Westminster Annotations, Joshua

Westminster Annotations · Joshua

ANNOTATIONS On the Book of JOSHUA.

The ARGUMENT.

THe main scope of the holy Ghost in this Book of Joshua, is to glorifie God, by the manifestation of his Truth in his Promises, and his Power and All-sufficiency in performance: For whereas he had promised unto AbrahamGen. 12. 7. & 13. 15. & 15. 18. Exod. 32 10. Acts 13. 18. Rom. 4. 3Gen 12:7Gen 13:15Gen 15:18Exod 32:10Acts 13:18Rom 4:3 four hundred yeers before, That he would give unto his Posterity the Land of Canaan for a Possession, he remaineth firm and constant in his Word: And though they provoked him to wrath by their haynous sins, and wilfull rebellions, both in Aegypt and in the Wildernesse, and thereby justly moved him to nullifie his Promises, and either wholly to destroy them, or at least to cast them off from being his People; yet he rather dispenseth with their sins, and exerciseth his patience and long-suffering, in bearing with their evil manners in the Wildernesse, rather then that their unbelief should make the Faith of GOD of none effect, or cause any of his gracious Promises fall to the ground unaccomplished. So also is Gods Almighty Power in this Book magnified and glorified, and He mightily declared to be the Lord of Hosts, by giving unto such a poor contemptible People, whose parents were lately Bond-slaves in the Land of Aegypt, so great and glorious Victories over such Warlike Nations, and such a numerous multitude of puissant enemies: Ʋnto which we may adde the manifestation and glorifying of his Justice, in rooting out these cursed Nations, when their sins were encreased to a full measure; but yet withall some mixture of Mercy with this just Gen. 15. 16.Gen 15:16severity, in saving some of the Hivites from this common destruction, and from being (as it were) drowned in this generall deluge: Mercy, I say, towards them, in sparing their lives; and towards his own People, in providing for them servants and slaves to do their basest works, that they, in the mean time, as a Royall Nation, might be priviledged, and exempted from such servile drudgery. Another end aymed at in this History, and subordinate to the other, is to describe, and set out to the life, a worthy Prince, and a truely-valiant and victorious Generall, both in his person, parts and properties, in the example of Joshua, as a Precedent and Patern to all such as are of like Calling and Condition: and that whether we respect his piety towards God, his justice and charity towards men, or his temperance and sobriety towards himself. In respect of God, he is described to be pious and religious, both in his personall holinesse, and in his publike Calling, as he was a Generall and chief Commander: For he was a man truely fearing God, a strict observer of his Commandments, neither declining to the right hand nor to the left, a worshipper of God in sincerity and truth; and so zealous and resolved in the true Religion and ways of godlinesse, that though he had no other among all the people to joyn with him, yet he professeth, That he and his houshold would serve the Lord. So in Josh. 24. 15.Josh 24:15his particular Calling he is propounded as a fit patern and pr…cedent to all of his Rank; for he wholly dependeth on his chief Soveraign, the King of kings, and Lord of Hosts, for his direction and protection: he attempteth nothing of any moment, till he have first consulted with God, and then he goeth on with undaunted courage, when he commandeth him, against many and mighty enemies: He trusteth not in the arm of Flesh, in his own or the peoples policy and power, but onelyonly relyeth on Gods Promises and Providence; and having his assistance, he is most couragious; but when he, seeming displeased, withdraweth his helping hand, how is he humbled and dejected for the losse onelyonly of six and Josh. 7. 7.Josh 7:7thirty men? Finally, in all his famous Victories he arrogateth no part of the praise unto himself, but ascribeth the whole glory unto God, as being the principall cause of all his Conquests. In respect also of his carriage towards men, he is propounded as a singular patern of Justice and Charity: for being to divide the conquered Land among the people by Lot, as God commanded, he obeyeth his Will with all uprightnesse: shewing therein no favour, partiality, or respect of persons, as appeareth in his dealing with his own Tribe; for when (presuming, it may be, on his neernesse unto them in blood and kinred) they made suit unto him for the enlarging of their Inheritance, under a fair pretence, That their portion was too strait for their numerous Tribe, he refused to gratifie them by scanting others, but retorteth their argument upon themselves, namely, That if they were so numerous, they were the better able to enlarge their Borders, by their own endeavours; and so putteth them upon labour, to fit the Mountain for their habitation, Josh. 17. 14, 14, &c.Josh 17:14by felling down the Woods; and upon danger also, by fighting with, and driving out the inhabitants of the Valley, though they were a strong People, and had iron Charets. His Charity and Love also appeareth, in seeking the peoples welfare and prosperity with all his endeavours: for whereas the love and favour of God was the chief ground of their present and future happinesse, and there was no other means to preserve it unto them, then by their cleaving close unto him in his pure Worship, and shunning Idolatry, he is not onelyonly carefull to maintain it in purity and sincerity all his days, but when he was stricken in age, and ready to die, it was his chief care to have it continued after his departure▪ and calling together all the Heads and Elders of the people, he useth all his art and policy to make a firm Covenant between God and them, That they would cleave onelyonly unto him, and utterly abolish all Idolatry and false worship. Josh. 24.Josh 24Lastly, he is propounded to all Princes and great Commanders, as a Mirrour of Temperance, Sobriety, and Contentation, in that having in his hand, by reason of his famous Conquests, so great Power and Authority, that he might have commanded what he list, yet he aspireth not to any Regall Soveraignty, nor to enrich himself with a vast estate, or large inheritance, but resteth contented with such a proportion as by Gods providence was allotted unto him amongst the rest of his Brethren. The last End at which this Scripture aimeth, is mystically and typically expressed; for Joshua is here propounded as a Type of our Lord Jesus Christ, the onelyonly true Saviour of his Elect People: And to this purpose, that he might more fitly represent this great Saviour of the Church, the Prophet foretold and promised by Moses, his Deut. 18. 18. Num. 13 8.Deut 18:18Num 13:8name is changed by him; and whereas he was before called Oshea, he was afterwards named Joshua, or Jehoshua, being the same name which was given to Christ our onelyonly Saviour; because as he in a sort was to save his People out of the hands of their earthly enemies by a temporary deliverance, and to bring them into the Land of Canaan as their Possession and Inheritance: so our Jesus, pref…gured by him, was to save all his Elect People out of the hands of all their Spirituall enemies, and to give them as their possession the heavenly Canaan, of which the other was but Type: And as this could not be effected by Moses the Law-giver, but was left unto Joshua as his proper Work, unto which God called and assigned him; so this was to signifie unto us, That the Ministery of the Law, withall its legall Ordinances and Performances, can never bring us into the heavenly Canaan, but is wholly left to be accomplished by our true Joshua and Saviour, as his peculiar Work, unto which he is called and scaled by his Father, who hath vanquished all Joh. 6. 27.John 6:27our Spirituall enemies, and will give unto us, at his second appearing, both in our souls and bodies; the full possession and fruition of our holy and happy Inheritance in his heavenly Kingdom, unto all Eternity.

The book of Joshua] i. (according to Hebrew name or title.) A narration or history of the acts of Joshua, in bringing and setling the people of Israel in the land of promise; and continueth the story of almost 18 yeers, from Moses death, Deut. 34. 5. unto his own, Josh. 24. 29.

CHAP. I.

Vers. 1. NOw] Hebr. And it happened, or came to passe. With which copulative the story is continued and knit, to the end of Deuteronomy, as the Hebrews often use. So Ruth 1. 1. Judg. 1. 1. 1 Sam. 1. 1. 2 Sam. 1. 1.

after the death] i. e. after the funerall mourning for him, which lasted 30 dayes, Deut. 34. 8.

V. 2. Jordan] The greatest River in Canaan, running along the land, and falling into the lake Asphaltites, or dead sea.

give]ie. in reall possession, as before I gave it onelyonly by promise and right, Deut. 11. 24.

V. 3. Every place] i. e. before promised, Deut. 11. 24. and here expressed and confirmed, vers. 4.

V. 4. wildernesse] i. e. of Sin, with which the land of promise was bounded on the south.

Lebanon] the highest and greatest mountain in all Syria, extending it self from Zidon to Damascus, and bounding the land of promise on the north.

Euphrates] the confines on the east, Gen. 15. 18.

great sea]ie. the Mediterranean sea (opposed to the petty seas or lakes of Palestine) which bounded the land on the west, Num. 34. 6. and is therefore called the uttermost sea, Deut. 11. 24.

V. 7. right hand] by adding to it, or detracting from it.

V. 8. mouth] i. thy tongue shall be alwayes ready to utter the holy meditations of thy minde and heart, abounding as a good treasure with the knowledge of God and his Law. So Psal. 108. 1 Matth. 12. 34, 35. Psal. 1. 2.

way] i. e. Thy counsels, enterprises, and actions.

V. 9. Have not] First he confirmeth him, by a divine vocation; and then by a promise of Gods efficacious presence. The former is propounded by way of interrogation, which is used with the Hebrews for a strong affirmation; Have not …? &c. i. e. I have certainly commanded thee. So Gen. 13. 9. 2 King. 6. 32.

V. 11. victualls] that is, All provisions fit for such an expedition, saving bread, for manna was not as yet ceased.

V. 13. rest] i. e. a place of rest for your wives, children, and cattell; namely, that part of the land in which they now were, on this side Jordan, Num. 32. 33.

V. 14. armed] Marshalled in a military order.

V. 16. they answered] i. e. The two tribes and an half, to whom his speech was formerly directed: Or, as some think, the heads of all the tribes, in the name of all the rest, hereby submitting themselves unto Joshua's government.

V. 17. OnelyOnly the Lord] This is a wish of the people congratulating Joshua in his entrance into his government; wherein they pray for Gods presence and assistance, as unto Moses.

CHAP. II.

