4._And we took all the cities. _He here more fully relates what He had brieflytouched upon in Numbers. He says that sixty, _well-fortified cities _were taken, besides the villages. Hence we infer both the extent of the country, and also the special power of God in the aid He afforded them, in that t... [ Continue Reading ]
12._And this land, which we possessed at that time. _In this passage Moses confirms his decision, that the possession of the country beyond Jordan should be insured to the Reubenites and Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh. For, since it had fallen to them exceptionally, the matter might be brou... [ Continue Reading ]
18._And I commanded you at that time. _This address is directed only to those to whom an inheritance was given on the other side of Jordan; but Moses declares that he had introduced an agreement that the two tribes and a half should not enjoy their possession until they had accommpanied their brethr... [ Continue Reading ]
21._And I commanded Joshua at that time. _He repeats what we have already seen, that he exhorted Joshua together with the whole people to prepare themselves to occupy the land with alacrity, relying as well upon God’s promise, as upon the numerous proofs of His assistance, which were so many pledges... [ Continue Reading ]
23_And I besought the Lord. _(239) Others have, “I besought;” but I have preferred using the pluperfect tense, because, in my opinion, Moses interrupts himself to show why he had resigned his office to another, and did not rather declare that he would be their leader, as heretofore, and at the same... [ Continue Reading ]
26._But the Lord was wroth with me. _Some imagine that God was offended by such a longing as this; but Moses is rather giving the reason why he did not obtain what he sought, viz., because he had been already excluded from it. For, although he by no means enters into debate with God, as if he had be... [ Continue Reading ]