In the morning — Not after the return of the spies, but after the three days, Joshua 1:11, as it follows, Joshua 3:2. Lodge there — That night, that they might go over in the day time, that the miracle might be more evident and unquestionable, and strike the greater terror into their enemies.... [ Continue Reading ]
After three days — Either at the end of them, or upon the last of them. Through the host — The second time to give them more particular directions, as they had given them a general notice, Joshua 1:10.... [ Continue Reading ]
Commanded the people — In Joshua's name, and by his authority. Priests and Levites — Who were not only Levites, but priests also. For altho' the Levites were to carry the ark, Numbers 4:1, yet the priests might perform that office, and did so upon some solemn occasions. Go after it — Towards Jordan,... [ Continue Reading ]
Two thousand cubits — A thousand yards, at which distance from it the Israelites seem to have been encamped in the wilderness. And because they generally went from their tents to the ark to worship God, especially on the sabbath — days; hence it hath been conceived, that a sabbath — day's journey re... [ Continue Reading ]
And Joshua said — Or rather, had said, the day before their passage; for it follows, to — morrow. Sanctify yourselves — Both in soul and body, that you may be meet to receive such a favour, and with more reverence observe this great work, and fix it in your hearts.... [ Continue Reading ]
Take up — Namely, upon your shoulders; for so they were to carry it, Numbers 7:9. Before the people — Not in the middle of them, as you used to do.... [ Continue Reading ]
Magnify thee — That is, to gain thee authority among them, as the person whom I have set in Moses's stead, and by whom I will conduct them to the possession of the promised land.... [ Continue Reading ]
The brink — Heb. to the extremity, so far as the river then spread itself, which was now more than ordinary, Joshua 3:15. In Jordan — Within the waters of Jordan, in the first entrance into the river; Where they stood for a season, 'till the river was divided, and then they went into the midst of it... [ Continue Reading ]
Come hither — To the ark or tabernacle, the place of public assemblies. The Lord your God — Who is now about to give a proof that he is both the Lord, the omnipotent governor of heaven and earth, and all creatures; and your God, in covenant with you, having a tender care and affection for you.... [ Continue Reading ]
Ye shall know — By experience and sensible evidence. The living God — Not a dull, dead, senseless God, such as the gods of the nations are; but a God of life, and power, and activity to watch over you, and work for you. Among you — Is present with you to strengthen and help you.... [ Continue Reading ]
Twelve men — For the work described, Joshua 4:2.... [ Continue Reading ]
The ark of the Lord — That so it may appear this is the Lord's doing, and that in pursuance of his covenant made with Israel. Of all the earth — The Lord of all this globe of earth and water, who therefore can dispose of this river and the adjoining land as he pleaseth. Cut off — The waters which no... [ Continue Reading ]
All the time of harvest — This is meant not of wheat — harvest, but of the barley — harvest, as is manifest from their keeping the passover at their first entrance, Joshua 5:10, which was kept on the fourteenth day of the first month, when they were to bring a sheaf of their first — fruits, which we... [ Continue Reading ]
Adam — The city Adam being more obscure, is described by its nearness to a more known place, then eminent, but now unknown. The meaning is, that the waters were stopped in their course at that place, and so kept at a distance from the Israelites whilst they passed over. Against Jericho — Here God ca... [ Continue Reading ]
Stood firm — That is, in one and the same place and posture; their feet neither moved by any waters moving in upon them, nor sinking into any mire, which one might think was at the bottom of the river. And this may be opposed to their standing on the bank of the water when they came to it, commanded... [ Continue Reading ]