Vers. 1. S…it…im] In the plains of Moab, neer Jordan, where the Israelites now encamped, Num. 33. 49.

spie secretly] Hebr. silently; i. e. to spie out the land with as much silence and secrecy as they could; and that both in respect of the Israelites, that they might not again be discouraged, as before, with rumours, Num. 13. 28. 32. and in respect of the people of the land, that they might not discover and apprehend them.

even Jericho]ie. And chiefly Jericho, as being in the confines of the countrey; situated an hundred and fifty stadia from Hi… rusalem, and sixty from Jordan: a place very fruitfull, and abounding with palm-trees; and therefore called, The city of palms, Deut. 34. 3. Judg. 1. 16. 2 Chron. 28. 15.

an harlots house] The Hebrew word may signifie an inne-keeper; but she might be both; for she is plainly called an harlot, Heb. 11. 31. Jam. 2. 25. to whom Gods providence directed them, for the preservation of her and her kinred, and for the confirmation of the spies and Israelites in assurance of conquest; as Gideon was by telling of the dream, Jud. 7. 13. 15.

V. 4. hid them] Hebr. hid him;ie. each of them apart; to wit, as soon as she knew that they were discovered to the king.

but I wist not] This (as some think) was not a lye, but the concealing of a truth not necessarily to be discovered: for being an inne-keeper, it may be others lodged in her house that night, and were gone, of whom she speaketh in truth, and concealeth these spies in faith and charity; as it is Heb. 11. 31. But if it were a lye, or aequivocation, her example is no precedent, being a new convert whose faith God accepted, and pardoned her sin. So Exod. 1. 19.

V. 5. of the gate] to wit, of the city.

V. 6. roof] Which in those countreys used to be flat, like a terrate or leads.

V. 7 foords] i. e. The ferries, or places of ordinary passage.

sh…t the gate] i. e. The gate of the city, that if the spies were within, they might not get out and escape.

V. 9. I know] I am perswaded in the assurance of faith, grounded on Gods promises to his people, and his miraculous favours towards them, and because I see that the hearts of my people sink and faint, &c.

terrour] An Hebraisme: i. e. in that we are terrified because of you, in regard of your neer approach and power: and this God had promised, Deut. 28. 7. and 5. 1.

V. 11. did melt] An Hebraisme; i. e. were dissolved with fear, so that we quite lost all our valour and courage. The like phrases are used, Josh. 5. 1. and 7. 5. Deut. 1. 28. and 20. 8. Isa. 13. 1.

V. 12. fathers house] i. e. My kinred and alli. s. See Chap. 6. 23. 25. so vers. 13.

a tr… token] to wit, That you will inviolably keep covenant with me.

V. 14. Our life for yours] i. e. We warrant thee, on the penalty of our own lives; or, We will preserve thy life, and the life of thy kinred, though it be with the hazard or losse of ours.

ye] that is, you, or any of yours.

V. 17. thine oath] i. e. Of the oath which thou hast made us take, namely, on these two conditions; first, That none of thine be out of thy house: secondly, That none reveal our businesse.

V. 19. his blood] he shal be guilty of his own death, because he stayed not in the place of safety appointed unto him, as Num. 35. 26, 27. Matth. 27. 25.

on our head] i. e. We will answer it before God and men, as being guilty of his death.

V. 22. the way] i. e. between Jericho and Jordan.

V. 23. passed over] to wit, Jordan.

V. 24. hath delivered] They speak of that which was to do, as done already, to expresse the certainty of their hope.

CHAP. III.

Vers. 1. MOrning] Namely, of the ninth day of the first monethmonth; for they passed Jordan the tenth day, as appeareth, Chap. 4. 19.

V. 2. three da…es] to wit, three dayes after the command of providing victualls, Chap. 1. 11.

V. 3. priests the Levites] that is, which were all of the tribe of Levi.

V. 4. by measure] Which distance between the ark and them, was appointed to preserve in them due reverence unto God, of whose person the ark was a type. So Exod. 19. 12.

know the way] i. e. That following the guidance of the ark, and pillar of cloud going before it, you may not erre out of the right way.

V. 5. Sanctifie] to wit, both ceremonially and spiritually, that you may be prepared to see a miraculous signe and effect of Gods presence. See Exod. 19. 10. Levit. 20. 7, 8. Num. 11. 18. 1 Sam. 16. 5.

wonders] in dividing the waters, as verse 13.

V. 6. Take up] See Num. 4. 15.

V. 7. magnifie the… ] To exalt thee in the esteem of all the people, by a great miracle which I am about to do, whereby they shall be brought to acknowledge that I have made thee head over them, and by thee will possesse them of the land of promise.

Moses] i. e. As I divided the red Sea before Moses, so will I divide Jordan before thee, and thereby declare my presence and power with thee, as they were with him.

V. 10. Hereby] i. e. By the miracle described, verse 13.

V. 11. the Lord] So Mich. 4. 13. Zach. 4. 14. 6. 5.

V. 12. twelve men] For that use and service which is expressed Chap. 4. 2, 3.

V. 13. waters shall be cut off] The waters coming from above shall stand still on an heap, and the waters below shall passe away, and leave the chanell drie for the people to pas…e over.

V. 15. for Jordan] that is, Jordan in its naturall course, thus over-floweth yeerly in time of harvest, as now it did. See Chap. 4. 18. 1 Chron. 12. 15. and their harvest began in April.

V. 16. city Adam] Some Cosmographers place this city on the east side of Jordan, over against Gilgal.

Zaretan] lying Southward from Adam.

salt sea] That is the lake of Sodom, or Asphaltites, Gen. 14. 3. Num. 34. 2.

CHAP. IIII.

Vers. 1. THe Lord spake] That is, further declared the command which he had given, Chap. 3. 12.

V. 3. lodging place] that is, Gilgal, where they encamped that night, as appeareth, v. 19, 20.

V. 6. signe] To recall unto your remembrance in time to come so great a benefit, for the stirring up of your selves and your posterity to thankfulnesse, for the strengthening of your faith and affiance in God, and working in your hearts true obedience. So Exod. 13. 14. Deut. 6. 20. Josh. 22. 27. and 24. 27.

V. 9. twelve stones] Besides the twelve stones which were set up in Gilgal, that it might be a monument to them that inhabited about Jordan, or passed that way, of that great miracle.

to this day] That is, by an immutable and perpetuall statute: or it may be meant of that day when this history was written.

V. 10. Moses] See Num. 27. 21, 22, 23. where the sum of that commanded is expressed.

V. 12. before the children] That is, before all the other tribes of Israel, according to covenant with Moses, Num. 32. 20, 27. and Joshua's command, Josh. 1. 14.

V. 13. before the Lord] Before the ark of the LORD, which was a visible signe of Gods presence, and now stood in the middest of Jordan, untill all the people were passed over in their ranks.

V. 14. magnified] See Chap. 3. 7.

V. 17. out of Jordan] To wit, that they might land on the further bank of Jordan, towards Jericho.

V. 19. first monethmonth] called Abib or Nisan; containing part of March, and part of April.

Gilgal] So called here, by anticipation; as though he should say, They encamped in that place which was afterwards by Joshua called Gilgal, Chap. 5. 9.

V. 23. before you] who survive your rebellious fathers by Gods appointment, Num 14. 31.

before us] That is, my self and Caleb, with the rest of our fathers, who for their sin and unbelief fell in the wildernesse.

V. 24. fear] And thereby be restrained, that you do not start back from obedience unto God, as did your fathers, Jer. 32. 40.

for ever] That is, all the dayes of your lives.

CHAP. V.

Vers. 1. AMorites] The Amorites were on both sides Jordan, whereof two kings were slain already on the side towards Moab.

westward] Inhabiting in the western parts of the land of Canaan.

melted] That is, fainted. See Chap. 2. Vers. 9. 11. 24.

V. 2. At that time] To wit, after they were passed Jordan, and were now entred into the land of promise.

sharp knives] The Chaldee paraphrase hath it, sharp rasours.

circumcise] Hebr. turn again, circumcise; that is, circumcise again: an Hebrew manner of speaking. The like used, Num. 11. 4. Psal. 85. 7. Ezek. 8. 6. It was first commanded unto Abraham and his seed, and by him observed; but omitted in the wildernesse, at least from the Spies returning from searching the land, which was the second yeer after their coming out of Egypt, either out of their neglect of Gods holy Sacrament, or because they were to remove from place to place at Gods appointment; which they could not do without great danger and hurt to those who were newly, circumcised. See v. 8. for though sometime they encamped long in a place, yet all that while they had no assurance of their abode there, but were still at an hours warning to remove: And now the LORD requireth that circumcision should be restored to its primitive use.

V. 3. and circumcised] They took order that they should be circumcised; to wit, all that were yet uncircumcised.

hill of fore-skins] So called, because the people circumcised left there their fore-skins.

V. 4. died] Namely, for their si… and rebellion against God, Num. 14. 23. 1 Cor. 10. 5. Heb. 3. 17.

V. 5. they] To wit, their parents.

V. 6. give us] That is, to me, Caleb, and their posterity.

V. 9. reproach of Egypt] That is, contracted in Egypt, because the Israelites following the example of the uncircumcised Egyptians rather then Gods commandment, had left this reproach upon their children, That they had not the sacrament of Gods covenant, but had their fore-skin still on them to their shame, Gen. 34. 14. Some hereby understand that reproach which the Egyptians would have cast upon God and his people, if they could not have entred into the land of promise. See Deut. 9. 28. Num. 14. 16.

from off you] That is, which would have layen upon you.

Gilgal] Because the reproach which was rolled or turned away, when as by circumcision they renewed their covenant with God.

V. 10. the passeover] Which was likewise neglected in the wildernesse, saving onelyonly the second yeer after their coming out of Egypt. See Num. 9. 1, 2.

monethmonth] That is, the first monethmonth. Exod. 12. 2, 6. So Josh. 4. 19.

