Commentary on Joshua, Commentary · Chapter 10
Chap. 10.
NOW when Adoni-zedek King of Hierusalem had heard howe Ioshue had taken Ai and had destroied it: (for as he had done to Iericho and to the King thereof, so he had done to Ai and to the King thereof:) and howe the inhabitantes of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them,
2 Then they feared exceedingly: for Gibeon was a great citie, as one of the royall cities: for it was greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mightie.
3 Wherefore Adoni-zedek King of Hierusalem sent vntounto Hoham King of Hebron, and vntounto Piram King of Iarmuth, and vntounto Iapia King of Lachish, and vntounto Debir King of Eglon, saying,
4 Come vp vntounto me, and helpe me, that we may smite Gibeon: for they hauehave made peace with Ioshue, and with the children of Israel.
5 Therefore the fiue Kings of the Amorites, the King of Hierusalem, the King of Hebron, the King of Iarmuth, the King of Lachish, and the King of Eglon, gathered them selues together, and went vp, they with all their hostes, and besieged Gibeon, and made warre against it.
6 And the men of Gibeon sent vntounto Ioshue, euen to the hoste to Gilgal, saying, Withdrawe not thine hand from thy seruants, come vp to vsus quickely, and saue vsus, and helpe vsus: for all the Kings of the Amorites, which dwell in the mountaines, are gathered together against vsus.
7 So Ioshue ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of warre with him, and all the men of might.
8 And the Lorde saide vntounto Ioshue, Feare them not: for I hauehave giuen them into thine hand: none of them shall stand against thee.
9 Ioshue therefore came vntounto them soudenly: for he went vp from Gilgal all the night.
10 And the Lorde discomfited them before Israel, and slewe them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth vp to Beth-horon, and smote them to Azekah, and to Makkedah.
11 And as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going downe to Beth-horon, the Lorde cast downe great stones from heauen vponupon them, vntill Azekah, and they dyed: they were more that died with the hailestones, than they whome the children of Israel slewe with the sworde.
12 Then spake Ioshue to the Lorde, in the day when the Lord gaue the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sunne, staie thou in Gibeon, & thou Moone, in the vallie of Aialon.
13 And the Sunne abode, and the Moone stoode still, vntill the people auenged them selues vppon their enimies: (Is not this written in the booke of Iasher?) So the Sunne abode in the middest of the heauen, and hasted not to go downe for a whole day.
14 And there was no day like that, before it, nor after it, that the Lorde heard the voice of a man: for the Lorde fought for Israel.
1 When Adoni-zedek, &c.) That which he touched before breefly, he doeth nowe prosecute more at large, of the confederation of the Kinges, which dwelled both in the mountaines, and in the plaine. For when he had said, that they were at the length striken with feare, to take in hande the warre in common: he breaketh off the speech, and passeth streight to the Gibeonites. And that which he spake of the Kinges in generall, now he referreth vntounto the person of one King: not that Adoni-zedek only was afraied: but because he stirred vp all the rest, and was Generall capteine, and cheefe gouernor of the warre against the Israelites. And that is sufficiently expressed by the plurall number of the Uerbe: When Adoni-zedek hearde, they were exceedingly afraid: whereby it appeareth, that they were all of one minde: but because in this feare, the rest were slacke, this man which was greatest in authoritie, and neerest the daunger, called foure other vntounto the warres with him. Therefore, in the beginning of the Chapter is repeated, howe the fiue Kinges ioyned in league, to fight against the Israelites, to preuent the daunger that was equall to them all. But because the Gibeonites, in the meane time, had yelded them selues, they turned their force first against them, both that by taking punishment of them, as Traitors of their contrie, they might make them an example to all their neighbours: and also that by conquering them, they might strike a terror into their enimies, and encorage their owne souldiers with greater boldnesse. Therefore, they determine to set vppon the Gibeonites, which had made a breach by their embassage to make an open entrie to the Israelites. And this was indeed an honest pretence of warre, to be reuenged of their cowardlinesse, which had rather to reach their hand to straungers that wasted all things, th… faithfully to defend their neighbours. But the Gibeonites had nowe tried by experience, howe vnprofitable their craftie deuise was, except they had bene saued by the merciemercy of the Israelites. In the meane time, God suffered them to be in daunger, that being twise deliuered, they might more willingly and quietly submit themselues vntounto the yoke of bondage.
