems, though for the sin of Achan the Lord intended to chastise Israel.... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader! spiritualize the passage, and say: Doth not your heart melt, when at any time the enemy seemeth to triumph, when from unbelief; or disobedience, or backsliding, the Lord hath a controversy with you? See that sweet text of Ezra 9:6.... [ Continue Reading ]
Every step in the conduct of Joshua on this occasion deserves attention. He was unconscious of the cause, and for the moment, in the paroxysm of his distress, had forgotten to reflect, that it must have been some offence which induced it. Reader! depend upon it, if at any time the Lord Jesus seems t... [ Continue Reading ]
After Joshua had humbled himself before the Lord, and lain low in the dust, he now takes hold of God's strength to make peace. Jesus is the strength and peace of his people. Isaiah 27:5.... [ Continue Reading ]
Joshua advanceth in his argument of wrestling with God, and pleads, as the strongest and best of all arguments, the glory and honour of his name. What wilt thou do unto thy great name? Reader! mark it down as a memorandum, that God pledgeth his faithfulness for the fulfillment of all his promises in... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe how instantly the Lord answers prayer. So Daniel found it while he was yet speaking. Daniel 9:21. It is even so, when we lodge our sorrows and complaints before God. Here lies all the mighty difference between the carnal and the awakened. Carnal men in their crosses complain of God. Gracious... [ Continue Reading ]
The Lord mercifully points to the cause. Yes! unless the Holy Ghost discovers to us our sins, never shall we be convinced of them. John 16:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
Such will be the issue in all generations. Sin separates between the Lord and man, and it is Jesus only which makes up the breach, by his blood and righteousness. Reader! mark the solemn expression of the Lord's determination; in which the Lord saith, neither will I be with you anymore, except ye de... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader! doth not your heart tremble while this examination is making? Do you not feel interested in the prospect of a similar enquiry, which must one day take place in your own circumstances? May there not be an Achan in your heart? Have you looked diligently, searched the ground of your hopes, and... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, Reader! the tribe of Judah, out of which our Lord, after the flesh, sprang, had an Achan in it. And only of twelve disciples the Lord had a Judas. Dearest Redeemer! let me pause to admire and adore thy wonderful condescension! In all things, and in all alliances, how precious is it to see t... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe what a beautiful example Joshua holds forth to judges, and men in authority, when exercising their judicial power over the guilty. No railing accusation, but the most patient language. There needed no confession by way of gaining information, for the same Lord, who by lot pointed to the very... [ Continue Reading ]
Achan (or as he is called in 1 Chronicles 2:7. Achar) which signifies trouble, corresponded to the evil he had brought upon Israel. Alas! what endless troubles do not the same lusts of the eye, and the corruption of the heart, induce in life!... [ Continue Reading ]
It is awful to behold the sure effects of sin. It is awful to behold how it involves a man's posterity in the commission of it. Oh! all-precious Jesus! where, but for thee, would the sin of our first parent Adam have involved the everlasting ruin of all his race! And what door of hope, but in thy bl... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS BEHOLD, my soul, in the dreadful example of Achan, the ruined state of our corrupt nature: and, while justly condemning him, learn to search thyself. Oh! who can stand in God's sight, and challenge strict enquiry. Lord! I would say; Enter not into judgment with thy servant, for in thy si... [ Continue Reading ]