V. 13. a man] The Lord Christ, who assumed and appeared in the shape of man; as now, so at sundry other times, as a preparative to his incarnation: for, that it was no created angel, appeareth by Joshua's adoration, and his acceptance of it, seeing a created angel would have refused it, Revel. 19. 10. 22. 9. Judg. 13. 16.

his sword drawn] As the LORD of hosts, ready prepared to execute judgement on the cursed nations; that hereby he might encourage Joshua in assurance that he should be victorious, seeing he was on his side, r…ady to fight against his enemies.

V. 14. Nay] i. e. I am not for your adversaries.

but as captain] That is, prince and chief generall both of the angels which fight for the church, being Michael the arch-angel, the chief prince, Dan. 10. 13, 21. Revel. 12. 7. 19. 11, 14. and also of the church militant, and am now come to ayd Israel, which is the people and host of God.

worship] Because he knew him to be the Lord Christ, the eternall Son of God.

What saith my Lord] A question rising from reverence and admiration; q. d. What will it please my Lord to command his servant, that I may do it?

V. 15. Loose thy shoe] So the Moses, Exod. 3. 5. which God required, that he might affect him with an awfull and religious reverence of his divine presence, Lev. 16. 2. Exod. 30. 10.

is holy] Not in it self inherently, but as it is now sanctified by my divine and holy presence.

CHAP. VI.

Vers. 1. BEcause] For fear of the children of Israel, who encamped neer it.

V. 2. the Lord] Who, Chap. 5. 13. is called a man; and v. 14. prince of the LORDS host.

the might] i. e. The valiant souldiers that defend it.

V. 3. once] To wit, every day once.

V. 4. rams h…rns] That the conquest might not be assigned to mans power, but to the power of God, which with most weak means can overcome that which seemeth most strong.

V. 5. wall of the city] i. e. N…t the whole wall, but such a large part of it as was sufficient to give the Israelites an easie entrance: for if all had fallen, then had Rah…bs house, which was built upon the wall, fallen with it. See Chap. 2. 15.

V. 7. is armed] Which is chiefly meant of the two Tribes and an half.

V. 8. before the Lord] See Annot. in Chap. 4. 13.

ark of the covenant] i. e. In which were kept the two tables, on which the covenant was written.

V. 9. r…re-ward] In which was the standard of the tribe of Dan. See Num. 10. 25.

V. 17. shall be accursed] That is, devoted to destruction, and so consecrated unto God, as the first-fruits of the land of Canaan, in obedience to whose command it was to be destroyed. See Lev. 27. 28, 29. Num. 24. 20. Deut. 2. 34.

hid the messengers] Some reade, Hid them carefully and faithfully.

that we sent] i. e. My self, and some of the chief commanders, unknown to the people.

V. 18. your selves accursed] i. e. Become guilty of your own destruction, for robbing God sacrilegiously, of that which is consecrated unto him. See Deut. 7. 26.

camp a curse] That you be not a cause or occasion of the destruction of the whole camp.

V. 19. shall come] i. e. Shall be laid up in the tabernacle, to be employed in Gods service. See Num. 31. 54. and therefore cannot be put to any private use.

V. 21. utterly destroyed] According to Gods expresse commandment, Deut. 20. 16, 17.

V. 23. left them without the camp] As things unclean, till they were legally purified, Num. 31. 10. and afterwards to be incorporated into congregation, by instruction, profession, circumcision, &c. Deut. 21. 12.

V. 25. this day] Yea, and was afterwards married to Salmon the son of Naasson, of the tribe of Juda, one of Christs progenitors, Matth. 1. 5. Luke 3. 32.

unto this day] See Chap. 4. 9.

V. 26. Joshua adjured] That is, by a propheticall spirit cursed with an adjuration those that should rebuild this city, devoted to utter destruction.

before the Lord] i. e. By Gods decree, made known unto me by the inspiration of the holy Ghost.

riseth up] Which shall presume and set himself to build this city.

first-born] In the death of his first-born, &c. that is, For his presumption, he shall be punished with the death of his two sons; which was fulfilled in Hiel the Beth…lite and his sonnes, 1 Kin. 16. 34.

CHAP. VII.

Vers. 1. CHildren of Israel] That is, one member of that body; who being in communion with them, his particular sin was occasion that a judgement fell upon them all, till by diligent examination, and inflicting just punishment, the sin was purged, v. 12.

accursed thing] In taking that which was devoted to God, and not to be turned to any private use, contrary to his expresse command. See Chap. 6. 18, 19.

Achan] Who, 1 Chr. 2. 7. is called Achar, i. e. destroyer.

V. 2. Ai] This city lay on a hill three leagues from Jericho, westward, which fell afterwards to the share of the tribe of Benjamin. There were two cities of this name; this of the Amorites, which was the greater; the other in the tribe of Gad, which the Amonites had taken, and is prophesied against, Jer. 49. 3.

Goup] To wit, from the plains of Jericho, to the mountainous places of the countrey.

V. 5. Shebarim] Heb. a place of breakings: so called, it seemeth, because the army of Israel was there broken and discomfited.

V. 6. rent his clothes] To signifie the rending of his heart with grief and anguish. See Gen. 37. 29, 34. not for that small defeat, but because it was a signe of Gods wrath, seeing he prospered not their expedition according to former promises, which might discourage the people, and make them faint-hearted, as v 5.

before the ark] In these difficulties fleeing unto God, as his onelyonly refuge, for counsell and direction. See Chap. 9. 14.

put dust] A ceremony used in great mournings. So 1 Sam. 4. 12. 2 Sam. 13. 19. Neh. 9. 1. Job 2. 12.

V. 7. would to God] In this wish Joshu…'s faith, through humane frailty, fainteth, in apprehending Gods promises; yet his intention is good, namely, That he had rather have rested content with a strait habitation for so great a people on the other side Jordan, then that by this accident Gods Name should be exposed to obloquie, and the blasphemies of the nations.

V. 8. what shall I say] What shall I answer to those who on this occasion will detract from thy power and glory?

V. what will thou do] i. e. How wilt thou preserve the glory of thy Name, when these nations shall say that thou wantest power to protect thy people, and hast failed in thy promises? So Ex. 32. 12. Num. 14. 13.

V. 11. Israel hath sinned] See v. 1.

V. 12. my covenant] My command concerning the accursed thing, Chap. 6. 19. or my covenant, in not obeying my commands as they promised, Ex. 19. 8. 24. 7.

accu…s…d thing] Which I have devoted; to wit, the Babylonish garment, which should have been burned.

also stollen] To wit, the gold and silver, which ought to have b…en brought into the Lords treasury, Chap. 6. 19.

dissembled also] By concealing it, or converting to their own use that, which was devoted to Gods service.

and have put it] To wit, both the things to be burned and destroyed, and those which were to be consecrated unto God, they have mixed with their own goods, still persisting in their sinne, and so still remaining accursed.

V 12. were accursed] Have a judgement lying upon them, occasioned by such a sin, as before, v. 1.

the accursed] i. o. The man who committed the fact about the accursed thing, and so himself is become accursed, and all his, with the contagion of his sin: i. e. not onelyonly Achan himself, but also all his family and goods, as being in the same sin. So v. 24.

V. 13. sanctifie the people] See Chap. 3. 5. that is, Prepare them to appeare before God, that the offender may be discovered and punished, and so the people may be freed from punishment of his sin.

V. 14. Lord taketh] That is, apprehendeth by lot, which is at his disposing, Prov. 16. 33. See 1 Sam. 14. 41. Jon. 1. 7.

V. 15. shall be burnt] As the accursed thing ought to have been, according to the Law, Deut. 13. 15, 16. namely, after he is first stoned, which was the punishment appointed for blasphemers and presumptuous offenders by the law, Lev. 24. 13. Num. 15. 30, 35.

fully in Israel] A base, foolish and sinfull deed. So Gen. 34. 7. Judg. 20. 6. 2 Sam. 13. 13.

he and all that he hath] Not onelyonly the accursed things, but his sons, daughters, oxen, asses, &c. This was a most severe punishment, but yet just, because God appointed it, whose judgements are always righteous, Gen. 18. 25. Jer. 12. 1. though often unsearchable, and above our reason: which may appear, whether we respect God, who appointed this punishment; for first, he is supreme LORD of all, and may do with his what he will; and his will is the rule of justice, yea justice it self. Secondly, we owe our lives to God, and deserve death by the first sin, and all that followed it, and God may justly require his debt, when and in what manner he pleaseth. Thirdly, he had infected all he had with the contagion of his sin, and so made them liable to his punishment. Secondly, just in respect of Joshua and the people, who executed it: First, because God commanded it. Secondly, because he had endangered the whole camp to destruction, who were not directly guilty of his fact. Thirdly, because he had exposed six and thirty men to the slaughter, who were innocent of his sin, though by their own sins known to God they might deserve their death; and therefore all his were executed with him justly by the same reason, though they were not knowingly guilty of his fact, that they might be examples unto others, to deter them from the like transgressions and sinnes.

V. 17. family of Judah] That is, every family of the tribe of Judah.

man by man] Hebr. by the men i. e. according to the housholds of their fathers, and not every one by the poll, as appeareth, v. 18.

V. 19. give glory]ie. Seeing God is both thy accuser and judge, whose knowledge thou canst not avoid, nor decline his judgement, confesse the truth in an humble and penitent manner, that hereby God may be glorified.

V. 21. under it] i. e. Under the Babylonish garment.

V. 23. before the Lord] Before the tabernacle, in which the ark was the sacred signe of Gods presence.

V. 24. the son]ie. The nephew of Zerah. See v. 1.

Achor] i. e. Of trouble, so called, by reason of this accident, ver. 26.

