Chapter XXXIV
cial dignity, as well as knowledge of God's will and opportunities of anuounciug It.
Ver. 1-12. Moses from Mount Neho Vikwetii tiik liANn. 1. nioses went up from the plains of nioab U2
Joshiia Succeedeth Moiee. JOSHUA I. II. Rahab Conceals the Two Spiet.
THE BOOK OF JOSHUA
Canaan. Their readiness to redeem their pledge, and the terms in which they answered the appeal of Joshua, displayed to great advantage their patriotic and pious feelings at so interesting a crisis, ye shall pass armed
Ver. 1-18. The Lord appoints Joshua to succeed Moses. 1. Now alter the death of Moses—Joshua having been already appointed and designated leader of Israel (Numbers 27. 18-23), in all probability assumed the reins of government immediately " after the death of Jloses." tUe servant of the Lord—this was the official title of Moses, as invested with a special mission to make known the will of God; and It conferred great honour and authority, the Lord spake unto Joshua—probably durinfi; the period of public mourning, and either by a direct revelation to the mind of Joshua, or by means of Urim and Thunimim (Numbers 27. 21). This first communication gave a pledge that the Divine instructions which, according to the provisions of the theocracy, had been imparted to Moses, would be continued to the new leader, though God might not perhaps speak to him "mouth to moutli " (Numbers 12.8). Joshua—-The original name, Oshea (Numbers 13.8), which had been, according to Eastern usage, changed like those of Abram and Sarai (Genesis
i. e., officered or marshalled under five leaders in the old and approved caravan order (see on Exodus 13. 18). all the miglity men of valour—The words are not to be interpreted strictly as meaning the whole, but only the flower or choice of the fighting men (see on ch. 4. 12, 13).
Ver. 1-7. Rahab Receives and Conceals the Two Spies. 1. Joshua sent two men to spy secretly—Faith
is manifested by an active, persevering use of means (James 2. 22); and accordingly Joshua, while confiding in the accomplishment of the Divine promise (ch. 1.3), adopted every precaution which a skilful general could think of to render his first attempt in the invasion of Canaan successful. Two spies were despatched to reconnoitre the country, particularly in the neighbourhood of Jericho; for in the prospect of investing that place, it was desirable to obtain full information as to its site, its approaches, the character and resotirces of its inhabitants. This mission required the strictest privacy, and it seems to have been studiously concealed from the knowledge of the Israelites themselves, lest any unfavourable or exaggerated report, publicly circulated, might have dispirited the people, as that of the spies did in the days of Moses. Jericho—Some derive this name from a word signifying "neivmoon," in reference to the crescent-like plain in which it stood, formed by an amphitheatre of hills; others from a word signifying "its scent," on account of the fragrance of the balsam and palm trees in which it was embosomed. Its site was long supposed to be represented by the small mud-walled hamlet Er-Riha; but recent researches have fixed on a spot about half an hour's journey westward, where large ruins exist, and about six or eight miles distant from the Jordan. It was for that age a strongly-fortified town, the key of the eastern pass through the deep ravine, now called Wady-Kelt, into the interior of Palestine, they came into an harlot's house—Many expositors, desirous of removing the stigma of this name from an ancestress of the Saviour (Matthew 1. 5), have called her a hostess or tavern-keeper. But scriptural usage (Leviticus 21.7-14; Deuteronomy 2''.
17. 5-lo) into Jehoshua or Joshua, i.e., God's salvation, was significant of the services he was to render, and typified those of a greater Saviour (Hebrews 1. 8i. Moses' minister i. c., his official attendant, who, from being constantly employed in important services, and early Initiated Into the principles of the government, would be well trained for undertaking the leadership of Israel.
)i-9. Wow therefore arise, go over this Jordan—Joshua's mission was that of a military leader. This passage records his call to begin the work, and the address contains a literal repetition of the promise made to Moses (Deuteronomy 11.24, 25 ; 31.6-8; 23). 3,4. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon have I given you—meaning, of course, not universal dominion, but
onlj' the territory comprised within the boundaries hero specified (see on Deuteronomy 19.8,9). all the land of the Htttttes—These occupied the southern extreniilies, and were the dominant tribe, of Canaan. Their superior power and the extent of their dominions are attested by the mention of them under the name of Khita, on the Assyrian Inscriptions, and still more frei|uently on the Egyptian inscriptions of the 18th and I9th Dynasties. What life anil encouragement must have been imparted to .Joshua by the assurance that his people, who had been overwhelmed with fear of that gig.antic race, were to possess "all the land of the Hittites!" 5-9. There shnll not any be able to stand before tliee—Canaan was theirs by a Divine grant; and the renewed confirmation of that grant to Joshua, when about to lead the people Into it, intimated not only a certain but an easy conquest. It is remarkable, however, that his courage and hope of victory were made to depend (see on Deuteronomy
18; Judges 11.1; 1 Kings 3.16), the authority of tliu Septuagint, followed by the apostles (Hebrews 11.31; James
2. 2,5), and the immemorial style of Eastern khans, which are never kept by women, establish the propriety of the term employed in our version. Her house was probal)ly recommended to the spies by the convenience of its situation, without any knowledge of the character of the inmates. But a Divine influence directed them in the choice of that lodging-place. 2, 3. It was told to tlie Icing—Dy the sentinels who at such a time of threatened invasion would be posted on the eastern frontier, and whose duty required them to make a strict report to headquartnis of the arrival of all strangers. 4-0. Tl»e woman took the two men and hid tliem lit., him, i. e., each of tiicm In separate places, of course previous to the appearance of the royal messengers, and In anticipation of a speedy search after her guests. According to Eastern manners, which pay an almost superstitious respect to a woman's apartment, the roj'al messengers did not demand .admittance to search, but asked her to bring the foreigners out. C. site had brought them to the top of the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax— F'lax, with other vegetable productions, is at a certain season spread out on the flat roofs of Eastern houses to be dried
17. 10) on his firm and inflexible adherence to the law of God, not only that regarding the extirpation of the Canaanites, but the whole Divine code, 10-18. Then Joshua commanded the otHcerg of the people—These were the Sholerlm (see on Exodus 5.6; Denteronomy
20. 5). command the people, gayin;;, Prepare you victuals—not manna, which, though It still fell, would not keep; but corn, sheep, and articles of food procurable In the conquered countries, for within three clays ye •hall pnss over this Jordan—(i. e., the third day according to ITehreiv idiom)—the time allotted for getting ready ere the encampment in Abel-Shlttim broke up, and thej' removed to the desert bank of the river where no victuals could hp got. At the game time Joshua himself convened the two and a half tribes which had settled east of Jordan, to remind them of their engagement (Numbers 32.
