Joshua 4:12-13 NLT,NIV,ESV

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Joshua 4:13

Either, 1. Before the ark, by which they, as well as the rest, passed when they went over Jordan. Or, 2. In the presence of God, who diligently observed whether they would keep their promise and covenant made with their brethren, or not. read more

Joseph Exell

Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary - Joshua 4:10-19

CRITICAL NOTES.Joshua 4:12. Before the children of Israel] The usual order of marching was thus broken, that their promise, given in Numbers 32:17, might be faithfully observed. Joshua 4:13. About forty thousand] This left about seventy thousand men fit to bear arms, besides women and children, who did not pass over. The total number of the two and a half tribes who remained behind probably amounted to between three and four hundred thousand. Joshua 4:19. Gilgal] According to Josephus (Antiq.... read more

Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith Bible Commentary - Joshua 4:1-24

Jos 4:1-24 That this may be a sign among you that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What do you mean by these stones? You shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever. And so the children of Israel did as Joshua commanded ( Joshua 4:6-8 ),It is interesting to me that God is... read more

Joseph Sutcliffe

Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4:1-24

Joshua 4:2 . Take you twelve men; out of every tribe a man of great strength to be the witnesses in their respective tribes, while the twelve stones spake with silent voice on the western shore of the Jordan. Oh glorious miracle, leaving unbelief without excuse. Joshua 4:9 . Joshua set up twelve stones. Most critics contend, that these were huge stones placed on one side the bed of the river, but within the flood- banks, to mark the identical spot where the ark rested. They stood within... read more

Joseph Exell

The Biblical Illustrator - Joshua 4:1-24

Joshua 4:1-24What mean ye by these stones? The first act in CanaanThese stones proclaimed certain realities. Taken from the dry bed of the river, they declared God’s power in cutting off the waters before the ark of His covenant; twelve in number, one stone for each tribe, they declared how that all Israel had entered into Canaan; set up together in Canaan, they witnessed to Israel’s unity in that land. Moreover, they became a memorial to the nation of Jehovah’s work for them. First, these... read more

John Trapp

John Trapp Complete Commentary - Joshua 4:12

Jos 4:12 And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spake unto them: Ver. 12. As Moses spake unto them. ] Indented with them. Numbers 32:20 ; Num 32:27 Dilexi hominem: I loved the man, said Ambrose concerning Theodosius, because he was no less solicitous of the Church’s welfare after his decease than whilst he lived. read more

John Trapp

John Trapp Complete Commentary - Joshua 4:13

Jos 4:13 About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho. Ver. 13. Passed over before the Lord. ] As in his sight and presence, approving to him their hearts and practices. read more

Samuel Bagster

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge - Joshua 4:12

the children: Joshua 1:14, Numbers 32:20-Jonah : Reciprocal: Numbers 1:34 - Manasseh Numbers 32:17 - General Numbers 32:27 - thy servants Deuteronomy 3:18 - I commanded Deuteronomy 12:10 - But when Deuteronomy 33:21 - he came Joshua 13:8 - Moses gave 1 Chronicles 5:18 - four and forty read more

Samuel Bagster

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge - Joshua 4:13

prepared for war: or, ready armed, Ephesians 6:11 to the plains: Joshua 5:10, 2 Kings 25:5, Jeremiah 39:5, Jeremiah 52:8 Reciprocal: Numbers 32:16 - General Numbers 32:17 - General Numbers 32:20 - General Deuteronomy 3:18 - I commanded Deuteronomy 33:21 - he came Joshua 6:7 - that is armed 1 Chronicles 5:18 - four and forty read more

John Wesley

Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Joshua 4:13

About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.Before the Lord — Either, 1. before the ark, or, 2. in the presence of God who observed whether they would keep their covenant made with their brethren, or not. read more