V. 25. stoned him] together with all his family.

V. 26. a heap of stones] As they used to do over them that died ignominiously, Josh. 8. 29. 2 Sam. 18. 17.

Achor] Of trouble, because all Israel was troubled here with Achans sacriledge, and himself and all his, by this dreadfull punishment inflicted on them, Hos. 2. 15. Isai. 65. 10.

CHAP. VIII.

Vers. 2. AN ambush] For in a just war it is as lawfull to get victory by policies and stratagems as by open fight; the which God, the author of justice, hath confirmed by many examples.

behinde it] i. e. On the west side, as v. 9.

V. 4. lie in wait] God would not destroy Ai by miracle, as Jericho, to the end that the nations might fear the power and policy of his people.

V. 7. Then] That is, when the signe is given: of which ver. 8.

V. 8. I have commanded] That is, fear not to execute the designe, seeing you have my command for your warrant. So 2 Sam. 13. 28.

V. 9. among the people] i. e. With the rest of the army.

V. 10. numbred] i. e. Mustered and set in order the people.

V. 12. five thousand] To wit, besides the other thirty thousand, v. 3. to lie in ambush in another place, to make the execution surer and easier.

V. 13. set the people] That is, marshalled them in order.

went that night] i. e. Drew neerer unto the city with the body of his army.

into the midst of the valley] Which was between the city and his army, v. 11.

V. 14. when the king of Ai s…w it] Namely, that the Israelites had placed their army in a place of disadvantage, to wit, in a low valley, he made haste to lay hold on this opportunity.

all his people] That is, the greatest part, fit for this service, for that some remained in the city appeareth v. 16.

plain] Which was on the east part of the city.

V. 15. wildernesse] To wit, between Ai and Jericho, as fleeing to Jericho, from whence they came, to secure them from imminent danger.

V. 17. not a man] i. fit for war. See v. 24.

V. 18. out the spear] Which was the signall to be given to those that lay in ambush, that they should enter and surprise the city; and to those that fled, that they should turn face against the enemy.

V. 19. set the city on fire] Not the whole city, for then they could not have had the spoil which was given them, v. 1. but so much of it as might be a signall to the army, by the smoke ascending when they should return from their counterfeit flight, and set upon the enemy.

V. 20. this way] Being enclosed between them that had lyen in ambush and the main battell.

V. 24. smote it] All that remained in the city, as old and impotent men, women and children.

V. 26. drew not his hand back] Which was the signe when they should make their retreat, and cease wasting the city.

V. 28. for ever] i. e. for a long time, as this phrase sometimes signifieth; for Ai was afterwards rebuilt, and inhabited by the Benjamites, Nehem. 11. 31.

V. 29. his carcase down] According to the Law, Deut. 21. 22, 23. So Josh. 10. 26.

a great heap] See Chap. 7. 26.

V. 30. mount Ebal] Which lay by Sichem; as it is Judg. 9. 6.

V. 31. over which no man] Namely, to smooth and polish it with tools of the artificer, Ex. 27. 25. Deut. 27. 5.

V. 32. the stones] i. e. Other stones then those mentioned, v. 31.

a copy of the law] i. The sum of the law, or the decalogue; or, as some conceive, the blessings and the curses.

V. 33. Gerizim] Both these hils, Gerizim and Ebal, lay in the tribe of Ephraim, neer Sichem. See Deut. 11. 29, 30. and 27. 12, 13. Judg. 9. 7.

blesse the people]ie. pronounce the blessings and cursings opposite unto them, Deut. 27. 12, 13.

V. 35. which Joshua read not] i. e. Caused to be read by one of the Levites, as Moses had commanded, Deut. 27. 14.

strangers] i. e. The profelytes which had received and professed the Israelites religion. See v. 33.

CHAP. IX.

Vers. 1. ON this side] i. e. in respect of Moab, to wit, the land of Canaan, where the Israelites now were.

great sea] That is, the Mediterranean, or in all the coasts adjoyning to that sea.

Lebanon] Which lieth in the north part of Canaan.

Gibeon] A city of the Hivites, Josh. 11. 19. which fell to the tribe of Benjamin, and was given to the priest…, Josh. 21. 17. with them no peace was to be made, as being a part of the seven cursed nations, without speciall warrant from God, Exod. 23. 32. Deut. 7. 2.

V. 4. wilily] As the other Canaanites sought to save themselves by force of arms, so these by subtilty and policy.

bound up] To wit, where they had leaked.

V. 6. to the men of Israel] To wit, the princes and chiefest men. See v. 7. 14.

V. 7. Hivit…s] i. Gibeonites.

and how shall] Seeing God hath given us your land, and hath expresly forbidden us to make any covenant with you, Ex. 23. 32. Deut. 7. 2.

V. 8. thy servants] Not thy enemies, as the Ca…aanites are, and are ready to submit to thy commands, and to accept of such conditions of peace as thou shalt please to offer, though it were to become your servants.

V. 9. because of the name] Of the glory and power of the LORD (which we have heard much of) shewed in his great works and miracles.

V. 14. And the men] That is, the chief rulers and princes, took their victuals into their hands, that they might handle them, and see if they were such as they reported, and so believed and approved their words, being deceived with the sight of their provisions.

asked not counsell] Namely, by the high priest, enquiring of the LORD by Urim and Thummim, as he commanded, Num. 27. 21. Exod. 28. 30. 1 Sam. 30. 7, 8.

of the Lord] Who had promised to answer those that thus enquired of him, Exod. 25. 22.

V. 15. made peace with them] Not expressing any condition of persons, lands, liberty or goods (as it was lawfull to have done with other nations which were not Canaanites) but onelyonly the saving of their lives. And this peace seemeth lawfull, namely, if they would sue for this peace, abjure their idolatry, embrace the true religion of the Jews, and submit themselves, their lands, goods, and all they had to their Dominion: So Rahab, Judg. 2. 12. 14. See Deut. 2. 26. Josh. 11. 20. 2 Sam. 21. v. 1. 2, 9, 14. Deut. 20. 10. By all which places it appeareth, that they onelyonly of the Canaanites were devoted to utter destruction, who would not seek for peace on the former conditions.

V. 19. we may not touch them] To wit, because we are bound to save their lives, by a lawfull oath; for if it had been unlawfull, it might have been lawfully broken: but they sued for peace before we besieged their city, and upon our own conditions.

V. 20. This will we do] Namely, what is said v. 21.

lest wrath be upon us] As it would be, if we should violate a lawfull oath.

V. 21. unto them] i. e. To the murmuring people.

h…wers of wood] In the meanest condition among the people, Deut 29. 11.

V. 23. curs…d] i. e. In respect of your temporall condition, seeing you and your children shall like bond-men subject your selves to the basest offices. Some think that afterwards these were those Nethinims mentioned 1 Chr. 9. 2. Ezra 8. 20.

house of my God] i. e. The tabernacle now, and temple afterwards; yea, for the publike service of all the congregation, in things appertaining to God, v. 27.

V. 25. in thy hand] i. e. In thy power, to do with us and lay upon us such service as thou pleasest.

V. 27. choose] i. e. Either tabernacle or temple.

CHAP. X.

Vers. 1. ADoni-zed…k] Which name signifieth, king of righteousnesse.

among them] For so it seemeth, by Chap. 9. ver. 17.

V. 2. That they feared] To wit, Adoni-zed…k, and the other kings of the countrey.

V. 3. Adoni-zed…k] Who it seemeth was chief of those kings, and had in such cases (as some think) some superiority over the rest.

Hebron, &c.] Which cities were afterwards in the tribe of Judah.

V. 6. Slack not] Withdraw not thine aid from us, that now by covenant are become thy servants, and therefore under thy protection.

mountains] For all those five cities were situate in the mountains, and not like Jericho in a valley.

V. 10. d…scomfited them] Both by the Israelites sword, and also with the hail-stones, as it is v. 11.

at Gibeon] That is, in the confines about it. So Chap. 5. 13.

V. 12. spake Joshua] To wit, by a faithfull and e…ectuall prayer in the presence of the people, that God would be pleased to do this great miracle; and then believing that he was heard, he commanded the sun, and it obeyed.

Ajalon] Afterwards in the tribe of Zebulon, Judg. 12. 12. towards the north of Canaan. There is another of that name in the tribe of Dan, Josh. 19. 42.

V. 13. book of Iasher] A book of civill annalls, which is lost, as many other of like nature, Num. 21. 14.

V. 14. no day like that] i. e. Of so great length; for in Hezekiah's dayes the sun did not stand still, but went back onelyonly ten degrees.

V. 15. Ioshua returned] To wit, when he had performed all related from this verse to the end of the Chapter, as appeareth in the last verse; for the writer of this book sets forth the whole warre succinctly to this verse, and then more largely and part… cularly to the end of the Chapter.

fled] Namely, whilest Joshua pursued the victory.

V. 21. all the people] To wit, which by Joshua's command had pursued the enemy, v. 19.

to the camp] i. e. The military camp of the army; for the standing camp of the whole people remained still in Gilgal, whither they returned after the victory, v. 43.

in …eace] Hebr. that is; sound and s…fe.

moved his tongue] None opposed them, not so much as by muttering against them. See Ex. 11. 7.

V. 24. put your f…et] To disgrace them for their wickednesse, and to encourage his captains in the assurance of like victories for the time to come. So v. 25.

V. 26. hanged them] i. e. Caused them to be slain and hanged by his command.

V. 27. took them down] See Josh. 8. 29.

laid great stones] i. e. In perpetuall memory of the thing done. See Josh. 7. 26.

V. 28. Makkedah] A city which afterwards was in the utmost confines of the tribe of Judah towards the west, Josh. 15. 41.

all the souls] i. e. All humane persons; for the beasts were to be their prey. So v. 40. and Chap. 11. v. 11.