1-42); to assist their brethren In the conquest of western
Covenant between Bahab and the Spies, JOSHUA III. The Jordan Divided.
and such a time would be absolutely necessary for so motley an assemblage of men, women, and children, with
In the sun; and, after lying awhile, if is piled up in numerous little stacks, which, from the luxuriant growth
all their gear and cattle to make ready for going into an enemy's country. 2-4. the officers went through the host, and commaikded the people— The instructions given at this time and in this place were ditTerent from those described (ch. 1. 11). -ivhen ye see the ark, and
of the flax, rise to a height of three or four feet. Behind some of these stacks Rahab concealed the spies, tlie time of sliiittiisg the gates—the gates of all Oriental
cities are closed at sunset, after which there is no possi-
bility either of admission or egress, tlie men went out— This was a palpable deception. But, as lying is a common vice among heathen people, Rahab was probably unconscious of its moral guilt, especially as she resorted
tlie priests the Levites bearing It, &c.—The usual position of the ark, when at rest, was in the centre of the camp; and, daring a march, in the middle of the proces-
sion. On this occasion it was to occupy the van, and be borne not by the Kohathite Levites, but the priests, as on
to it as a means for screening her guests; and she might deem herself bound to do it by the laws of Eastern hos-
all solemn and extraordinary occasions (cf. Numbers 4.
pitality, which make it a point of honour to preserve the
15; ch. 6. 6 ; 1 Kings 8. 3-6). then ye shall go after it, yet there shall toe a space between it and you—These instructions refer exclusively to the advance into the river. The distance which the people were to keep in the rear of the ark was nearly a mile ; had they crowded too near the ark, the view would have been intercepted, and this Intervening space, therefore, was ordered, that the chest containing the sacred symbols might be distinctly visible to all parts of the camp, and be recognized as their guide in the untrodden way. 5. Joshua said unto the people —rather " had said," for as he speaks of " to-morrow," the address must have been made previous to the day of crossing, and the sanctification was in all probability the same as Moses had commanded before the giving of the law, consisting of an outward cleansing (Exodus 19. 10-15) preparatory to that serious and devout state of mind with which so great a manifestation should be witnessed. 6. Joshua spake unto the priests—This order to the priests would be given privately, and Involving as it did an important change in the established order of march, it must be considered as announced In the name and by the authority of God. Moreover, as soon as the priests stepped into the waters of Jordan they were to stand still. The ark was to accomplish what had been done by the rod of Moses.
greatest enemy, if he has once eaten one's salt. Judged by the Divine law, her answer was a sinful expedient; but her infirmity being united with faith, she was gra-
ciously pardoned and her service accepted (James 2.2.5).
7. Tixe men mirsned after them the -way to Jordan unto the fords—That river is crossed at several wellknown fords. The first and second immediately below the sea of Galilee; the third and fourth immediately above and below the pilgrims' bathing-place, opposite
Jericho, as soon as tliey which piirsned after them were gone, tliey shut the gate—This precaution was to ensure tlie capture of the spies, should they have been lurking in the city.
8-21. The Covenant between Her and them. 8-13. She came up unto them to the roof and said—Rahab's dialogue is full of interest, as sliowiug the universal panic and consternation of the Canaanites on the one hand (ch.
24. 11; Deuteronomy 2. 25), and her strong convictions on the other, founded on a knowledge of the Divine promise; and the stupendous miracles that had opened the way of the Israelites to the confines of the promised land. She was convinced of the supremacy of Jehovah, and her earnest stipulations for the preservation of her relatives amid the jierils of the approaching invasion, attest the
sincerity and strengtli of her faith. 14. The men answered, Our life for yours, If ye utter not this our
7, 8. The Lord encourageth Joshua. 7, 8. The Lord said to Josh\ia, This day will I magnify thee In tl»e sight of all Israel—Joshua had already received distinguished honours (Exodus 24. 13 ; Deuteronomy 31. 7). But a higher token of the Divine favour was uow to be publicly bestowed on him, and evidence given in the same unmistakable manner, that his mission and authority were from God as was of Moses (E.xodus 14. 31).
tonsiness— This was a solemn pledge — a virtual oath, though the name of God is not mentioned ; and the words " if ye utter not this our business," were added, not as a condition of their fidelity, but as necessary for her safety, which might l5e endangered if the private agreement was divulged. l!i Her lionse was on tlie wall—In many Oriental cities houses are built on tlie walls with overhanging windows; in others the town wall forms the back wall of the house, so that the window opens into the country. Rahali's was probably of tliis latter description, and tlie cord or mpo suthciently strong to bear the weight
Si-13. Joshua encour.'VGICTh the People. 9-13. Come hither, and hear the words of the Lord—It seems that the Israelites had no intimation how they were to cross the river till shortly before the event. The premonitory address of Joshua, taken in connection with the miraculous result exactly .as he had described It, would tend to increase and confirm their faith In the God of their fathers
of a man. 1G-'41. She said—rather " she had said," for what follows must have been part of the previous conversation, get yoii to the mountain—A range of white limestone hills extends on the north, called Quarantania (now Jebel-karantu), rising to a height of from 1200 to 1500
as not .a dull, sensele.ss. Inanimate thing like the Idols of the nations, but a Being of life, power, and activity to defend them and work for them.
feet, and the sides of which are perforated with caves. Borne one peak adjoining, was familiarlj' known to the inhabitants .as "tlie mountain." The prudence and propriety of the advice to flee in that direction rather than to the ford, were made apparent by the sequel. 21. She hound the sem-let line in tlic window—Probably soon
14-17. The Waters of Joisdan are Divided. 1*. And it came to pass, when the people removed t^-oin their tents, «fcc.—To understand the scene described we must imagine the band of priests with the ark on their shoulders, standing on the depressed edge of the river, while the mass of the people were at a mile's distance. Suddenly the whole bed of the river was dried up ; a spec-
after tlu! d( ))ailun' of the spies. It was not formed, as Rom(V suppose, into network, as a lattice, but simply to hang down the wall. Its red colour made it conspicuous, and It was thus a sign and pledge of safety to Uahab's house, as the bloody mark on the lintels of the houses of the Israelites in Kgypt to that people.
tacle the more extraordinary that It took place In the time of harvrat, corresponding to our April or May when "the Jord.an overfloweth all its banks." The original words may be more properly rendered "fills all its banks," Its channel, snow-fed from Ijcbanon, Is at Its greatest height—brimful; a translation which gives the only true description of the state of Jordan In harvest as observed by modern travellers. The river about Jericho
CHAPTER HI.
Ver. 1-6. JosiiiTA oomks to Jordan. 1. Joshua rose early lu the morning i. c, on tlie (lay following that on which the Mjiles had returned with tlieir encouraging report, the camp was broken up In "Slilttim" (the acacia groves), and removed to the eastern bank of the Jordan. The duration of tlu^lr stay is Indicated (v. 2), being, according to JTel). reckoning, only one entire day, Including
Is, In ordinary appearance, about ,50 or GO yards In breadth. But as seen In harvest. It Is twice as broad ; and In ancient times, when the hills on the right and left were much more drenched with rain and snow than since the forests have disappeared, the river must, from a greater accession of water, have been broader still than at harvest-time In the present day. 10. the water* which cuine down
tlie evening of arrival and tlie morning of the passage;
Twelve Stones taken for a Memorial. JOSHUA IV. V. God Mognifes Joshua,
from above—I. e., the Sea of Galilee "stood and rose up
Joshua's execution of the minutest instructions respecting the passage (Numbers 27. 21-23). Tlie unfaltering confidence of tlie priests contrasts strilcingly with the conduct of the people, who "hasted and passed over." Their faith, like that of many of God's people, was, tliroiigh the weakness of nature, blended with fears. But perhaps their "haste" may be viewed in a more favourable light, as indicating the alacrity of their obedience, or it miglu have been enjoined, in order tliat tlie whole multitude might pass in one day. 11. the ark of the Lord passed over, and the priests in the presence of the pcoi)lc The ark is mentioned as the efficient cause; it had bceu the first to move—it was the last to leave; and its movements arrested the deep attention of the people, who probably stood on the opposite bank, wrapt in admiration and awe of this closing scene. It was a great miracle, greater even than the passage of the Red Sea in this respect: that, admitting tlie fact, there is no possibility of rationalistic insinuations as to tlie infiuence of natural causes in producing it, as have been made in tlie former
In a heap," a firm, compact barrier fExodus 15. S; Psalm
78. 13), "vei-y far," high up the stream; "from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan," hear mount Sartabeh, in
the northern part of the Ghor (1 Kings. 7. 46); t". e., a dis-
tance of thirty miles from the Israelitish encampment; and "those that came down towards the sea of the desert" —ite Dead Sea—failed and were cut off (Psalm 114. 2, .3). The river was thus dried up as far as the eye could reach. This was a stupendous miracle; Jordan taltes its name, "the Descender," from the force of its current, which,
after pa.ssing the Sea of Galilee, becomes greatly increased as it plunges through twenty-seven " horrible rapids and cascades," besides a great many lesser through a fall of
1000 feet, averaging from four to five miles an hour. [Lykch.] Wlien swollen "in time of harvest," it flows with a vastly accelerated current. 17. the priests and
all the Israelites passed on dry ground—the river about Jericho has a firm pebbly bottom, on which the host might pass without inconvenience when the water was cleared
off. the people passed over right against Jericlio—The exact spot is unknown; but it cannot be that fixed by Greek tradition—the pilgrims' bathing-place—both because it Is too much to the north, and the eastern banks are there sheer precipices of 10 or 15 feet high.