6 So the men of Gibeon, &c.) The order of the storie is peruerted: for surely the Gibeonites did not stay till they were beseeged, but when they sawe the armie to be gathered, & made in a redinesse. And there is no doubt, but they should beare off the first brunt themselues, because they procured the hatred of all men against them: therefore, before they were assalted, they flie in time to the fidelitie of Iosue, for it had ben neither right nor honest nor lawful, to forsake them, to whome they had geuen their life: yea, because they yeelded themselues after the couenant, they must be defended against violence & iniurie. Wherefore, not without cause they desire helpe of the Israelites, vnderunder whose protection they were: neither is Iosue stacke to helpe them, because he iudgeth it to be his duetie to defend them, whom he hath once receiued into his tuition. It is true, they had deceiued him: but since their craft was espied, and they confessed it with an excuse, pardon was geuen them againe: so the Israelites were bound in respect of equitie and dutie, not to leaue them vndefended: yet the willing redinesse of Iosue is praise worthie, … so soone as he was desired, he aideth them without delay: for it is said that he trauelled all the night, so that he could not hauehave made greater hast for the safegarde of all his owne people. If the same sinceri tie had alwayes bene in the prophane nations, they woulde rather in time hauehave helped their confederates, than hauehave reuenged the iniuries offered vntounto them after they had susteined great calamitie. And yet the word (sodenly) must not be restrained to one day, as though they had accomplished in one night three dayes iorney, and the next day hauehave appeared vntounto the Gibeonites. Only great speed is noted, that he deferred not the iorney vntill the next day. For when the Israelites had remoued their campe from Hai, or some place neere vntounto it, it was three dayes before they entered into the cost of the Gibeonites. Wee see that beeing then sette in aray they marched forwarde slowly, and Iosue was nowe fare off: when he was called to aide the …beonites. For wee see that Gilgal was the first station from the passage of Iordan, so that it was further off than Iericho. If any man thinke it against reason, that after he had possessed the dominion of certaine of cities, he retired backe againe, and so left the countrie open to the enimies, which it would be some labour to recouer againe: I answeare, it was not to be feared, lest they would come farre to meete him, and take a iorney that was so full of great daunger and like trouble. For it is like, that when an armie was mustered for the taking of Iericho, that the women, children, and all the weake multitude, stayed with their stuffe, in that quiet corner: when on the contrarie short of Iordan that was ouer against them, they that were left of the Rubenites and Gadites, with the halfe tribe of Manasses, were a defence vntounto them. For to what purpose should they …aue drawen with them the children and women, whereof some were great with childe, some newly deliuered, some nurses with young infantes, into the battelles? Where should so greate a multitude had victuals in the middest of the out ridings of their enimies? Where was watering to suffice such a multitude of cattell? Wherefore, thus I take it, that Iosue and the souldiers returned to their tentes, to refresh themselues a while, with their wiues and children, and to lay vp the spoile there, where wt they were inriched.
8 The Lord said, &c.) It is doubtfull, whether God did not preuent and arme Iosue with his oracle, and drewe him out of Gilgal before he remoued, or else confirmed him when he was nowe redie to take his iorney. I think rather, that Iosue assone as he was required, did not rashly runne foorth without asking counsell of God: but then, when at the length he was certified of his pleasure, he did boldly and cheerefully take armour vponupon him: especially when he was but lately punished for beeing too easie to be intreated, it is a likely coniecture that in so doubtful a matter he attempted nothing, but by the commaundement of God. Therefore, God tooke pittie on the poore Giveonites, when he suffered them not to be destitute of the aide of his people. And Iosue is armed with confidence of victorie, that he might succoure them, because God doeth more sharpely pricke vsus forward to doe our duetie, by promising, than by commanding: although that which is here promised to one, perteineth to all. But it is committed peculiarly to Iosue for his honours sake, that he might deliuer it afterward to the whole armie. For God doeth not speake out of heauen to al men indifferently: but he hath honor… …is cheefe seruantes & chosen Prophetes only, with this prerogatiue. Furthermore, it is worthie to be noted, that Iosue abused not the promise of God to slouthfulnesse: but so much the more vehemently he was kindled to take paines, after he was instructed of the happie successe. For many, while they boast of faith, through lewd… securitse beecome idle and slouthful. He heareth that the victorie is in his hand: and runneth swiftely to fight, that he may enioy it. For he knew that the happie successe was not therefore reuealed vntounto him, that he shoulde be more idle or slouthfull: but that he might laboure more earnestly about it: so it came to passe, that he sette vponupon his enimies before they looked for him.
