_A.M. 2553. B.C. 1451._ In this chapter, (1,) _ God appoints Joshua to govern in the stead of Moses, and gives him instructions and encouragement, Joshua 1:1._ (2,) _ He enters on his office immediately, giving orders to the officers, and to the two tribes and a half, Joshua 1:10._ (3,) _ The pe... [ Continue Reading ]
_After the death of Moses_ Either immediately after it, or when the days of mourning for Moses were expired. Joshua was appointed and declared Moses's successor in the government before this time; and here he receives confirmation from God therein. _The servant of the Lord_ This title is given to Mo... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now therefore arise_ Let not the withering of the most useful hands be the weakening of ours. When God has work to do, he will either find or make instruments fit to carry it on. Moses the servant is dead, but God the master is not, he lives for ever. _This Jordan_ Which is now near thee, which is... [ Continue Reading ]
_Every place_ That is, within the following bounds. _This Lebanon_ Emphatically, as being the most eminent mountain in Syria, and the northern border of the land: or this which is within thy view. _Hittites_ Of the Canaanites, who, elsewhere, are called Amorites, (Genesis 15:16,) and here Hittites,... [ Continue Reading ]
_I was with Moses_ To assist him against all his enemies, and in all the difficulties of governing this stiff-necked people, which Joshua might justly fear no less than the Canaanites. _Forsake thee_ I will not leave thee destitute, either of inward support, or of outward assistance.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Be strong and of a good courage_ Joshua, though a person of great courage and resolution, whereof he had given sufficient proof, yet needed these exhortations, partly because his work was great, and difficult, and long, and in a great measure new; partly because he had a very mean opinion of himsel... [ Continue Reading ]
_Commanded thee_ Remember, that though thou art the commander of my people, yet thou art my subject, and obliged to observe all my commands. _To the right hand or to the left_ That is, in any kind, or upon any pretence; which plainly shows, that God's assistance, promised to him and the Israelites,... [ Continue Reading ]
_This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth_ That is, thou shalt constantly read it, and upon occasion discourse of it, and the sentence which shall come out of thy month, shall in all things be given according to this rule. _Day and night_ That is, diligently study, and upon all occasio... [ Continue Reading ]
_The officers of the people_ Those who commanded under Joshua, in their respective tribes and families, attended him for orders, which they were to transmit to the people. _Prepare you victuals_ For although manna was given them to supply their want of ordinary provisions in the wilderness; yet they... [ Continue Reading ]
_Which Moses commanded you_ His charge to you, and your promise to him. _Rest_ That is, a place of rest, as that word signifies. _Before your brethren_ In the front of all of them; which was but reasonable; because they had the advantage of their brethren, having actually received their portion, whi... [ Continue Reading ]
_And they answered_ Not the two tribes and a half only, but the officers of all the people, in their name, concurring with the divine appointment, by which Joshua was set over them. Thus must we swear allegiance to our Lord Jesus, as the captain of our salvation. _Will we hearken unto thee_ The same... [ Continue Reading ]