case. 13, 13. The children of Reuben . . . passed over armed before the children of Israel—There is no precedency to the otlier tribes indicated here; for there is no reason to suppose that tlie usual order of march was departed from ; but these are honourably mentioned to show that, in pursuance of their engagement (ch. 1. 16-18), they had sent a complement of fighting men to accompany their brethren in the war of invasion, into the plains of Jericho—That part of tlie Arabah or Glior, on the west, Is about'seveu miles broad from the Jordan tc the mountain entrance at Wady-Kelt. Tbougii now desert, this valley was in ancient times richly covered with wood—an immense palm forest, seven miles long, surrounded Jericho.
Ver. 1-S. Twelve Stones taken fob a Memokial out OF Jordan. 1, a. The Lord spake unto Joshua, Take you twelve men—each representing a tribe; they had been previously chosen for this service (ch. 3. 12), and the repetition of the command is made here solely to introduce the account of its execution. Though Joshua had been divinely instructed to erect a commemorative pile, the representatives were not apprised of the work they were to do till the time of the passage. 4, 5. Joslma called the twelve men—They had probably, from a feeling of reverence, kept back, and were standing on the eastern bank. Thej' were now ordered to advance, and picking up each a stone, probably as large as he could carry, from around the spot "where the priests stood," pass over before the ark, and deposit the stones in the place of next encampment {vs. 19, 20), viz., Gilgal. 6, 7. that this may he a sign among you—Tlie erection of cairns, or huge piles of stones, as monuments of remarkable incidents, has been common amongst all people, especially in the early and rude periods of their history. They are the established means of perpetuating the memory of important transactions, especially amongst the nomadic people of the East; and although tliere be no inscription engraven on them, tlie history and object of such simple monuments are traditionally preserved from age to age. Similar was the purpose contemplated by tlie conveyance of the twelve stones to Gilgal : it was that they might be a standing record to posterity of the miraculous passage of the Jordan. 8. the children of Israel did go as Joshua commanded—that is, it was done by their twelve representatives.
14-24. God Magnifies Joshua. 14-17. On that day the Lord magnlAed Joshua in the siglit of all Israel-
It appeared clear, from the chief part he acted, tliat he was the divinely-appointed leader; for even tlie priests did not enter the river, or quit their position, except at his command; and thenceforward his authority was as firmly established as that of his predecessor. 18. It came to pass when the priests tliat bare the ark were come out of the midst of Jordan . . . that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place — Their crossing, which was the final act, completed the evidence of the miracle; for then, and not till then, the suspended laws of nature were restored, the waters returned to their place, and the river flowed with as full a current as before. 19. The people came out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first montli i. e., the montli Nisan, four days before the passover, and the very day when the paschal lamb required to be set apart, the providence of God having arranged that the entrance into the promised land should be at the feast, and encamped in Gilgal—the name is here given by anticipation (see on ch. 5. 9). It was a tract of land, according to Josephus, fifty stadia (6}/^ miles) from Jordan, and ten stadia (1^ miles) from Jericho, at the eastern outskirts of the palm forest, now supposed to lie the spot occupied by the village Riha. 30-34. Those twelve stones which they took out of Jordan did Joshua pitch In Gilgal—probably to render them more conspicuous, they might be raised on a foundation of earth or turf; and the pile was designed to serve a double purpose—that of Impressing the heathen with a sense of the omnipotence of God, while at the same time it would teach an Important lesson In religion to the young and rising Israelites In after ages.
9. Twelve Stones set up in the midst of Jordan. 9. Joshua set up twelve stones In the place where the feet of the priests stood—In addition to the memorial Just described, there was another memento of the miraculous event, a duplicate of the former, set up in the river Itself, on the very spot where the ark had rested. This heap of stones might have been a large and compactlybuilt one, and visible In the ordinary state of the river. As nothing Is said whence these stones were got, some have Imagined that they might have been gathered In the adjoining fields, and deposited by the people as they passed the appointed spot, they are there unto this day —at least 20 years after the event. If we reckon by the date of this history (ch._24. 28), and much later. If the words in the latter clause were Inserted by Samuel or Ezra.
Ver. 1. The Canaanites Afraid. 1. the kings of the Amorltes which were on the side ofJordan westward and all the kings of the Canaanites by the sea—Under the former designation were included the people who Inhabited the mountainous region, and under the latter those who were on the sea-ooast of Palestine, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of Jordan . . . that their heart melted—They had: pjobably reckoned on the
Ver. 10-13. The People pass over. 10. the priests •which bare the ark stood in the midst ofJordan—This position was well calculated to animate the people, who probably crossed below the ark, as well as to facilitate 10
Circumcision is Renewed, JOSIIL'A VI. Jericho Shut up.
abundance of food led to the disi ontinuance of the manna; and the fact of its then ceasing, viewed in connection with its seasonable appearance in the barren wilderness, is a striking proof of its miraculous origin.
Bwollen rivpiinterposing for a time n ^uro barrier of defence. But .seeing it liad been completely dried up, tliey were completely paralyzed by so incontestable a proof that God was on the side of the invaders. In fact, the conquest had already begun in the total prostration of spirit among the native chiefs. "Their heart melted," but nnlia.ppily not into faith and penitent submission.
l:i-15. An ANfiRi, appeahs to Joshua. 1.3. Wlien Joshua was by Jericho— in the immediate viciiiily of
2-12. CIUCUMCISION IS Renkwed. a. At tlmt timeon the encampment being made after the passage, tite
fliat city, prolialily engagt^d in surveying the fortiti -ations, and in meditating the l>est plan of a siege, there stood a man over against him with a sword drawn —It is evident from the strain of the conti-xt that this wa8 not a mere vision, but an actual appearanc^e; the suddenness of whicli surprised, but did not daunt, the intn-piii leader, li. the host of the Lord—eillier the Israelilish people (Exodus 7. 4; 12. 41 ; Isa,iah5o. 4), or the angels (I'salin
I<oi'cl $ni<l ii»to •Tosliiin, Blake tUee slxarp knives Stone knives, collect and make them ready. Flint-s have been useil in the earlj' times of ail people; and although the use of iron wir.s known to the Hebrews in the days of Joshua, probably the want of a sufficient number of me-
tallic implements dictated the employment of flints on this occasion (cf. Exodus -1. 2^)). circumcise n;;afii tine children of Israel tlic second time lit., return and circumcise. The command did not require him to repeat the operation on those who had undergone it, but to resume theobservance of the rite, which had been long discontinued. The langvtage, however, evidently points to a general circumcising on some previous occasion, which, though unrecorded, must have lieen made before the celebration of the passover at Sinai (cf. Exodus 12. -IS; Numbers 9.5), as a mixed multitude accompanied the camp. "The second time" of general circumcising was at the entrance into Canaan. 3. at tlie I>ill—Probably one of the argillaceous hills th.at form the highest terrace of the Jordan, on a rising ground at the palm forest. 4r-7. tUls ta the cause why Joshua did circumcise—The omission to circumcise the children born in the wilderness might have been owing to the incess.ant movements of the people; but it is most generally thought that the true cause was a temporary suspension of the covenant with the unbelieving race who, being rejected of the Lord, were doomed to perish in the wilderness, and whose children had to bear the iniquity of their fathers (Numbers li.'Si), though, as the latter were to be brought into the promised land, the covenant would be renewed with them. 8. when they had tlone circumcising; all the people—As the number of those born in the wilderness and luicircumcised must have been immense, a difficulty
148. 2), or both included, and the Captain of it was thciinge. of the covenant, whose visible manifestations were varied according to the occasion. His attitude of equipment betokened his approval of, and interest in, the war of inva- . Sion. Joslma fell on his face, and did worship—'J"be adoption by Joshua of this absolute form of prostration demonstrates the sentiments of profound reverence with which the language and majestic bearing of the stranger inspired him. The real character of th.is per.sonage was disclosed by His accepting the homage of v/orship (cf. Acts 10.25,2fi; Revelation 19.10), and still furtlier in the command, " Loose thy shoe from ofl" thy foot," (ExoUus
3. 5.) CHAPTER VI.