V. 29. all Israel] To wit, which had been in this expedition at Gibeon.

Libnah] A city situate in the tribe of Judah. Josh. 15. 42. and given to the priests, Josh. 21. 13.

V. 31. Lachish] A strong city in the consines of the tribe of Judah westward. Josh. 15. 39.

V. 32. second day] To wit, after they laid siege to it.

V. 33. Gezer] A city situate in the tribe of Ephraim, Josh. 16. 3. 10.

V. 34. Eglon] In the tribe of Judah, Josh. 15. 39. situate five leagues from Jerusalem southward, and three from Emaus.

V. 35. On that day] To wit, the same day that they encamped against it.

V. 36. Hebron] An ancient city in Canaan, built seven yeers before Zoan in Egypt, Num. 13. 22. situate in the tribe of Judah, Josh. 15. 13. called before Kirjath-arba. This history is enlarged Chap. 14. 15.

V. 37. the king thereof] to wit, the new king, who succeeded him that was slain, v. 3. 26.

V. 38. Joshua returned] i. e. Leaving the Southern parts, bended his course toward Gilgal.

Debir] A city in the consines of Judah, butting on the tribe of Simeon, before called Kirjath-sepher, Judg. 1. 12. Another of this name was in the tribe of Gad, beyond Jordan, Josh. 13. 26.

V. 40. smote all] i. e. Conquered and subdued.

all that breathed] See v. 28.

commanded] And therefore this great and generall slaughter of these nations proceeded not from any cruelty in Joshua, but was done in obedience to Gods commandment.

V. 41. Kadesh-barnea] In the tribe of Judah, in the utmost consines southward.

Goshen] Not that of Egypt, but another: of which see Josh. 11. 16. 15. 51.

V. 42. at one time] i. e. In one expedition, and so he endeth the history of the first seven yeers after their entrance into Canaan, as appeareth by the taking Hebron and Debir. Of which see Chap. 14 and 15. and Judg. 1.

CHAP. XI.

Vers. 1. HAzo… ] A city lying in or upon Galilee, called Galilee of the Gentiles, not far from Kades.

Shimron] Which is called Shimron-meron, Josh. 12. 20.

Cinneroth] Afterwards called Tiberias by the lake of Genezareth, Luk. 5. 1. Also the sea Chinnereth, Num. 34. 11. The sea of Tiberias, and the Galilean sea.

V. 2. Dor] A city and countrey afterwards in the tribe of Manasseh, Josh. 17. 11.

V. 3. Hermon] A hill in the …orth of Palestine.

Mispeh] A city adjoyning to Gilead. See Gen. 31. 49. Judg. 10. 17.

V. 5. waters of Merom] Where the king of Shimron-meron reigned.

V. 6. hough their horses] To wit, that you may not use them in war, nor put your trust in these warlike preparations. See Deut. 17. 16. Judg. 7. 2. 2 Sam. 8. 4. Psal. 20. 7.

V. 8. Zidon] Which had its name from Zidon the first-born of Canaan, Gen. 10. 15.

Misrephath-maim] i. e. Salt-pits, with which that tract aboundeth: or, as some take it, glasse-ovens, or hot waters, or baths.

V. 10. smote the king] i. e. Jabin, if he had escaped out of the battell; or if he were slain, their new king succeeding him in this government.

was the head] i. e. The metropolis of all the kingdoms in that part of Canaan where Joshua now was.

V. 11. the souls] i. e. All the people, having the cattell for their prey.

V. 13. flood still in their strength] To wit, with their walls and bulwarks not yet rased and dismounted; these they preserved entire for their own use, that they might dwell in them safely and securely.

V. 16. Goshen] See Chap. 10. 41.

the mountain of Israel] Which fell to the share of Israel, Judah excepted, which had his own mountains peculiar unto himself, as appeareth vers. 21.

V. 17. mount Halak] i. e. The smooth or bare mount, so called, because neither grasse, herb nor tree grew upon it.

V. 18. a long time] That is, somewhat more then six yeers, as appeareth by the age of Caleb, when he desired Hebron of Joshua, Josh. 14. 7, 8, &c. 13.

V. 19. all other they took] i. e. All the above-named cities, or all that Joshua came before; for we read in the book of Joshua and Samuel, That there were many cities which were not yet taken. See also Josh. 13. 1.

Anakims] Anakim was the proper name of a famous giant, which afterwards was given commonly to all giants. See Num. 13. 28. 33. Deut. 1. 28.

mountains of Iudah] Wherein the giants chiefly inhabited. See Chap. 14. 12. and v. 16.

of Israel] i. e. Other tribes besides Judah.

V. 22. Gath] Where dwelt the giant Goliath, 1 Sam. 17. 4.

Ashdod] These three were cities of the Philistims, which were not then conquered.

V. 23. the whol… land] i. e. The greatest part of it, or all sorts of land, champion and mountainous, &c. or all that land before spoken of.

according to their divisions] i. e. Related in the following Chapters.

CHAP. XII.

Vers. 1. RIver Arnon] A river dividing the Moabites from the Amorites, on this side Jordan, Num. 21. 13.

V. 3. Cinneroth] See Josh. 11. 2. Deut. 3. 17.

sea of the plain] It is called also the dead sea, in respect of the thick waters, and slow motion; and the lake of Sodom, and of Asphaltites.

Beth-j…shimoth] Situate in the confines of the Moabites, Ezek. 21. 9.

V. 5. Geshurites] Geshur was a royall city in the land of Bashan, not farre from Damascus. The daughter of Talmai the king of Geshur, Maacah, was Davids wife, and Absaloms mother, 2 Sam. 3. 3. whither he fled after he had murthered Amnon, 2 Sam. 13. 37, 38.

V. 7. Seir] The name of a mountain, and city seated on it. It is a very high mountain, situate on the east side of the land of Hus, which had its name from Esau, who was also called Seir, i. e. hairy.

their divisions] i. e. To every one his share.

V. 14. Arad] Of whom, see Num. 21. 1.

V. 15. Adullam] A city in the land of Judah, 1 Chron. 11. 15. neer unto which was a cave in which David hid himself. 1 Sam. 22. 1.

CHAP. XIII.

Vers. 1. TO be possessed] To wit, after the enemies are overcome.

V. 2. remaineth] To wit, unconquered, or not yet subdued.

all Geshuri] See 2 Sam. 3. 3. 15. 8. and Chap. 12. 5.

V. 3. Sihor] A river so called because of its blacknesse; which, (as some think) divideth Palestine from Egypt, See Num. 34. 5.

counted] For the Philistims were not just owners of it, but by force had driven the Avims out of it. See Deut. 2. 22, 23. yet some of them remained unexpelled, which are here spoken of in the end of the verse.

V. 5. Giblits] So called of Gebal, a promontory above Zidon: see Psal. 83. 7. Ezek. 27. 9.

V. 7. Now therefore] i. e. Seeing thou art stricken in yeers, and canst no longer pursue thy conquest.

V. 8. even as Moses] To wit, in like manner, and on the same conditions.

V. 12. of the giants] Of the Rephaims, mentioned Gen. 14. 5.

V. 13. expelled not] Either wanting power, or rather will, as thinking that they had cities and ground sufficient for their use, though they lived with them: But herein disobeying Gods command, they that remained became snares and pricks to hur… them, Num. 33. 55. Josh. 23. 13. Judg. 2. 3.

V. 14. he gave none] To wit, Moses: so v. 33.

the sacrifices] That is, all that which remained of the sacrifices: see Num. 18. 8. to 23. Deut. 10. 9. 18. 2.

V. 15. according to their families] Assigning to every family its portion.

V. 17. Heshbon] This city belonged both to the Reubenites and Gadites: and hence it is said, Chap. 21. 39. that the Gadites gave it to the Levites.

Bam…th-baal] i. e. The place from whence Balaam blessed Israel, Num. 22. 41.

V. 21. princes of Midian] Whom Moses likewise defeated, Num. 31. 8.

dukes of Sih…n] i. e. The governours and commanders; which also are called kings, Num. 31. 8.

V. 25. half the land] To wit, which Sihon had taken from them, as appeareth Num. 21. 26. for otherwise God had expresly forbidden the Israelites to take any thing from the Ammonites which was in their present possession, Deut. 2. 19. Hence it is, that Jephthah denieth that they had taken any thing from them, but from Sihon, Judg. 11. 15.

V. 27. valley] That is, the champion or plain.

Jordan Eastward] i. e. In the land of Moab.

V. 30. Mahanaim] There the angels of God met with Jacob, whence the name was imposed, Gen. 32. 1, 2.

V. 31. one half] For his six sons had received their inheritance on the other side of Jordan with the nine tribes. Josh. 17. 2, 5.

V. 32. plains of Moab] So called, because the Moabites possessed them, till they were expelled by the Amorites.

CHAP. XIIII.

Vers. 1. ANd these] Which are expressed in this and the five following Chapters.

which] Which by hereditary right were given to them to be possessed.

and the heads] i. e. The chief fathers of the tribes, as God appointed before, Num. 34. 17, 18.

V. 2. by lot] In which they thus proceeded; the whole countrey was divided into so many parts as there were tribes, and when the lot was drawn by a tribe in such or such a countrey, according as the number of such a tribe was, great or small, so the portion of it was enlarged or lessened. See Num. 26. 54, 55, &c. 33. 54.

hand of Moses] By his ministery.

half tribe] To wit, of Manasseh.

V. 4. were two tribes] To wit, by Jacobs appointment, Gen. 48. 5. 1 Chron. 5. 1. So though Levie lacked, yet were there still twelve tribes by this means.

V. 5. they divided the land] i. e. Not in present act, but in their intention, according to which they agreed upon an order how the whole land should be divided, both that part which they now possessed, and that also which was not yet subdued. The like phrase we have Gen. 37. 21. Ex. 12. 48.