10 And the Lord, &c.) The first slaughter he made wt the swords of the people: but through his owne power. Wherof we gather, that when soeuer he worketh by men: his glorie is nothing diminished, but he must challenge to him selfe all that is done. For when he vseth the labour of men, he doeth not call them to aide, as his felowes: nor boroweth any thing of them; but when it is in his power with his only becke to bring to passe what he will, hee vseth men as instruments, that he may shew how they are gouerned by his hand and pleasure. In the meane time both is truely said, that the enimies were discomfited and vanquished, either by God or by the Israelites, bycause God, by the Israelites did ouerthrowe them. In the other slaughter the hand of God doeth more cleerely appeare, when they were ouerthrowne with hailestones. And it is expressely said, that more were striken downe with the haile, than slaine with the hand: that it might not be doubtfull, but that the victorie was geuen from heauen. Whereby againe it is gathered, that this was no vsuall haile: as stormes are naturally raised: for then more should hauehave bene wounded, or else dispersed and scatered abroad, than soudeinly slaine: and secondly, except God had directly throwne it, part would hauehave fallen vppon the heades of the Israelites. Now, when the one only armie is stricken with it, and the other beeing free from hurt, commeth as it were to ioyne with him, it is clearely manifest, that God himselfe fighteth out of heauen. To that same intent perteineth that which is said, that God threw great hailestones out of heauen: for the sense is, that it fell with an unusuall force, & exceeded the common quantitie in greatnesse. If any tempest rising in the middest of a battell, hath bene profitable to the one parte, it hath bene thought that God hath shewed a token of his fauoure. Hereof commeth this saying of the Poet Claudian to the Emperour Theodosius,
O Prince of God beloued right,
The cloudes, and all, for thee doe fight,
Howbeit, in this place a more notable miracle is rehearsed, in which God did openly shew his power.
12 Then Ioshue spake to the Lord, &c.) The words are so read, although some doe expound it, Before the Lord, for that to speake to God, whome pietie teacheth to bee humbly intreated, it seemeth scarse agreable to the modestie of faith, and immediately after it followeth, that Iosue directed his words to the Sunne. Howbeit, I doubte not, but in the first part of the sentence his prayer or wishe is noted: in the other the testimonie of his confidence and trust, after God had bearde him. For it had bene a matter of greate pride and rashnesse, to commaund the Sunne to stand, if he had not obtained licence so to do. Therefore he prayeth and consulteth with God: and after he hath receiued an answeare, he boldly commaundeth the Sun to do that he knoweth to be the pleasure of God. And this is the force & prerogatiue of faith, which Christ commendeth, that she maketh mountains & seas obedient to her commandement. For the more Math. 17. 2… Luke, 17. 6.the godly doe acknowledge their emptines, the more liberally God both powre his vertue and power into them: and when faith is ioyned to the worde, he sheweth his power in her: finally, faith borroweth the boldnesse of commanding of the word, in which she is founded. So Elias shut vp heauen, and opened it at his commaundement, 1. Reg. 17, ….and drewe fire from heauen. So Christ armeth his disciples with heauenlie power, that they might subdue the elementes vntounto them. OnelyOnly we must beware, that no man runne foorth of his owne head to vnaduised commaundementes. For which cause Iosue did not attempt to stay & restraine the course of the Sunne, before he was throughly instructed of the purpose of God. And although by that worde, where it is said, Iosue spake vntounto God, is not expressed that modestie and submission, which becommeth the seruant of God to vse in prayer: yet let it suffice vsus, that thereby is breefly noted, that Iosue required of God, that which he desired, & when he had obteined his request, he did boldly and freely sette foorth that incredible miracle, which was not yet come to passe. For he woulde neuer hauehave bene so bold with such securitie to command the Sunne before all men, except he had ben throughly persuaded of his calling: otherwise he should hauehave sustained a foule and shamefull reproch. Therefore, that he doeth not doubtfully breake out into this voice, That the Sunne & the Moone should decline from the pernetuall lawe of nature, it is as much as if he did adiure them by the infinite power of God, wherewith he is endued. And here shineth the singular fauour of God toward his Church, that as in fauour of mankinde he diuideth the day from the night by the daily course of the Sunne, & it turneth about continually that mightie great globe with vnwearied swiftenesse: so for a short time he would hauehave it to stand still, vntil the enimies of Israel were destroyed.