Ver. 1-7. .Tericho Shitt up. 1. Now Jericho was straltly shut up—This verse is a parenthesis introduced to prepare the way for the directions given by the Captain of the Lord's host. See, I have given into thine hnnd Jei-leho—the language intimates that a purpose alruidy formed was about to be carried into immediate execution; and that, although the king and inhaliitants of Jericlio were fierce and experienced warriors, who would make a stout and determined resistance, tlie Lord promised a certain and easy victory over tiiem. 3-5. Ye sliaJI compass the city, nil ye men of war, , . , thus shnit thou do six days, Ac.—Directions are here given as to the mode of procedure. bonis of jubilee;" i.e., the bent or crooked trumpets with wliicli the jul)ilce was jiroclaimed. It is probable that the horns of this animal were used at first; and thtit afterwards, when metallic trumpets were Introduced, the priniilive name, as well as form of them, was traditionally continu<"d. The design of this whole proceeding was obviously to impress the Cana.'inites with a sense of the Divine omnipotence'—to teach the Israelites a memorai>le lesson of laitli and confidence in God's promises, and to inspire sentiments of respect and reverence for the ark, as the symbol of His presence. The length offline during which those circuits were made tended the more Intensel.v to arrest the attention, and to deepen the impressions, both of the Israelites and the enemy. The numberseven wasamong the Israel-
Is apt to be felt how the rite could have been performed on such a multitude in so short a time. But it has been calculated that the proportion between those already circumcised (under twenty when the doom was pronounced) and those to be circumcised, was one to four, and consequently the whole ceremony could easily have been performed in a day. Circumcision being the sign and seal of the covenant, its pe-formanee was virtually an infeoffment in the promised land, and its being delayed till tlieir actual entrance into the country was a wise and gracious act on the part of God, who postponed this trj'ing duty
till the hearts of the people, animated by the recent astonishing rniracle, were prepanvl to obey the Hivine will, they ahode in their places till they were whole —It is calculated that, of those who did not need to be circumcised, more than 50,0(10 were left to defend the camp, if an att.ack had been then made ui)on it. 9. The liOrd said unto Joshua, This day liaT-e I rolled iiway •the reproach of Egypt—The taunts industriously cast
ites the .s.ymbollc seal of the covenant between God and their nation. [Keil, Henostenheko.] 0, 7. Joshua called tlie priests—The pious leader, whatever military preparations he had made, surrendered all his own views, at once and unreservedly, to the declared will of God.
bj' that people upon Israel as nalinnaUy rejected by God by the cessation of circumcision, and the renewal of that rite was a practical announcement of the restoration of the covenant. [Keil.] Gllgal—No trace either of the name or site is now to be found; but it was about two miles from Jericho [Josephu.s], and well suit( <l for an encampment by the advantagi'S of shade and water. It was the first plffce pronounced "holy" in the Holy I,and
8-19. The City CoMPAS.SEi> Six Day.s. 8-11. the seven priests hlowing the. seven trumpets passed on before the Lord—before the ark, called " the ark of the covenant," for it contained the tables on which the covenant was inscribed. The procession was made In deep <ind solemn silence, conformably to the Instructions given to
tlie people by their leader at the outset, that they were to refrain from all ac^clamation and noise of an.y kind, imtll he should give tliem a signal. It must have been a strange sight; no mound was raised, no sword drawn, no engine planted, no pioneers undermining—here were armed men, but no strolie given ; they must walk and Lf t fight. Doubtless the people of Jcriclio made themselves merry with the spectacles. [Bishop Hai.i,.] 1:4-11. .Toshiia roso early in the morning, and the priests took up the nrlt of tl»e Lord—The second day's procession seems to
(v. 15). 10. k«)pt the pnssover on the fourteenth day at even—The time fixed by the law(s('e Exodus 12. IS; Levit icus 2'i. 5; Numbers 28.16). Thus the national existence was commenced by a solemn act of religious (U'dication.
11, they did eat of the old corn of the land—Found In storehouses t>f the Inhabitants who had fied into Jericho, parched corn—New grain (see on Leviticus 2'f.
10), probably lying in the fields. Roasted—a simple and prliuitivc preparation, much liked in the East. This 140
The Walls of Jericho Fall Down. JOSHUA VII. The Israelites Smitten al Ai.
Rahab dwellcth in Israel unto tltis day—a proof that
have taken pla<!e in the morning. In all other respects, down even to the smallest details, the arrangements of the first day continued to be the rule followed on the otlier
tills lioolt was written not long alter tlie events related.
26, 27. The Rebuilber OF Jericho Cursed. 2G. Joshua adjured tliem at tliat time i. e., imposed upon his countrymen a solemn oath, binding on themselves as well as their posterity, that they would never rebuild that city.
six. 15. On tl»e geveiitli day they rose early, about
tlie dawning of the day, and compassed tlie city seven times—On account of the seven circuits they had
Its destruction was designed by God to be a permanent memorial of His abhorrence of idolatry and its attendunt
to make that day. It is evident, however, that tlie militia only of the Israelites had been called to the march—for it
vices. Cursed be the man that riseth >ip and buildcth this city Jcriclio i. e., makes the dai'ing attempt to bui Id. he sliall lay tlie foundation in his tlrst-born, and in his youngest son shall he set >«p tlie gates of it—sh;;ll become childless—tlie first beginning bi-iug marked by the death of his eldest son, and his only surviving child dying at the time of its completion. Tliis curse was accomplished 550 years after its denuiici.ation. (See on 1 Kings 16. 31.)
Is inconceivable that two millions of people could have gone so frequently round the city in a day. 16. it came to pass at the seventh time, Joshua said unto tlte people, Shout 5 for the Lord hntli given you tlie city —Tliis delay brought out their faith and obedience in so remarkable a manner, that it is celebrated by the apostle (Hebrews 11. 30). 17-19. tlie city shall be accursed—(See on Leviticus 27. 28, 29.) The cherem, or anathema, was a devotion to utter destruction (Deuteronomy 7. 2; 20.17; 1 Samuel 15. 3). When such a l^an was pronounced against a hostile city, the men and animals were killed—no booty was allowed to be taken ; tlie idols and all the precious ornaments on them were to be burned (Deuteronomy 7.
Ver. 1. AcHAN's Trespass. 1. Tlie cliHtlrrn of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed tiling—There was one transgressor against tlie chcrern, or ban, on Jericho, and his transgression brougiit the guilt and disgrace of sin upon the wliole nation. Achan—called afterwards Achar (trouble) (1 Chronicles 2. 7). Zabdl—or Ziniri (1 Chronicles 2. C). Zerali—or Zarah, son of Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38. 30.) His genealogy is given probably to show that from a parentage so infamous the descendants would not be carefully trained in the fear of God.