V. 6. of Judah came] As being of the same tribe with Caleb, they came to assist him in his suit, which in the generall God had formerly promised, Num. 14. 24. Deut. 1. 36. And that all this was done before the subduing of Hebron, appeareth v. 12. being compared with Chap. 10. 36, 37.

in Gilgal] It seemeth this distribution was made, the camp being yet in Gilgal; the other distribution was made at Shiloh, whither the camp removed from Gilgal, Josh. 18. 1, 10.

V. 7. Fourty yeers old was I] He was, with others, sent to spie the land two yeers after their coming out of Egypt, and after that they wandered in the wildernesse eight and thirty yeers, Deut. 2. 14. Whence it appeareth, that this was the seventh yeer after their coming into Canaan; and that they were above six yeers in conquering of it, seeing he was fourty yeers old when he was sent to spie the land, Josh. 14. 7.

in my heart] As I was perswaded in my heart to be true, that God would give unto us the land of Canaan.

V. 8. melt] Made them faint-hearted.

followed the Lord] So v. 9. 14. and Num. 14. 24.

V. 9. sware] To wit, by Gods motion and direction. See Num. 14. 21. 24.

V. 10. wandered] By Gods speciall command, for their rebellion and unbelief, Num. 14. 25. Heb. 3. 19.

V. 11. both to go out] A proverbiall speech, often used, as Deut. 31. 2. Num. 27. 17. whereby he signifieth, That he was yet an able commander, and sit to conquer the countrey which he desired, and to subdue the Anakims.

V. 12. this mountain] i. e. This mountainous countrey of Judah, in which Hebron was seated.

V. 13. And Joshua blessed him] Having granted his request, prayed God to blesse him with good successe, and joyfull fruition of his inheritance.

Hebron] That is, the countrey and territory of Hebron, with the towns and villages belonging to it: For Hebron it self was a free city, and belonged to the Levites, Josh. 21. 11, 12. 1 Chron. 6. 56.

V. 14. Inheritance] But not on the condition which he propounded; to wit, That he would conquer it by his own proper forces; for Joshua himself, with the whole army, subdued it, and afterwards gave it to Caleb, Josh. 10. 37.

V. 15. Ar…a] From whom this city had its name, was a great man, both in his authority, strength and stature, yea even among the giant-like Anakims so reputed.

had rest] Not at the time when Caleb made this request, v. 12. for then both Hebron, and a great part of the land, was not conquered; but after that Joshua with his army had subdued it, and given it to Caleb in possession.

CHAP. XV.

Vers. 1. OF Zin] Not that (as it seemeth) into which the Israelites first entred when they came out of Egypt, but another, on the south of the lake Asphaltites; because in the Hebrew they are written with divers letters, the one with Tsade, the other with Same…h.

V. 2. salt sea] The lake of Sodom, sulphurous and bituminous.

V. 3. Maaleh-acrabbim] So called, from the scorpions and snakes which there abounded, Judg. 1. 36.

V. 4. the sea] i. e. The Mediterranean sea.

V. 5. end of Jordan] Where it falleth into the salt sea.

V. 6. son of Reuben] The tribe of Reuben had no land on that side of Jordan; therefore it seemeth that place had its name from Bohan a Reubenite, for some memorable act done by him there.

V. 7. Gilgal] Called also Geliloth, Josh. 18. 17.

V. 8. valley of the son of Hinnom] In which they sacrificed their children with inhumane torments to Molech, 2 Kin. 23. 10. Jer. 19. 2, 6. 2 Chron. 28. 3. And in the new testament, by a little change of the letters, it is called Gehenna, and taken for the torments of hell, Matth. 18. 9. 23. 33.

Jebusite] Hierusalem was called Jebus, Judg. 19. 11. because it was the metropolis of the Jebusites, which they long possessed, 2 Sam. 5. 6.

V. 10. mount Seir] Not that in Edom, but another of that name in the land of Judah.

Beth-shemesh] Not that situate in the tribe of Issachar, Josh. 19. 22. but a city in the tribe of Judah, 2 Kin. 14. 11. yet given to the Levites, Josh. 21. 16. 1 Sam. 6. 12.

V. 11. the sea] i. e. the Mediterranean sea.

V. 14. Caleb dr…ve thence] This, as some think, was done after the death of Joshua, Judg. 1. 10. 20.

V. 15. he went up thence] This expedition is attributed to Caleb, because, though Joshua and the army performed it, Josh. 10. 37, 38. together with him, yet it was done chiefly for his sake, to whom Hebron was given, and atchieved chiefly by him, Othniel, and the rest of his allies and friends. Some think, that after it was conquered by Joshua, it was again repossessed by the Canaanites, and then afterwards recovered by Caleb: And others conceive, that Caleb himself properly conquered these cities; but by anticipation it is attributed to Joshua, because Caleb took them by his concession and authority.

V. 18. she came unto him] i. e. To Othniel her husband.

and Caleb said] See this story more fully related, Judg. 1. 11.

moved him to ask] Obtained leave of him that she might ask of her father.

she lighted] That she might with more reverence speak unto her father. See Gen. 24. 64. 1 Sam. 25. 23.

V. 19. a blessing] i. e. A gift or boon, with thy fathers blessing on it, Gen. 33. 11.

a south land] A dry land, because high, and exposed to the scorching heat of the sun.

springs of water] i. e. Other lands, with springs of water in them, that with watering them we may make them fruitfull.

V. 32. all the cities are twenty and nine] Thirty and six were named; but because some of them did belong to the tribe of Simeon, as appeareth Josh. 19. 2. and some lay in common to both tribes, therefore he speaks here but of twenty and nine.

V. 36. Gederah, and Gederothaim] Both which names signifie one and the same city, as some conceive, and so here are but fourteen cities reckoned.

V. 55. Maon] From this city the wildernesse adjoyning had its name, in which David hid himself from Saul, 1 Sam▪ 23. 25.

V. 66. could not drive out] To wit, because God, for their idolatry and other sins, would not drive them out before them. See Judg. 20. 20, 21.

unto this day] i. e. In which this history was written; for a part of that city was taken by Juda, Judg. 1. 8. and by David wholly conquered, 2 Sam. 5. 6.

CHAP. XVI.

Vers. 1. LƲz] Not that Luz spoken of Gen. 28. 19. but that mentioned Judg. 1. 26.

V. 2. Archi] The place from whence Hushai came, Davids counseller, 2 Sam. 16. 16.

V. 4. Manasseh] To wit, half that tribe which had not its portion beyond Jordan.

V. 7. to Jericho] i. e. Some territories thereof; for the city of Jericho it self fell to Benjamins lot, Josh. 18. 21.

V. 10. they drave not cut] They brought them into subjection, but did not quite expell them, herein sinning against Gods expresse command, Deut. 7. 2. Judg. 1. 29.

this day] i. e. When the author wrote this history; yea, to the dayes of Solomon, when the king of Egypt subdued it, and gave it to his daughter, Solomons wife, 1 Kin. 9. 16.

CHAP. XVII.

Vers. 1. A man of war] He had a double portion, both winning it by his valour, and having a right unto it, as being the first-born, Deut. 21. 17. 3. 14.

Gilead] i. e. Our half of mount Gilead, as appeareth, Deut. 3. 12, 13.

V. 2. …est of the children] i. e. Those who had no portion on the other side of Jordan.

by their families] i. e. The heads of their families descending from them, and bearing their name.

V. 5. ten portions] Of which six fell to those named, v. 2. of which the fifth belonging to Hepher, was divided amongst Zelophehads five daughters, the grand-children of Hepher.

V. 6. daughters of Manasseh] i. e. Which descended from Manasseh, but begotten by Zelophehad.

V. 9. among the cities] i. e. The cities and lands belonging to Ephraim and Manasleh were mingled one with another. See Josh. 16. 9.

V. 10. the sea] i. e. The Syrian sea.

V. 12. would dwell] i. e. Resolving to dwell still in their own cities, stood upon their own strength and defence.

V. 14. children of Joseph] i. e. Both Ephraim and Manasseh, as it …ppeareth v. 15, 16, 17.

one lot] They had two lots or portions; but their meaning is, That they were so small, by reason the Canaanites held still a great part from them, that all yet alotted to them was scarce sufficient for one tribe to inherite, in regard of their great multitude.

a great people] For in the last number these two tribes were eighty five thousand and two hundred strong, Num. 26. 34, 37.

V. 15. cut] i. e. Cut down the wood, and make the land champion and arable for thy use, and fit for habitation.

V. 16. the hill] i. e. The hillie part of the countrey which we have hitherto subdued.

have charets of iron] And, having this advantage, can hardly be vanquished and expelled, Judg. 1. 19. and 4. 3.

V. 17. o…e lot onelyonly] i. e. As there is great reason that thou, being a great and numerous people, shouldest have a portion large enough for thee to inhabit; so, upon the same ground, there is as great reason that thou shouldst employ double strength to get a double portion.

V. 18. for thou shalt drive out] i. e. Doubt not of good successe, if you will be couragious, and relie by faith upon Gods promises, assuring you of victory, Josh. 13. 6.

CHAP. XVIII.

Vers. 1. SHilch] Which is a city in the tribe of Ephraim, unto which place they removed the tabernacle from Gilgal, that the people might frequent it with more conveniency, because this was toward the heart of the countrey, whereas Gilgal was in the confines.

V. 3. are you slack] It seemeth that the distribution of the land was for some time interrupted after it was begun, either because the people misliked the division, as suspecting it to be partiall; or because they feared to enter, because many of the Canaanites were not yet subdued: which negligence Joshua here reproveth.

V. 4. and describe it] i. e. In respect of the quantity of it, and of the number of the cities and villages, that so we may the better know how we may justly divide it, and give equall shares to every tribe and family, as they are in number, few or many.

