CONTENTS We are now arrived to the end of Joshua's history. This chapter contains the finishing of his sermon, and the finishing of his life together. He dies, as he had lived, in the act of praising God, and most earnestly and affectionately entreating the Israelites to the love and obedience of t... [ Continue Reading ]
Probably, the place of Joshua's preaching suggested to him the story of Abraham ' s conversion. But, if not, nothing could be more proper than that in the recapitulation of God's covenant love to his people, he should begin with that which magnified the distinguishing mercy of God. Reader! the sweet... [ Continue Reading ]
I include in one view all these verses, for the sake of shortness, and because, as they refer to the history of the Patriarchs, already gone through in the Commentary, it would be unnecessary to swell the page again with the relation. The Reader can, if he pleases, refer to the subjects, in their re... [ Continue Reading ]
What a noble resolution Joshua made for himself, and for his household? How worthy of imitation in all families! But could Joshua answer for his servants, or for his family? Certainly he could not compel their consciences: neither did he mean it. Unless led to it by the sweet influences of the Holy... [ Continue Reading ]
The answer of Israel is just what we might have expected. They have well spoken, said the Lord himself concerning them upon a similar occasion, all that they have spoken. But he who knows what is in the heart, knows what poor, irresolute, weak creatures we are: and, therefore adds, Oh! that there we... [ Continue Reading ]
If (as some read those words) we read this passage according to the original in the plural number: He is the holy Gods, meaning He, Jehovah existing in a threefold character of persons, the Holy Gods; this is a sweet and precious passage in confirmation of the Holy Trinity. Hear, O Israel, the Lord... [ Continue Reading ]
The resolutions founded in divine strength, and under the assurance of divine aid from God's covenant mercy and love, are well founded: so said Paul, Philippians 4:13; 1 Corinthians 4:4.... [ Continue Reading ]
It is worthy observation, that twice in the life, both of Moses and of Joshua, the renewal of this covenant was made. See Exodus 24:1; Deuteronomy 29:1 and Joshua 8:1 and now, Reader, it is always profitable, though not to lay again the foundation from dead works, yet to look over the past solemn tr... [ Continue Reading ]
There is somewhat truly interesting in the ancient custom of setting up tokens of remembrance. Samuel's Ebenezer and Jacob ' s pillar, not to mention many others, are precious evidences of the kind. 1 Samuel 7:12; Genesis 28:18. Reader, have you none of this kind in your life? Have there been no Bet... [ Continue Reading ]
Perhaps, Joshua took his leave of the people in prayer, as he knew it would be his last interview, so did Moses, partly in blessing and partly in prayer, and in affectionate remembrance. Deuteronomy 28:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return, is the one common lot. And hence the most faithful of God's servants die as well as others, though not as do others. The Reader should remark, that the same title is given to Joshua, as was given to Moses. He is called the servant of Jehovah. Sweet tit... [ Continue Reading ]
The burial place of Joshua is rendered memorable by the name Gaash, which signifies quaking. The Jews had a tradition that there was a trembling of the hill at his burial, and this to upbraid Israel for not mourning for him as they did for Moses. But whether they did lament his departure or not, cer... [ Continue Reading ]
An honourable testimony is here given both to Joshua and the elders. Oh! for the influence of our almighty Joshua to be ever upon his people.... [ Continue Reading ]
The remembrance of the just is blessed. The bones of Joseph had been long kept if, as we may suppose, the funeral of them was only now performed. He had been dead nearly 200 years. Yet such was the affection of Israel to his memory, and obedience to his dying request, that they thought it no trouble... [ Continue Reading ]
Very honourable testimony is given also of Eleazar in his death and funeral, which, as the Holy Ghost hath been pleased to record, we may safely conclude, that precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalms 116:15. It is worthy remark, that Moses the great lawgiver, and Aaron t... [ Continue Reading ]