25; cf. 1 Clironieles 1-1. 12); everything was either to be destroyed, or consecrated to the sanctuary. .Toshua pronounced tills ban on Jericho, a great and wealthy city, evidently by Divine direction, and tlie severity of the doom, accordant with the requirements of a law which was holy, just, and good, and justified not only by the
fact of its inhabitants being part of a race who had filled up their iniquities, but by their resisting the light of the recent astonisliing miracle at the Jordan. Besides, as Jericho seems to liave been defended by reinforcements from all the country (ch. 24. 11), its destruction would paralyze all tlie rest of the devoted people, and tlius tend to
2-20. The Israelites Smitten AT Ai. 2. Jo^iliua sent men from Jericho to Ai—After the sacking of Jericho, the next step was to penetrate into the hills above. Accordingly, spies went up the mountain pass to view the country. The precise site of Ai, or Hai, is indicated witii sufficient clearness (Genesis 12.8; 13.3), and has been recently discovered in an isolated tell, called Viy the natives Tell-el-hajar, "the mount of stones," at two miles', or thirty-five minutes' distance, east-south-oast from Bethel. [Van de 'Velde.] Bethaven — ("house of vanity")—
facilitate the conquest of the land ; showing, as so astounding a military miracle did, that it was done, not by man, but by the power and tlirough the anger of God. 18. and ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing—Generally they were at liberty to take tlie spoil of other cities that were captured (Deuteronomy 2. 35; 3. 7
name afterwards given derisively (Hosea 4. 15; 5.8; 10.5), on account of its idolatries, to Bethel, "house of God," but lierc referred to anotlier place, about six miles ^ast of Bethel, and three north of Ai. 3. L.et not all the people go up, for they are but few—As tlie population of Al amounted to ]2,(!00(ch. 8. 25), it was a considerable town; though in tlie hasty and distant reconnoitre m.ide by tlie spies, it probatjly appeared small in comparison of Jericho, and this may have been the reason of tlieir proposing so small a detachment to capture it. 4, 5. They fled Itefore tlic men of Ai—An unexpected resist.ance, and tlie loss of thirty-six of their number diffused a panic, which ended in an ignominious rout. Chased them from before the gate even unto Sliebariiu i, e., unto the " breakings" or " fissures" at the opening of tlie passes, and smote tlieni in the going down— 1. e., tliedeclivity or slope of the deep, rugged adjoining wady. wherefore the hearts of the people melted ami became as water—It is evident that the troops engaged werea tumult uary.niiilisci plined band, no better skilled in military art'airs than the Bedouin Arabs, who become disheartened and flee on the loss of ten or fifteen men. But the consternation of the Israelites arose from another cause—the evident displcasureof God, who withheld that aid on which they had conliilently reckoned. G-'J. Joshua rent his clutlics and f«'ll to the earth before the ark, lie and tlie elders—It is evident, from those tokens of humiliation and Sorrow, tliat a solemn fast was observed on this occasion. The language of Joshua's prayer is thought by many to savour of liumaii infirmity, and to be wanting in that revert iice and sul)- mission he owed to God. But, although apparently l)reathing a spirit of bold remonstrance and complaint,
ch. 8. 27). But this, as tlie first-fruits of Caiiium, was made an exception; nothing was to be spared but Rahab and those in her house. A violation of tliese stringent orders would not only render the guilty persons obnoxious to the curse, but entail distress and adversity upon all
Israel, by provoking the Divine displeasure. Tliese were the instructions given, or repeated (Deuteronomy 13. 17 ;
7. 20), previously to tlie last act of the siege.
20, 21. TiiK Walls Fall Down. tiO, So tlie people shouted when the priests blew witli the trumpets Towards the close of the seventh circuit,, tlie signal was given by Joshua, and on tlie Israelites' raising their loud war-cry, the walls fell down, doubtless burying multitudes of the inhabitants in tlie ruins, while the besiegers, rush-
mg in, consigned every thing animate and inanimate to Indiscriminate destruction. (Deuteronomy 20. IG, 17.) Jewish writers mention it as an immemorial tradition, that the city fell on the Sabbath. It should be remembered that the Canaanites were incorrigilile idolaters, addicted to the most horrible vices, and that the righteous judgm(?nt of God might sweep them away by the sword, as well iis by famine or pestilence. There w.'is mercy min-
gl<-(l with Judgment In employing tliesword as tlie-iiistrument of punishing the guilty Canaaniti^s, for while it was directed against one place, time was aUbrded forotliersto repent.
RaiiAH IH Saved, 93. Joshua said, Go into the harlot's house, and bring out the woman, and all that slie hath—It Is evident that the town walls were not demolished universally, at least all at once, for Hahab's house was allowed to stand until her relatives were resrucit according to proiaise. tliey l>rought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel—
it was in reality the ell'usion of a deeply InimhKd and afflicted mind, expressing his belief tiiilt God could not, after having so miraculously brought His ix^ojile over Jordan into the promised land, intend to destroy fcheni to expose them to the insults of their trinnipliant eno mies, and bring reproach upon his own mime for incoii stancy or unklndness to His people, or inability to resi»
temporary exclusion. In order thatthey might becleansed from the defilement of their native idolatries, and gradually traini'd for admission Into the soc-iety of (foil's peo-
ple. 24-. Burned the city and all tlierein—except the Bil\ei,gold, and other metals, which, as they would not burn, were added to the treasury of the sanctuary, as.
Achan Con/esseth, and is Pat to Death. JOSHUA VIII. Ai given to the TsraflUen.
their enemies. Unable to understand (he cause of the present calamity, he owned the hand of God. 10-15. the liord said unto Joshua, Get thee nf—The answer of the Divine oracle was to this efTect : the crisis is owing not to unfaithfulness in Me, but sin in tlie people. The conditions of the covenant have been violated by the reservation of spoil from the doomed city, wickedness, em phatically called folly, has been committed in Israel (Psalm li. 1), and dissimulation, with other aggravations of the crime, continues to be practised. The people are liable to destruction equally with the accursed nations of Canaan. (Deuteronomy 7. 26.) Means must, without delay, be taken to discover and punish the perpetrator of this trespass, that Israel may be released from the b.an, and things be restored to their former state of prosperity. 16-18. So •Tosliiia rose early, and brought Israel by tribes i. c, before the tabernacle. The lot being appealed to (Proverl)s 16. 33), he proceeded in the inquiry from heads of tribes to heads of families, and from heads of households in succession t o one family, and to particular persons in that family, until the criminal was found to be Achan, who, on Joshua's admonition, confessed the fact of having secreted for his own use, in the floor of his tent, spoil both in garments and money. How di'eadful must have been his feelings when he saw the slow but certain process of discovery! (Numbers 82.23.) 19. Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give glory to God—a form of adjuration to tell the truth. 31. A goodly Babylonish garment—irt., a mantle of Shinar. The plain of Shinar was in early times celebrated for its gorgeous robes, which were of brilliant and various colours, generally arranged in figured patterns, probably resembling those of modern Turkey carpets, and the colours were either interwoven in the loom or embroidered with the needle, two hundred shekels of sliver—equivalent to £22 10.s. sterling, according to the old Mosaic shekel, or the half of that sum, reckoning by the common shekel. A wedge of gold —lit., an ingot or bar in tlie shape of a tongue. 32, 33. Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent —from impatient eagerness not only to test tlio truth of the story, but to clear Israel from the imputation of guilt.. Having discovered the stolen articles, they laid them out before the Lord, "as a token of their belonging to Him" on account of tlie l)an. 34-36. Joshua, and all Israel -with him, took Achan—himself witli his children and all liis property, cattle as well as movables, were brought into one of the long broad ravines that open into the Ghor, and after being stoned to death (Numbers l/j.
those temj-^r.al benefits, which, on account of sin, n.avfi been withdrawn, or withheld for a time. Josliua, who had been greatly dispirited, was encouraged by a special communication promising him (.seech. 1.6; Deuteronomy 31.