13 And the Sunne, &c.) Some doe no lesse unseasonably moue a question, how the Sunne stood in Giveon, than they doe unskilfully answere it. For Iosue doeth not subtily place the Sunne in one pointe: that we must needes feigne the battell to hauehave bene fought on Midsummer day: but because he was going downe towardes the countrie of A…alon, so farre as a man coulde iudge by his sight, Iosue commaunded him there to abide and stay, that he might remaine aboue the Horizon, as they call it. Finally, the Sunne is staied from going downe, wherevnto he was then inclined: neither doe I greately regarde the number of the houres, because it is sufficient for me, that the day was prolonged by the space of one whole night. If any stories of that age were remaining, there is no doubt, but so notable a miracle shoulde be set forth in them: yet that the credite of it should not be doubtfull, the writer of the booke testifieth, that it is conteined in an other writing, although the booke which he citeth be lost: and interpretours doe not well agree about the name Iazar. They that woulde hauehave Moses noted thereby, doe fondly drawe the example, which is here tolde, to generall predictions. But because Moses so calleth the chosen people, it will better agree, that by this booke is noted the Chronicle of their actes and deedes. I truly by that worde doe vnderstand, either God, or Israel, rather than the author of the historie.
14 And there was no day, &c.) Once againe we reade in the Prophet Esaie, and in the holy historie, that the ordinarie course of Esay. 38. 5. 8.the Sunne was chaunged in fauour of King Ezechias. For that he might be persuaded, that his life should be prolonged by the space of fifteene yeares, the shadowe of the Sunne was drawen backe by tenne degrees, whiche he had descended. Therefore it is not precisely denied, that any such like thing hath bene graunted to any other, but the miracle is extolled as singular. Whereas some turne the Uerbe SHAMANG to obey, I refuse it as to hard. For though it is said in the Psalme, that God doth according to the desire of his seruantes, which is as much in effect as to obey, yet it is better to auoide what soeuer seemeth to bring GOD in subiection. Simply therefore the excellencie of the miracle is praised, because no such thing had bene seene before, nor hath happened afterward. In the seconde member of the verse, as well the gentlenesse and facilitie of God is commended, as also his fatherlie fauour towardes the people, for whom he is saied to hauehave fought.
15 After, Ioshue returned, and all Israel with him, vntounto the campe to Gilgal:
16 But the fiue Kings fled, & were hid in a caue at Mak-kedah.
17 And it was tolde Ioshue, saying, The fiue Kinges are found hid in a caue at Mak-kedah.
18 Then Ioshue saide, Roll great stones vponupon the mouth of the caue, and set men by it for to keepe them:
19 But stand ye not still: followe after your enimies, and smite all the hindmost, suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the Lorde your God hathe giuen them into your hand.
20 And when Ioshue, and the children of Israel, had made an end of slaying them with an exceeding great slaughter, till they were consumed, and the rest that remained of them were entred into walled cities,
21 Then all the people returned to the campe, to Ioshue, at Mak-kedah in peace: no man moued his tongue against the children of Israel.
22 After, Ioshue saide, Open the mouthe of the caue, and bring out these fiue Kinges vntounto me foorth of the caue.
23 And they did so, and brought out those fiue Kinges vntounto him foorth of the caue, euen the King of Hierusalem, the King of Hebron, the King of Iarmuth, the King of Lachish, and the King of Eglon.
24 And when they had brought out those Kings vntounto Ioshue, Ioshue called for all the men of Israel, and saide vntounto the chiefe of the men of warre, which went with him, Come neere, set your feete vponupon the neckes of these Kings: and they came neere, and set their feete vppon their neckes.
25 And Ioshue said vntounto them, Feare not, nor be faint hearted, but be strong & of a good courage: for thus will the Lord doe to all your enimies, against whome ye fight.
26 So then Ioshue smote them, and slewe them, and hanged them on fiue trees, and they hanged still vponupon the trees, vntill the euening.
