God, as you have done unto this haereatis, sicut fecistis usque ad (continued)
COMMENTARY ON JOSHUA
7. That you come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:
7. Neque commisceamini gentibus istis quae remanent vobiscum et nomen deorum earum ne commemoretis, nec adjuretis, neque serviatis eis, neque incurvetis vos eis.
8. But cleave unto the LORD your God, as you have done unto this day.
8. Sed Jehovae Deo vestro adhaereatis, sicut fecistis usque ad diem hanc.
9. For the LORD has driven out from before you great nations and strong: but as for you, no man has been able to stand before you unto this day.
9. Propterea expulit a facie vestra gentes magnas et fortes, nec stetit quisquam in conspectu vestro usque ad diem hanc.
10. One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he it is that fights for you, as he has promised you.
10. Vir unus ex vobis persequutus est mille, quia Jehova Deus vester est qui pugnat pro vobis sicut loquutus fuerat vobis.
11. Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that you love the LORD your God.
11. Custodite valde super animabus vestris ut diligatis Jehovam Deum vestrum.
Here we have a narrative of the solemn protestation which Joshua used towards the time of his death, that he might leave the pure worship of God surviving him. But although the peace and quiet which the Israelites obtained among the nations of Canaan is described as an excellent blessing from God, it is necessary to keep in mind what I formerly taught, that it was owing to their cowardice that they dwelt among their enemies, whom it would not have been difficult to rout and destroy. But thanks are justly rendered to God for his goodness in pardoning their ingratitude.
The pious solicitude of Joshua is here also set forth, for the imitation of all who are in authority. For as the father of a family will not be considered sufficiently provident if he thinks of his children only till the end of his own life, and does not extend his care farther, studying as much as in him lies to do them good even when he is dead; so good magistrates and rulers ought