6-8) success in the next attempt, which, however, was tc be conducted on ditTerent principles, take all the people of war witJi thee, and arise, go up to AI—The number of fighting men amounted to 600,000, and the whole force was ordered on this occasion, partly because the spies, in
Jlieir self-confidence, had said tliat a few were sufficient to attack the place {ch.7. 3), partly to dispel any misgivings which the memory of the late disaster might have created, and partly that the circumstance of the first spoil obtained in Canaan being shared amongst all, might operate both as a reward for obedience in refraining from the booty of Jericho, and as an incentive to future exertions. (Deuteronomy 6. 10.) The rest of the people, including the women and children, remained in the camp at Gilgal. Being in the plains of Jericlio, it was an ascent to Ai, which was on a hill. I have given Into thy hand tlie king of AI, and his people, and his city, and liU land . . . lay an ambush for the city—God assured hini of its capture, but allowed him to follow his own tacti^ in obtaining the possession. 3. So Joshua . . . chose out thirty thousand men of valour—Joshua despatched 30,000 men under cover of night, to station themselves at the place appointed for the ambuscade. Out of this number a detachment of 5000 were sent forward to conceal themselves in the immediate precincts of the town, in order to seize the first opportunity of throwing themselves into it. 4r. behind the city—is rendered (i'.9) "on the west of Ai." between Bctli-el and AI—Beth-el, though lying quite near in the direction of west by north, cannot be seen from Tell-el-h.ajar ; two rocky heights rise between both places, in the wady El-Murogede, just as the laying of an ambush to the west of Ai would require. [Van DE Velde, Robinson.] 10. Joshua numbered tlie people—J. c, the detachment of liers-in-wait; he did this, to be furnished with clear evidence afterwards, that the work had been done without any loss of men, whereby the people's confidence in God would be strongtliened, and encouragement given them to prosecute the war of invasion with vigour, he and the elders of Israel—the chief magistrates and rulers, wlioise presence and otficial authority were necessary to ensure that the cattle and spoil of the city might be equally divided betwixt the combatants and the rest of the people (Numbers .31. 27)—a military rule in Israel, that would have been very liable to be infringed, if an excited soldiery, eager for booty, had been left to their own will. 11-14. Tliere was a valley (lit., the valley) between them and AI, Joshua went that night into the ntldst of tite valley The deep and steep-sided glen to the north of Tell-el-hajar, into wliicli one looks down from the tell, fully agrees with this account. [Van DE VElyDE.] Joshua himself took up his position on the north side of " the ravine"—the deep chasm of the wady El-Murogede, " tJiat night"—means, while it was dark, probably after midnight, or very early In the morning. (John 20. 1.) The king of Ai, in the early dawn, rouses liis slumbering subjects, and makes a hasty sally with nil his people who wci'e capable of bearing arms, once more to surprise and annihilate them, at a time appointed —either an hour concocted between the king and people of AI and those of Beth-el, who were confederates in this enterprise, or perhaps they had fixed on the same time of
30-35), his corpse, with all belonging to him, was consumed to ashes bj' fire. "All Israel" were present, not only as spectators, but active agents, as many ,as possil)le, in inflicting the punishment—thus testifying their abhorrence of the sacrilege, and their intense solicitude to regain the Divine favour. As the Divine law expressly forbade the children to be put to death for their father's sins (Deuteronomy 24.16), the conveyance of Achan's "sons and daugliters" to the place of execution might be only as Bpectators, that they might take warning Ijy the parental fate; or, if they shared his puiilsliment (ch. 22. 20), tliey had prolialjly been accomplices in liis crime, and, indeed, he could scarcely have dug a hole witliin liis tent without his family being privy to it. They raised over him a great heap of stones—It is customary to raise cairn.s over the graves of criminals or Infamous persons In tlie East
still. The name of that place was called, The valley of Achor (trouble) unto this day—.So painful an episode would give notoriety to tlie spot, and It is more tliaii oiu-e noticed by the sacred writers of a later age. (Isaiah 6r>. 10; HoseaZ. 15.)
d.iy, as they had fought successfully against Israel on the former occasion, deeming It a lucky hour. (Judges 20. 38.) but he wist not tikat there were Ilerg In nmbush against him behind the city— It Is evident that this king and his subjects were little experienced in war, otherwise they would have sent out scouts to reconnoitre the neighbourhood; at all events, would not have left their town wholly unprotejtfd and open. Perhaps an ambuscade may have been a war stratagem hitherto unknown in that country, and amongst that people. 15-17. Joshua and all Israel made as If they were beaten before them—the pretended flight In the direction of the wilderness—I. e., south-east, into the Ohor, the deseil
Vor. 1-28. God Encouragetii .Ioshua. 1. The Irf>rd said unto Joshua, Pear not.—By the execution of Justice on -Vciian, tlie Divine wrath was averted, the Israelites were ri'assiued, defeat was succeeded by victory; and thus the case of Ai airords a striking example of God's disciplinary governrtient, in which chastisements for sin are often made to pave the way for the bestowineut of 148
Ai taken, and its King hanged. JOSHUA IX. Joihua Builds an Altar.
stone, rough, unhewn stones were to be employed, that it anight retain botli the appearance and nature of eartii, since every bloody sacrifice was connected with sin and death, by which man, the creature of eartli, is lirought tc earth again. [Keil.] they oifered tliereon burnt offerings unto the Lord, and sacrificed peace offerings—Tliis had been done when tlie covenant was estublislied (Exodus 21.5); and by the observance of these rites (Deuteronomy 27. 6), the covenant was solemnly renewed—tlie people were reconciled to God liy the burnt offering, whilst, by this feast accompanying, the peace or tliaiik offering, a happy communion with God was enjoyed by
valley of the Jordan, decoyed all the inhabitauts of AI out of the city, while tlie people of Beth-el hastened to participate in the expected victory. It is supposed by Bome, from "the city," and not "cities," being spoken of, that the effective force of Beth-el had been concentrated In Al, as the two places were closely contiguous, and Ai the larger of the two. (See on ch. 12. 16.) It m.iy be remarked, however, that the words, "or Beth-el," are not In the Sept., and are rejected by some eminent scholars, as an Interpolation not found in the most ancient MSS. 18-'25. Josliua stretclicil out tlie spear tUat lie liad in
Ills liand toward tlie city—tlic uplifted spear had probably a flag, or streamer on it, to render it the more conspicuous from the height where he stood. At the sight of this understood signal the ambush nearest tlie city. Informed by their scouts, made a sudden rush, and took possession of the city, telegraphing to their brethren, by raising a smoke from the walls. Upon seeing this, the main body, who had been feigning a flight, turned round at the head of the pass upon their pursuers, wliile the
all the families in Israel. 33. he wrote there upon {ite stones a C€)py of the law—(see on Deuteronomy 27. 2-S);
i. e., the blessings and curses of the law. Some tliinlc tliat the stones v,'hich contained this inscription, were the stones of the altar: but this verse seems rather to indicate that a number of stone pillars were erected alongside of the altar, and on which, after they were plastered, this duplicate of tlie law was inscribed. 33. all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side—One-lialf of Isiael was ranged on Gerizim, and the other half on Eljal—along the sides and base of each, before the i>riests and Levites—in full view of them. 34. afterward lie read all the words of the law—caused the priests or Lovites to read it. (Deuteronomy 27. It.) Persons are often said in Scripture to do that which they only command to be done. 35. There -was not a word of all tliat Moses commanded which Joshua read not—It appears tliat a much larger portion of the law was read on this occasion tlian the brief sunimai\v Inscribed on tlie stones; and tliis must have been the essence of the law as contained in Deuteronomy. (Deuteronomy 4. 44; 6. 9; 27. S.) It was ntit written on the stones, but on the plaster. The Immediate design of this rehearsal w.as attained by the performance of the act itself; it only related to posterity, in so far as the record of the event would be handed down in the book of Joshua, or the documents which form the groundwork of it. [Hengstenberg.] Thus faithfully did Joshua execute the Instructions given by Moses. How awfully solemn must have been the assemblage and the occasion
25,000 issuing from their ambuscade, fell back upon their rear. The Aites surprised, looked back, and found their situation now desperate. 23. tlie king of Ai tliey took tllve, and l>roiiglit kim to Josliun—to be reserved for a more ignominious death, as a greater criminal in God's sight than his subjects. In the mingled attack from before and behind, flie whole men were massacred. 2*. all the Israelites retnrned unto Al, and smote It witli tlie edge of tlie sword—the women, children, and old persons left behind, amounting, in all, to 12,0!X) people. Josliua drew not Ills kaiid back—Perhaps, from the long continuance of the posture, it might have been a means appointed by God, to animate the people, and kejjt up in the same devout spirit as Moses had sliown, in lilting up his hands, until the work of slaugliter had been completed—the ban executed. (See on Exodus 17. 11, 12.) 28. Joshna burnt Al, and made It an Iieap for ever "for ever" often signifies along time. (Genesis 6. 3.) One of the remarkable things with regard to the tell we have iden-
tified with Ai is its name; the tell of the heap of stones; a name which to this day remains. [Van de Velde.]