27 And at the going downe of the Sunne, Ioshue gaue commandement, that they shoulde take them downe off the trees, and cast them into the caue, (wherein they had bene hid:) and they layed great stones vponupon the caues mouth, which remaine vntill this day.
28 And the same day Ioshue tooke Mak-kedah, and smote it with the edge of the sworde, and the King thereof destroyed he with them, and all the soules that were therein, he let none remaine: for he did to the King of Mak-kedah, as he had done vntounto the King of Iericho.
15 And Ioshue returned, &c.) This verse is interlaced not in proper place. For immediatly after is annexed the ende of the battell, and the punishment that was taken of the Kinges, which followed after the battell. It is saide also, that they pitched in Mak-kedah: at length, in the ende of the Chapter, is repeated, that which is here saide, without regarde of the order of the time of their returne into Gilgal. Therfore, that which is told of the fleeing and hiding of the Kinges, agreeth with the historie before. For when worde was brought to Iosue, in the middest of the heate of the battell, that they were hidde in a caue: he prouideth wisely, least if he shoulde hauehave bene occupied in taking of them, the rest should hauehave escaped. Therefore he commaundeth, that the mouth of the caue should be stopt vp with great stones, & setteth men to keepe them, that being inclosed as it were in prison, they might be drawne foorth in due time to suffer death. And hereof it appeareth, that it was an exceeding great armie, that when the Israelites followed fiercely at the backes of them that fled, & the Sunne himselfe gaue them leisure to kill them, yet it could not be auoyded, but that many escaped into the strong cities. But this was sufficient to testifie the goodnesse of God, that without resistaunce they slue as many as came in their handes, vntill they were wearie, and returned without losse. For where it is saide, that none durst stirre their tongue, it is noted, that the victorie was without bloudshed on the Israelites parte: as if they had come foorth, not to a battell, but to a slaughter.
18 Then said Ioshue, &c.) When the armie was discomfited, then Iosue did freely and at leisure take punishment on the Kinges, wherein we must alway consider the commaundement of GOD. Or else it had bene barbarous crueltie, & intollerable pride, to tread with their feete vppon the neckes of Kinges, and to hang vp their dead bodies vppon the gallowes. For surely, they were not long before lifted vp by God, into that excellent dignitie, & placed in the royall throne. Wherefore, so to reioyce in despight of them, had bene no point of humanitie, but that God did so commaunde it. But because he would hauehave it to be so, we must rest in his sentence, neither is it lawfull to enquire, Why he was so seuere? Although we must remember that, which I touched before, that seing from the highest to the lowest, they were all worthie of destruction, because their iniquitie was come vp to the full, the Kings which exceeded the rest in wickednesse, deserued the sharper punishment: and secondly, example of rigour, without merciemercy, was to be shewed in their person, least the people fondly desiring the praise of vnlawfull clemencie, should hauehave bene made more readie to pardon the rest. For God would hauehave them all to be destroyed, and the execution of this iudgement he had committed to his people. And except he had sharpely pricked them forwarde to doe their duetie in this behalfe, they would hauehave found out goodly pretences of graunting of pardon. But that merciemercy is detestable, which breaketh the authoritie of God, for the will and pleasure of men. Now when the honour of Kinges is not spared, all cause of humanitie towardes the inferiours, and the whole multitude, is cut off. And by this instruction GOD sheweth, how greatly he esteemeth the chosen people: for it was a token, that he did highly esteeme them, that he subdued Kinges vnderunder their feete: that they might insult ouer their excellencie, as much as if they had bene poore varlots, as it is saide in the Psalme: A two edged sword in their handes, that they may be reuenged vppon the nations: Psal. 149. 6. 7. 8. 9.to bind their Kings in fetters, and their Nobles in chaines of yron, that they may execute the iudgement that is written, Such honour hauehave all his Saintes. Also that fearfull sight serued to strike a terrour into the Israelites, that they shoulde not followe the manners of the Gentiles, whose wickednesse they sawe that God did so sharply punish. Therefore Moses doeth often vse this admonition, Thou sawest howe God tooke vengeaunce vppon the nations, that were before thee in the land of Chanaan: Therefore beware, that thou prouoke not the wrath of thy God with their peruerse workes. Finally, that he might be worshipped more purely, he commanded the land to be purged from all coruptions: and because the inhabitantes were exceeding wicked, he would hauehave his curse to be shewed vponupon them after a straunge and vnwoonted manner.