V. 5. coasts on the north] Not in relation to the whole land, but to the tribe of Judah onelyonly.

V. 6. the land] i. e. The remainder of the land, which is not yet divided.

cast lots] That by casting lots I may distribute unto every one their inheritance.

before the Lord] i. e. The tabernacle of the congregation.

V. 7. But the Levites] This reason he giveth why no lot was to be cast for the Levites.

priesthood of the Lord] i. e. The things consecrated to God, and due unto the priests and Levites for their service, that is, the offerings, tythes, and first-fruits, &c.

V. 10. their divisions] i. e. To each tribe and family their portion.

V. 11. came up] i. e. Out of the urne or vessell into which it had been put: that is, a double lot] to wit, out of one urne the name of Benjamin, and out of the other that share of land that was allotted unto him.

V. 13. Luz] See Chap. 16. 2.

Beth-el] Which was in the tribe of Ephraim, and called Beth-aven, Josh. 7. 2. Another Beth-el was in the tribe of Benjamin.

V. 14. sea] i. e. The Mediterrancan sea, which was towards the west in the land of Canaan.

V. 17. Geliloth] i. e. Gilead, as appeareth, Josh. 15. 7. and 22. 13.

V. 28. Jerusalem] Which was in two tribes; the north in the tribe of Benjamin, which was the greatest part; and the south, which was in the tribe of Judah.

CHAP. XIX.

Vers. 1. LOt came forth] See Josh. 18. 11.

within the inheritance] To wit, according to Jacobs prophecie, That he should be scattered among the other tribes, Gen. 49. 7.

V. 2. and Sheba] Some read it, or Sheba, and do think that these two names signifie but one city divided into two parts by a wall or river; or otherwise there should be here fourteen cities instead of thirteen, reckoned vers. 6. Besides, in 1 Chron. 4. 28. where this story is repeated, Sheba is left out.

V. 3. Balah] Which city is called Bilha, 1 Chron. 4. 29. and such alterations in names are frequent in the scriptures, and other authors, caused by length of time, and other accidents.

V. 9. children of Simeon] See the note on Josh. 15. 32.

V. 13. Gittah-hepher] Which was the birth-place of Jonah, 2 Kin. 14. 25.

V. 15. Beth-lehem] Not in the tribe of Judah, where Christ was born, but another of that name in the tribe of Zebulun, vers. 10.

villages] Some of the chiefest whereof are reckoned here with the cities.

V. 21. En-gannim] There was another city of this name in the tribe of Judah; for in divers tribes were cities of the same name, and were onelyonly differenced by the severall tribes in which they were, one from another.

V. 17. Cabul] Some think this not to be a city, but a countrey, containing in it twenty cities, which Solomon gave to Hiram, 1 King. 9. 11. and the rather, because he reckoneth here but two and twenty cities; whereas, if this were one, there should be three and twenty. But yet it seemeth that that Cabul was so first called by Hiram, on that occasion, because it was displeasing, or dirty; or therefore displeasing, because dirty. Besides, that Cabul was not a part of the land of promise, but some place adjoyning to it; for otherwise it had been unlawfull for Solomon to alienate it, by giving it to a stranger.

V. 28. Hebron] Not that in Judah, but in this tribe of Asher, which in the originall are differenced by divers letters, foreign and foreign.

great Zidon] Not called so because there was a lesse, but in respect of her fame and excellency.

V. 29. Tyre] Hebr. Tzor; i. e. a rock, as being built on a rock, and environed with rocks and the sea. This belonged to Asher, but the heathens held it in possession, 2 Sam. 5. 11. 2 King. 5. 1, 2.

V. 47. went out too little] i. e. Was so little and strait, that it was not large enough to contain so great a multitude as they were.

Leshem] Or Laish, as Judg. 18. 7. where the same story is related more fully: and by collation of that with this, it plainly appeareth, that the things here recorded were done after Joshua's death, and that therefore he could not be the author of this whole book, seeing he could not write of things which happened after his death.

V. 47. Leshem, Dan] After the name of their patriarch Dan. This city was situate at the bottom of mount Lebanon, in the northern confine of the countrey opposite to Beer-sheba, which is the southern border; and afterwards called Caesare… Philippi.

V. 50. Timnath-serah] Called Timnath-heres, Judg. 2. 9. where Joshua afterwards was buried, Josh. 24. 30.

V. 51. This verse is the conclusion of what hath been said concerning the distribution of the land, from the fourteenth Chapter hitherto.

CHAP. XX.

Vers. 1. SPake] i. e. Either visibly appearing unto him, as Josh. 5. 15. or by propheticall revelation.

V. 2. cities if refuge] i. e. In which those that had slain any at unawares might be in safety.

V. 3. unwittingly] For no place might secure a wilfull murtherer, no not the temple nor altar, Exod. 21. 14. 1 Kin. 2. 31, 34.

avenger of bleod] i. e. From the kinred of the party slain, to whom the right of executing just revenge belonged.

V. 4. gate of the city] i. e. The place of Judicature, which in those dayes used to be at the city gates.

shall declare his cause] i. e. The manner of his fact, and what moved him to flee thither.

of the elders] That is, the magistrates and judges in that place.

shall take him] To wit, after he hath cleared himself of wilfull murther. See Num. 35. 22, 23. Deut. 19. 4, 5.

V. 6. he shall dwell in that city] To wit, if upon the hearing of his cause he be justified by the judges.

unto the death of the high priest] i. e. Who was so when he committed the slaughter. By which figure was signified, That true and full liberty was onelyonly to be obtained by the death of our high priest, Jusus Christ, Joh. 8. 36.

V. 7. they appointed] Hebr. they sanctified; i. e. They consecrated for sanctuaries or places of refuge and safety, the cities which Moses formerly had appointed, Deut. 4. 41, 45.

mountain of Judah] i. e. In the mountainous countrey in Judah, Luk. 1. 39, 65.

V. 2. stranger] i. e. The proselyte converted to the Jews religion.

he stood] i. e. Till his cause were heard in a judicious manner before the judges, in the great assembly of the people, and he found and pronounced guiltlesse.

CHAP. XXI.

Vers. 1. THe heads] i. e. The chief among the families of the Levites, to wit, the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites. See 1 Chron. 6. 54, 62, 63.

Shiloh] Where the tabernacle and ark were now seated.

V. 2. spake unto them] They could not speak before for their inheritance, till all the rest were divided among the other eleven tribes, because theirs was to be appointed out of them all.

hand] i. e. The ministery.

V. 3. gave unto the Levites] To wit, by lots, as it is, v. 4, 6, 8. namely, for their use and habitation, and not in respect of title and dominion, which still remained to the tribe to which it was by lot first given, as appeareth, v. 11, 12.

V. 4. came out] Was first drawn out of the urne.

thirteen cities] Every tribe gave more or fewer cities, according as their inheritance was great or little, Num. 35. 8.

V. 8. suburbs] i. e. Arable land and pasturage adjoyning unto the cities, which were a thousand cubits from the wall of the city round about, Num. 35. 4.

V. 10. of Aaron] For Aaron came of Kohath, and therefore the priests office remained in that family, though none of them were priests, but they onelyonly which descended from Aaron.

V. 11. Anak] See Josh. 14. 15. and 15. 13.

V. 12. But the fields] i. e. Besides or beyond the two thousand cubits allotted to the Levites, Num. 35. 5.

V. 13. Thus they gave] The catalogue of these cities is rehearsed, 1 Chron. 6. 55. with some difference in respect of names, which is caused by the altering of names in processe of time, and also because some cities had divers names.

children of Aaron] i. e. The priests of the family of the Kohathites, of whom Aaron was the chief.

V. 16. tribes] Namely, Judah and Simeon, v. 9.

V. 18. Anathoth] The City in which Jeremy was born.

Almon] Alias Alemeth, both names signifying youth; and 2 Sam. 3. 16. It is called Bahurim, which hath the same signification.

V. 20. Children of Kohath] Which were not Priests, as not being discended from Aaron.

V. 21. Shechem] This and Hebron were the two Cities of refuge, under the Kohathites.

Gezer] See Judg. 1. 29.

V. 25. half-tribe] i. e. Which dwelt in Chanaan.

V. 27. other half-tribe] Besides that half whose lot fell beyond Jordan.

Golan] This and Kedesh were the Cities of refuge under the Gershonites.

V. 34. the rest of the Levites] They are called the rest, because they are last numbred, and Merari was the yongest brother, Gen. 46. 11.

V. 36. Bezer] Bezer and Ramoth were the Cities of refuge under the Merarites, and beyond Jordan, Josh. 20. 8.

V. 41. within the possession] Thus according to Jacobs prophecie, they were scattered throughout the whole land, which God did to this end, That his people might be instructed by them in the true religion.

fourty eight Cities] Unto Levie the half tribe are allotted more Cities then to the greater tribes: And this is, because divers Cities of other tribes are not named as the Levites are; and also, because they ne…ded more then other tribes, in regard that they might live onelyonly in Cities, whereas the other might live in villages and countrey houses.

V. 43. the Lord gave] That is, he assigned it unto them, and gave them right unto it, though divers of the tribes through their negligence, did not drive out the Canaanites. For that much of the land at this time remained unsubdued, appeareth, Chap. 13. and 23. and Judg. Chap. 1. But the meaning is, That all Gods promises were performed in that manner and time, as God made them. i. e. That they should enjoy all the countrey in fit time, when as they were sufficient to inhabit it, Exod. 23. 29. Deut. 7. 22.

possessed it] i. e. So much of it as they subdued, or thought needfull for their present use.

V. 44. gave them rest] to wit, From warre. i. e. Peace and tranquillity.

not a man] To resist or hurt them, namely, of all those who assailed them, or were assaulted by them, whilest Joshua did lead the army.