29. The King Hanged. 29. Tlie klngof Ai lielianged on a tree i. e., gibbeted. In ancient, and particularly Oriental wars, the chiefs, when taken prisoners, were usually executed. The Israelites were obliged, by the Divine law, to put them to death. The execution of the king of Ai would tend to facilitate the conquest of the land, by striking terror into the other chiefs, and making
The eye and the ear of the people being both addressed,
it was calculated to leave an Indelible impression; and with spirits elevated by their brilliant victories in the land of promise, memory would often revert to the striking scene on mounts Ebal and Gerizim, and in the vale of Sycliar.
it appear a judicial process, in which they were inflicting the vengeance of God upon his enemies, take Ills carcass down . . . and raise tliereon a great heap of stones —It was taken down at sunset, according to the Divine command (Deuteronomy 21. 2.3), and cast into a pit dug "at the entering of tlie gate," because that was the most public place. An immense cairn was raised over his grave—an ancient usage, still existing in the East, wliereby is marked the sepulchre of persons whose memory is infamous.
Ver. 1-29. The Kings Combine Against Israel. 1. all tlie kings which were on this side—i. e., the western side of Jordan—In the hills, the valleys, and all the coasts of the great sea—This threefold distinction marks out very clearly a large portion of Canaan. Tlie first designates the hill country, which belonged afterwards to the tribes of Judah and Ephraira: the second, all tlie low country from Carmel to Gaza; and the third, the shores of tlie Mediterranean, from the Isthmus of Tyre to the plain of Joppa. As for the tribes mentioned, see on ch. 3.
30, 31. .TosiruA Builds an Altar. 30, 31. Then .Toshua built an altar unto the Lord God of Israel in mount Ebal—<See on Deuteronomy 27. 1. 2.) Tliis spot was little short of twenty miles from Ai. Tlie marcli through a hostile country, and the unmolested performance of the religious ceremonial observed at this mountain, would be greatly facilitated, through the blessing of God, l)y the disastrous fall of Ai. The solemn duty was to l)e attended tM at the first convenient opportunity after the entrance Into Canaan (Deuteronomy 27. 2); and with this view Joshua seems to have conducted the people through the mountainous region that intervened, though no details of the Journey have been recorded. Ebal was on the north, opposite to Gerlzim, which was on tlie south side of the town Slchem (Nablous). an altar of whole stones
10. heard (lhereo/)—Va&t is, of the sacking of Jericlio and Ai, as well as the rapid advance of the Israelites into the interior of the country. 2. they gathered themselves together to fight with Joshua and with Israel with one accord—although divided by separate Interests, ami often at war with each other, a sense of common danger prompted them tosuspend their mutual animosities, that by tlieir united forces they might prevent the land from falling into the hands of foreign masters.
3-1"). The Gibeonites Obtain a League by Craft. 315. when the inhabitants of Gibeoii heard—this town, as its name imports, was situated on a rocky eminence, about six miles north-west from Jerusal(!m, wliere tlie modern village of El-Jil) now stands; it was tlie caiiital of tlie Hivites, and a large important city (ch. 10. 2). U seems to have formed, in union witli a few other towns in the neighbourhood, a free Independent state (u. 17), and to Imve enjoyed a republican govcruinent (v, 11). they did 149
—according to the instructions given to Moses (Exodus 20. V>- Deuteronomy 27. 5.) over which no man lialh lifted up any iron—i. e.. Iron tool. Tlie reason of tliis was, that every altar of the true God ouglit properly to have been built of earth 'Exodus 20. 21;; and if it was coi structed of
The Giheoniles ohlain a Leaf/ue by Ci /ft. JOSHUA X. Five Kings War ayainsi Gibeon,
Divine commandment, they determined to adhere to their pledge, " be«ause they had sworn by the Lord God of Israel." The Israelitisli princes acted'conscientiously ; they
woi-k vrtlUy—they acted with dexterous poliitj', st-eklng
liie means of spll'-preservation, not by force, which, they were convinced, would be unsiviiili l)Ut by artful diplomiicy. tooK old sni'ks m|>os» tUcir asses—Travellers in the FJiist transport tlieir lu;;i;age on beasts of burden ; the poorer sort stow all their necessaries, food, clothes, uten-
felt themselves bound by their solemn promise, but to prevent the disastrous consequences of their imprudent haste, they resolved to degrade the Gibeonites to a servile condition as a means of preventing their people from being ensnared into idolatry, and thus acted up, as they tiiought, to the true spirit and end of the law. hewers of wood and drawers of water—The menials who performed the lowest offices and drudgery in the sanctuai-y
sils together, in a woollen or hair-cloth sack, laid across
tlie shoulders of the beast they ride upon. Wine bottlfs,
ol<l, rent, and bound up—Goat.skins, which are better adapted for carrying liquor of any kind fresh and gorid, than either earthenware, which is porous, or metallic vessels, which are soon heated by the sun. These skinbottles are liable to be rent v/hen old and much used ; and there are various ways of men<iing them, by inserting a new piece of leather, or by gathering together the edges of tlie rent and sewing them in the form of a purse, or by putting a round flat splinter of wood into the hole, old slioes clouted—Those who have but one ass or mule for themselves and baggage, frequently dismount, and walk—a circumstance which may account for the worn shoes of the pretended travellers, bread dry and monldy—This must have been that commonly used by travellers—a sort of biscuit made in the form of large rings, about an inch thick, and four or five inches in diameter. Not being so well baked as our biscuits, it becomes hard and mouldy from the moisture left in the dough. It is usually soaked in water previous to being used. G-l-t. tJiey went to JosSina untn tlic camp at Ollgal—Arrived at the Israelitish hejvdquarters, the strangers obtained an interview with Joshua and the elders, to whom they opened their business. TUe men of
whence they were called Netliinims (1 Chronicles 9.2; Ezra 2.43; 8.20); i.e., given, appropriated. Their chastisement thus brought them into the possession of great religious privileges (Psalm 84. 10).