25 Feare not, &c.) Nowe Iosue doth celebrate a triumph in the person of these fiue Kinges, ouer all the rest that remained. For he doeth euen as much exhort his men to boldenesse: as if they which yet were vntouched, did lie already vnderunder their feete. Whereof we gather, that while these fewe were troden vnderunder feete, the people were lifted vp, as it were into a great hight, that they might looke downe, and despise all the rest, as already ouerthrowen. And surely the power of God was therein clearly seene, which might make them hauehave a courage in time to come. And we must note, that they were hanged vp, not that Iosue would shewe any greater crueltie against them: but onelyonly to their reproch, because they were slaine already, but it was profitable that the notable vengeance of GOD should be openly set forth in the sight of all men. Peraduenture also the purpose of God was, to driue the rest of nations through desperation into rage and madnesse, that they might procure to them selues more speedie destruction, while they whette the Israelites to wrath, by their stubbornesse. The same shamefull end is geuen to the King of Mak-kedah, which brought forth no armie against them. The like slaughter is made of all the people which remained still, within the walles. Yet it is like, they attempted some hostilitie. But the cheefe cause was, that God had geuen one sentence vponupon them all. I hauehave shewed before, wherefore their carcases at euen were cast into the caue. And this storie setteth foorth to vsus, as it were in a glasse, that when God sitteth in his seate of iudgement, all the glorie of the worlde vanisheth away before him: yea, that by his iudgement, the glorie of them which seemed to excell, is turned into extreme shame.
29 Then Ioshue went from Mak-kedah, and all Israel with him vntounto Libnah, and fought against Libnah.
30 And the Lord gaue it also, and the King thereof, into the hand of Israel: and he smote it with the edge of the sworde, and all the soules that were therein: he let none remaine in it: for he did vntounto the King thereof, as he had done vntounto the King of Iericho.
31 And Ioshue departed from Libnah, and all Israel with him vntounto Lachish, and beseeged it, and assaulted it.
32 And the Lord gaue Lachish into the hand of Israel, which tooke it the second day, and smote it with the edge of the sworde, and all the soules that were therein, according to all as he had done to Libnah.
33 Then Horam King of Gezer came vp to helpe Lachish: but Ioshue smote him, and his people, vntill none of his remained.
34 And from Lachish Ioshue departed vntounto Eglon, & all Israel with him, and they beseeged it, and assaulted it,
35 And they tooke it the same day, and smote it with the edge of the sworde, and all the soules that were therein he vtterly destroyed the same day, according to all that he had done to Lachish.
36 Then Ioshue went vp from Eglon, and all Israel with him, vntounto Hebron, and they fought against it.
37 And when they had taken it, they smote it with the edge of the swoorde, and the King thereof, and all the cities thereof, and all the soules that were therein, he left none remaining, according to all as he had done to Eglon: for he destroyed it vtter ly, and all the soules that were therein.
38 So Ioshue returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir, and fought against it.
39 And when he had taken it, and the King thereof, & all the cities thereof, they smote them with the edge of the sword, & vtterly destroyed all the soules that were therein, he let none remaine: as he did to Hebron, so he did to Debir, and to the King thereof: as he had also done to Libnah, and to the King thereof.
40 So Ioshue smote all the hill countries, and the South countries, and the vallies, and the hill sides, and all their Kinges, and let none remaine, but vtterly destroyed eueryevery soule, as the Lord God of Israel had commaunded.