V. 45. any good thing] And among the rest that is to be reputed one, That the LORD would not presently, and at once, expell their enemies out of the land of promise, Exod. 23. 29.

CHAP. XXII.

Vers. 1. THen] i. e. When God had fulfilled all his promises; and having subdued their enemies, had given unto his people, peace and rest.

V. 2. commanded you] Which was to go armed before their brethren.

V. 3. these many dayes] i. e. Above thirteen yeers, as some compute it. Seven yeers almost in their conquest, and neer so much in dividing the land, others reckon neer thirteen yeers, and more yeers to the conquest then to the division of the land.

V. 7. to their tents] That is, to their own dwellings beyond Jordan.

blessed them] i. e. Prayed unto God for his blessing upon them.

V. 8. with your brethren] to wit, Which remained at home with their wives, children, and stuff, and went not to the war. See Num. 31. 27. and 1 Sam. 30. 24.

V. 9. Gilead,] i. e. All that countrey in which Sehon and Og raigned.

V. 10. borders] Heb. Geliloth. See Josh. 18. 17. Which countrey was also called Canaan, because the Amorites dwelling there, were called Canaanites.

V. 12. to warre] Such now was their zeal, that they would rather hazard their lives, then suffer Gods true religion to be corrupted. For God had ordained, That there should be but one place for publike service, and sacrifices, and but one altar. Levit. 17. 8, 9. Deut. 12. 5, 7. 13. 27. Exod. 20. 24. Deut. 27. 5.

V. 14. ten princes,] i. e. Nine for the nine tribes, and one for the half tribe of Manasseth.

V. 17. not cleansed] But all lie still under the infamy of so foul a sin; and some then guilty, but not presently punished, do still suffer for it, though many yeers after, Numb. 14. 20, 21.

V. 18. to morrow] i. e. In time to come, and that very speedily. So v. 24. and 4. 6.

V. 19. be unclean] i. e. If in your opinion it be unsanctified, as wanting the visible signes of Gods presence, and the means of his publike service, to wit, the tabernacle, altar, and arke.

against the Lord] To use any other service then God hath appointed; is to rebell against him, 1 Sam. 15. 23.

nor rebell against us] In drawing Gods judgements upon us by your sin, as Achan did, or inseparating your selves from us.

V. 20. sonne of Zerah] i. e. Of the posteritie of Zerah, Josh. 7. 17, 18.

not alone] But thirty and six of the people, and his wife, and children for his sin.

V. 21. the thousands] For the children of Israel were divided into thousands, Exod. 18. 21. Judg. 6. 15.

V. 23. require it] Call us to account, and punish us for it.

V. 24. this thing] That is, concerning Gods pure worship.

What have you to do] To wit, with our God, or his service, tabernacle, or altar, seeing you are not his people, being separated by Jordan from the holy land.

V. 25. no part in the Lord] i. e. Ye are none of Gods people, nor have any thing to do in his service, in his sanctuary, or any interest in his blessings. See the like phrases. 2 Sam. 20. 1. 1 King. 12. 16. Ezra 4. 2. Neh. 2. 20.

make our children] i. e. Make them lesse zealous in the service of God, or cause them to turn quite from him.

V. 27. a witnesse] A significative monument.

before him] In his tabernacle or temple, the place of his presence.

V. 31. the Lord is among us] To wit, by his grace and blessing in keeping you from sinning against him, by setting up a new divised worship.

out of the hand of God] Whose wrath would have been kindled both against you and us all, if you had committed that sin which we suspected.

V. 32. brought them word] i. e. Related unto them their just apology and excuse.

V. 34. a witnesse between us] To wit, That we worship the same God, and imbrace the same true religion with all the rest of Gods people.

CHAP. XXIII.

Vers. 2. ALL Israel] That is to say, for all their elders, and heads, &c. as it is expounded in the words following.

V. 4. that remain] That is, as yet unconquered, which the people of Israel by Gods command were bound to root out by warre.

V. 7. come not among] i. e. Have no familiarity with them, nor make marriages with them, as v. 12.

nor cause to swear] i. e. Let not the Judges admit an oath, which any shall swear by their idols. Deut. 12. 3.

V. 8. unto this day] i. e. Since under my conduct, you came into the land of Canaan.

V. 12. go back] That is, back-slide from God and his true worship.

V. 13. scourges] Alluding to the manner of old times, when the sides of offenders were scourged. Eccles. 30. 12. 42. 5.

in your eyes] i. e. A continuall grief and vexation unto you.

V. 14. I am going] i. e. I am ready to die according to the course of nature, or my death neer approacheth. So 1 King. 2. 2. Heb. 9. 27.

in all your hearts] i. e. You know most certainly.

V. 15. all evill things] To wit, which he hath threatned if you transgresse his law.

CHAP. XXIIII.

Vers. 1. TO Shechem] That is to Shilo, which was in the territories of Shechem, where the tabernacle now was: nor is it unusuall to put the name of the countrey, for some chief city therein scituated. So vers. 32. compared with Gen. 33. 18. So Hebron is said to be given to Caleb, Chap. 14. 14. That is not the city it self, but the territory adjoyning to it, Chap. 21. 13.

before God] i. e. The tabernacle, the place of Gods presence.

V. 2. all the people] To wit, those specified, v. 1.

of the flood] To wit, Euphrates, i. e. In Mesopotamia. So v. 3. 14, 15.

V. 3. multiplyed] To wit, by Hagar and Keturah.

gave him Isaac] To wit, as heir by speciall covenant, grace and power.

V. 7. darknesse] That is, by a dark cloud he separated the Egyptians from the Israelites.

and your eyes have seen] i. e. So many of you as were under twenty yeers when you came out of Egypt, for all the rest died in the wildernesse, saving Caleb and Joshua.

V. 9. arose, or to war, and warred] i. e. Purposed to make war, though he did not do it in act, Judg. 11. 25. So the intention duplicate page duplicate page is sometime taken for the very act, as John 10. 32, 33.

V. 11. fought against you] i. e. Prepared to fight, and fortified themselves and cities, in a hostile manner, and the rest of the nations here mentioned, by force of arms fought against you.

V. 12. the hornet] Either literally very hornets, as it is understood, Wisd. 12. 8. or metaphorically taken for the terrour of their approach, which like hornets, stung, and deaded their hearts.

I sent the hornet before you] Exod. 23. 28. Deut. 7. 20.

even the two kings] To wit, Sehon and Og.

not with thy sword] i. e. Not by any policy or power of thine onelyonly, or chiefly, which would have been vain in themselves, had not God, as principall cause, given victory. Psal. 44. 3.

V. 13. and cities] For they destroyed onelyonly Hazor, and left the rest for themselves to dwell in. Josh. 11. 13.

of the vineyards] i. e. Of the fruit of the vineyard. So Gen. 3. 1. 12. Revel. 2. 7.

V. 14. your fathers] i. e. Terah and Nachor, v. 2. yea, Abraham himself before he was called by God, as is thought.

V. 15. And if it seem evill] He doth not in thus speaking, leave them to their choice, to serve God or no; but comparing that which is best, with that which is worst, the service of God with the service of devils, as it were life and death, hell and heaven; he then leaveth them to choose, that they might choose more freely, and delight in their choice, and be more firm. and constant in their covenant: For it is the strongest bond when a man binds himself freely and willingly. So Ruth 1. 8, 15. 1 King. 18. 21.

V. 19. Ye cannot serve the Lord] To wit, if ye retain your idols among you, or mingle false worship with the true, as vers. 23. And this he speaketh not to deterre them, but to make them suspect themselves as being very prone to idolatry, and to draw them up to make a more firm covenant of serving God with so much the stronger resolution.

an holy God] And therefore abhorres impiety and idolatry.

a jealous God] And therefore cannot endure any corrivals in his worship.

V. 20. then he will turn and do you hurt] Chap. 23. 15.

he will not forgive] To wit, if you adde to your idolatry breach of covenant.

V. 21. Nay] i. e. All this shall not hinder us from entring into covenant with God; for we are fully resolved to serve the LORD onelyonly.

V. 22. And Joshua said] That is, concluded and ratified the covenant between God and the people.

V. 23. put away the strange gods] i. e. The idols which some of you still do (though secretly) retain and worship, and that they so did, appeareth, Amos 5. 25, 26. and Act. 7. 43.

God of Israel] To wit, to serve him alone, and no other.

V. 25. So Joshua made] That is, as Gods servant and substitute, renewed and ratified a covenant between God and his people.

V. 26. in the book of the law] That is, he wrote or caused the priests to write the words of this covenant in some copy of the law, written by Moses, Deut. 31. 26.

and set it up] To wit, as a sign or monument of this covenant thus ratified, as it was the custome of those dayes. Gen. 28. 18. and 35. 14. Josh. 4. 3.

an oak] Of which, see Judg. 9. 6. and Gen. 35. 4.

by the sanctuary] i. e. In Shechem neer the tabernacle, or in the outward court as it was now pitched.

V. 27. it hath heard] By a figurative speech, sence is emphatically ascribed to a senselesse stone. So Deut. 32. 11. Psal. 19. 1. and Isai. 1. 2. Jerem. 22. 29. As though he should say, this stone, when you see it, shall represent to your mindes and consciences, this covenant which you have made, as if it could both hear and speak.

the words of the Lord] That is, the words of the covenant, which we have contracted with the land.

V. 30. Timnath-serah] Chap. 19. 50. Judg. 2. 9.

V. 31. had known] See v. 7.

V. 32. And the bones] To wit, as he had bound them by oath, Gen. 50. 25. Exod. 13. 19. So they now performed it.

in She…hem] See v. 1.

pieces] Or, lambs.

the inheritance] i. e. That parcell of ground, and the buriall place in it.