Ver. 1-."). Five Kings War Against Gibeon. 1. Adoni-iedek—" lord of righteousness,"—nearly s.ynonymous with Melchizedek, "king of righteon.sness." These names were common titles of the Jebusite kings. Jerusalem The original name, "Salem" (Genesis 14. 18; Psalm 76. 2), was superseded by that here given, which signifies "a peaceful possession," or "a vision of peace," in allusion, as some think, to the strikingly symbajic scene (Genesis
22. 14) represented on the mount wheiTon that eit.v was afterwards built. Inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were amongst them—t. c, the Israelites—had made an alliance with that people, and acknowledging their supi-emacy, were living on terms of friendly intercourse with them. 3. they feared greatly The dread inspired by the rapid conquests of tlie Israelites had been immensel.v increased by the fact of a s^ate so populous and so strong as Gibeon having found it expedient to submit to the power and the terms of the invaders, as one of the royal cities—although itself a republic (ch. 9. 3), it was large and well fortified, like those places in which the chiefs of the country usually established their rt sidcnce. 3. wherefore Adoni-iedek sent, saying, Come up unto me, and help me—A combined attack was meditated on Gibeon, with a view not only to punish its people for their desertion of the native cause, but by its overthrow to interpose a barrier to the farther inroads of the Israelites. This confederacy among the mountaineers of Southern Palestine was formed and headed by the king of .lerusalem, because his territory w.is most exposed to danger, Gibeon being only six miles distant, and because he evidently possessed some degree of pre-eminence over his royal neighbours. 5. the rtve kings of the Amorifes—The settlement of this powerful and warlike tribe lay within the confinea of Moab; but having also acquired extensive possessions on thesouth-west of the,Tordan, their name, as the ruling power, seems to have been given to the region generally
Israel said luito the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell ninong ns—The answer of the Israelites implied that
tlie.v had no discretion, that their orders were impera-
tive, and that if the strangers belonged to any of the native tribes, the idea of an alliance with them was unlaw-
ful, since God had forl)idden it (Exodus 2:1. 32; 31. 12; Deuteronomy 7. 2). 9. from a very far couittry tliy servants are come, because of the name of the I^ord thy
Goel—Tlicy pretended to be a<-tuated by religious motives in seeking to-be allied with his people. But their studied address is wortlij' of notice in appealing to instances of God's miraculous doings at a distance, while they pass b.y those done in Canaan, as if the report of these had not yet reached their ears. 14, 15. the men took of tlielr victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the Irord —the mouldy appearance of their bread was, after examination, accepted as guaranteeing the truth of the story, and in tliis precipitate conclusion the Israelites were guilty of excessive credulity and culpable negligence, in not asking by the high priest's Urim and Thummim the mind of God, before entering into the alliance. It is not clear, however, that had they applied for Divine direction tiiey would have been forbidden to spare and connect themselves with an.v of the Can.aanitc tribes who rcxiounccd idolatry and embracc<l and worshijiped the true God. At least, no fault was found with them for making a covenant with the Giheoniles; while, on tlie other liaiid, the violation of it was severely iiunislud (2 Samuel 21. I
(2 Samuel 21. 2), although Hebron was inhabited by Hit-
tites or Hivites (ch. II. 19). and Jerusalem by Jebusites
(ch. If). 03).
(i-9. Joshua Re.scijes it. 0-8. the men of Gibeon sent unto .Toshua—Their appeal was urgent, and their claim to protection Irresistible, on the gi-ound, not only of kindness and sympathy, but of justice. In attacking the Canaanltes, Joshua had received from God a general assurance of success (eh. 1.5). lint the intelligence of so formidable a combination among the native princes seems to have depressed his mind with the anxious and dispiriting ldi>a, that It was a chastisement for the hasty and inconsiderate alliance entered into with the Gilieonites.
and ch. 11. 10, 20). 10, 17. at the end of tliree days, tliey hcTrd that they were neighbours, and dwelt among tliem—This information was obtained in their further prog}'esM through the country; for as v. 17 should be rendci ed, " when the children of Israel journeyed they came
to their cities." Giljeon was about eighteen or twenty miles from Gilgal. Chepliirith 18. 20; ]'>,ra2. 2."); N(v nemlah 7. 29). Beeroth (2 Samuel 4. 2), now Kl Jii'vich, about twenty minutes' distance from I'",l .lib (Gibeon). KirjathJearim, " the city of forests," now Kuryet-cl-IOnab. [Hoi5INSON.] 18-SJ7. the children of Israel smote tliem not The moral character of the Gibeonites' stratagem was l)ad. The pi'ineesof the congregation did not vindicate either the expedienc,y or the lawfulness of the connection they nad formed, but they felt the solemn obligations of tlieir oath ; and, although the popular clamour was loud against
It was evidently to be a struggle for life and death, not only to Gibeon, but to the Israelites. And In this view the Divine communication that was made to him was seasonable and animating. lie seems to have asked the counsel of God, and received an answer, before setting out on the exiiedillon. 9. •Toslinn tlierefore enme upon tliem suddenly—This Is <»xpliiitied in the following clause, wliere he is described as having accomiilishcd, by a forced march of picked men, iu one night, a distance of
Mil 111, cMiised either by disappoint men tat losing I lie spoils of Lilljcon, or by Ulspleasuie at the ajiparent brwich of the
15D
27t« Sun and Moon stand SliU. JOSHUA XI. Divers Kitu/i Ovtrcora&
to scour the country in pursuit of the remaining strag-
twenty-six miles, wliioli, accordini; to the slow pace of Eastern armies anil caravans, had formerly been a three
glers, a few of whom succeeded in reaching the neighbouring cities. The last act, probably the next day, was the disposal of the prisoners, among whom the five kings were consigned to the infamous doom of being slain (Deuteronoiuy 20. 16, 17), and then their corpses suspended on
Uays' journey (eh. 9. 17).
lu, H. Gor> KKiin-s .\GAiNsr them with Hailstones.
10, 11. The Ijord discomfited them— //cti., terrified, eonfounded th« An\orite allies, prolialjly, l)y a fearful storm
five trees till the evening, a*, put yoiir feet upon tlie necks of tliese kings—not as a barbarous insult, Init a symbolical action, expressive of a complete victory (Deuteronomy 33. 2tf ; Psalm 110. 5; Malachi 4. 3). Seven more Kings Conquei{ED. Ver. 28-42. 38-43. thai €lay .loshua took Makkedali—In this and tue following verses is described the rapid succession of victory and extermination n'-'ch swept the whole of Southern Palestine into the hands of Israel. "All those kings and
of liglitnins an<t thunder. .So the word is usually employed (1 Samuel 7. 10; Psalm IS. IH; Ui. 6). aiifl slew thein wtth a gi-ent slaiigUtcr at Glbeon—This refers to the fittaek of the Israelites upon-the besiegers. It is evident that thf-re had been much hard fighting around the heights of G.ljeon, for the day was far spent ere the enemy took to flight, chased thein along the way th.it goctU up <o Beth-hoi-on— (. e., the House of Caves, of which
there are still traces existing. There were twocontiguous
their larid did .losluia take at one lime, because the Lord God of Israel fought lor Israel. And Joshua returned and all Israel witli him, to the cainp at Gilgal."
villages of that name, upper and nether. Upper Beth-
lioron was nearest Gibeon—about ten miles distant, and approached by a gradual ascent through a long and precipitous ravine. This was the first stage of the flight.
Tlie fugitives had crossed tlie high ridge of Upper Bethhoron, and were in full flight down the descent to Bethhoron the Nether. The road between the two places is so rocky am) rugged, that there is a path made by means of steps cut ill t he rock. [Roijixson.] Down this pass Joshua continued his victorious rout. Here it was that the I^ord
Ver. 1-!). DrvERS Kings Oveecome at the Wateks OF Meko-M. 1-9. And it came to pass, wl»en Jahlu king of Hazor had Jieard those tilings-The scene of the sacred ii.arrative is here shifted to the north of Ca-