41 And Ioshue smote them from Kadeshbernea, euen vntounto Azzah, and all the countrie of Goshen, euen vntounto Gibeon.
42 And all these Kings, and their land, did Ioshue take at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel.
43 Afterward, Ioshue, and all Israel with him, returned vntounto the campe in Gilgal.
29 Then Ioshue, &c.) Now is described the taking of those cities, out of which that armie was gathered, where God shewed his power no lesse wonderfull, then in the field: specially, if we consider the quicke dispatch. For although they which fled into them, out of the battell, caused some feare: yet that feare beeing ceased, they might be profitable for their defence. Surely, the garrison was increased by their number. Therefore, whereas Iosue in a short time obteineth them all, with the little townes adioyning, vndoubtedly in the successe, which was no lesse incredible, than vnlooked for, the presence of God did shine manifestly. For although they that were beseeged, did but only shut their gates: yet because Iosue did neither bring ladders to scale the walles, nor artillerie to breake them downe, the siege of etterie one might hauehave bene some staye and tediousnesse. Therefore, when he taketh one citie the next day after he assaulted it, and an other the same day, these continuall victories so easie & redie to obteine, exceed the measure of mans strength. Wherefore, not without great cause, in the ende of the Chapter, the grace of God is celebrated with this commendation, that it was made manifest, that he did fight for Israel, while Iosue at once tooke so many Kings with their dominion: because he could neuer hauehave passed so speedily from citie to citie, as it had bene only to vew them, except all lettes beeing remoued, his way had bene made open by God himselfe. This also increased the miracle, that the King of Geser, which came to aide the other, no doubt but with great boldnesse, was soudenly and with none a do discomfited, and nothing stayed his continuall tenour of marching for warde. As for them that were slaine in the cities, doe as it were in a glasse represent those men, whose punishment God suspendeth, while he is doing execution vponupon others: for although they reioyce in themselues, for the respite of a short time, yet they are in worse case than if they had ben drawen vntounto death at the first. It had ben a miserable thing, to hauehave ben slaine in the feelde. Well, they escaped, and defend themselues with the malles of their cities. But there (which is more miserable) their wiues & children are slaine in their sight: and they themselues hauehave a more shamefull ende, than if they had bene slaine fighting in the feelde. Let vsus not therefore enuie the reprobate, their short truce, while God doth beare with them: for when they shall promise vntounto themselues securitie, soudeine destruction shall come vponupon them. In the meane time, let vsus not abuse the long suffering of God, while 1. Thes. 5. 3.he deferreth his iudgement: and if wee shall seeme to hauehave escaped one danger, or if any holes offer themselues to hide vsus, let vsus not therefore please our selues: but rather let vsus thinke uppon that saying of Ieremie, That some ripe figges, hauesome tast. but other are Ierem. 24.reiected for their bitternesse.
40 And Iosue smote, &c.) Here againe is brought in the authoritie of God, which dischargeth Iosue frō all note of crueltie: for if he had raged without respect, vponupon his owne head, against women and children, none excuse would hauehave serued: but that it had bene detestable crueltie, the like whereof is not reade of, no not in the sauage and almost beastlie nations. But that which otherwise all men would abhorre, we must reuerently embrace: because it proceedeth from God. Clemencie hath cheefe praise among vertues, and worthily: namely, when men that hauehave bene hurt, and which hauehave priuately iust cause to shed bloud, doe moderate their wrath. But because God had appointed the swordes of his people to slaie the Amorites, Iosue could doe no other, but obey his commandement. Therefore by this voice, not only the mouthes of all men are stopped, but their mindes are also restrained, that they steppe not forth to wrong iudgement. If any man doe heare that Iosue siue all that came before him, without respect, although they threwe downe their weapons, and humbly desired peace: this bare and simple report, woulde trouble quiet and peaceable mindes: but when it is added, (As God commaunded) it is no more lawfull to speake against it, then when execution is done vppon wicked offenders. And although in our iudgement, at least wise the children, and many women also were without fault, let vsus remember, that the Court of heauen is not subiect to our lawes. But rather, when wee see that greene trees are so burnt, wee that are drie wood ought to bee afraid of greater destruction. And surely, if euerie man do well examine himselfe, he shall find him selfe worthie of an hundred deathes. Why should not God then find iust matter of one death in an infant, yet scarse come forth out of his mothers wombe? In vaine truely should we trouble him with murmuring and grudging complaintes, that he did throwe the issue of the cursed nation into the same destruction: for when wee hauehave all saied, the Potter hath still, full and souereigne authoritie ouer his owne vessels, or rather ouer the clay. The last verse confirmeth that, which I saied before, that all the people had their abiding place in Gilgal, & the soldiers that went forth to the warre returned thither, both to refreshe themselues from wearinesse, and also to lay vp their praise in safetie. For it was not meete, that they should hauehave bene dispersed farre abroade, till the lottes were cast, which shewed where eueryevery one shouldabide.