Joshua 4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Joshua 4:15

The passage of the priests to the further bank had been already referred to, Joshua 4:11; but the writer, in observance of his general plan (compare introductory remarks to Joshua 3:0), re-introduces it here as the leading feature in the concluding section of his account, and (as before) with mention of God’s special direction about it. The statement that on the removal of the ark the waters of Jordan at once returned to their former level Joshua 4:18, heightens the impression which is... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Joshua 4:19

Gilgal, mentioned here by anticipation (compare Joshua 5:9), the modern Jiljulieh (Conder), was on rising ground (compare Joshua 5:3), and, according to Josephus, nearly five miles from the river, and consequently about two from the city itself. The site of the camp was no doubt fortified by Joshua, as it constituted for some time the abiding foothold in Canaan, from where he sallied forth to subdue the country. It was also the place of safety where the ark, and no doubt also the women,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4

A.M. 2553. B.C. 1451. Twelve stones taken up out of the midst of Jordan, and twelve set up there for a memorial, Joshua 4:1-9 . The march of the people through Jordan, Joshua 4:10-13 . God magnifies Joshua, who commands the priests to come out of Jordan, Joshua 4:14-17 . The waters close again, Joshua 4:18 , Joshua 4:19 . Joshua erects twelve stones in Gilgal, for a memorial, Joshua 4:20-24 . read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4:1

Joshua 4:1. The Lord spake unto Joshua This was commanded before, (Joshua 3:12,) and is here repeated with enlargement, as being now to be put in execution. It is the pious conjecture of the learned Bishop Patrick, that Joshua was gone into some place of retirement, to return thanks immediately for this wonderful mercy; and then God met him and spake thus to him. Or, perhaps, it was by Eleazar the priest that God gave these and other instructions to Joshua; for though he is not mentioned... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4:2-5

Joshua 4:2-5. Take you out of every tribe a man For the greater evidence, and the more effectual spreading the report of this marvellous work among the tribes. Where ye shall lodge this night That is, in Gilgal, as is expressed, Joshua 4:19-20. Whom he had prepared That is, appointed for that work, and commanded to be ready for it. Pass over before the ark Or, Pass back again directly unto the ark. These twelve men, it seems, re- entered the channel of Jordan, and, being dispensed... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4:6

Joshua 4:6. That this may be a sign among you A monument or memorial of this day’s work. Had Joshua given orders to prepare for erecting this memorial of himself, it might have looked like a design to perpetuate his own name and honour; but as it was done by the divine direction, it could be viewed in no other light than as a monument raised to the honour and glory of God, who hath “so done his marvellous works, that they ought to be had in everlasting remembrance,” and means devised to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4:9

Joshua 4:9. Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan These stones are not the same with those mentioned Joshua 4:5, which a man might carry upon his shoulder. They were undoubtedly very much larger, and probably appeared above the surface of the water, when it was low; or, if not, might be seen in it, either from the shore, the river not being broad, or in crossing it by boats, the waters of Jordan being generally very clear. At least they were so placed as to show that they were... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4:10-11

Joshua 4:10-11. The priests stood in the midst of Jordan till every thing was finished The constancy of the priests, on this occasion, bears very honourable testimony to their faith and patience; for it must have taken up a considerable time, a whole day, at least, for the passage of six hundred thousand fighting men, besides the numerous people that accompanied them, with their baggage and provisions, and for the performing the other things here mentioned. The people hasted and passed... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4:12-13

Joshua 4:12-13. The children of Reuben passed over armed As they had engaged to do, Numbers 32:20-27, and Joshua 1:13. About forty thousand prepared for war It is likely that Joshua drew out this number only of chosen men; and left all the rest to take care of their families and flocks. Passed over before the Lord Having passed over the river, they stood in battle array before the ark, at the distance, probably, of two thousand cubits; or, in the presence of the Lord, as the expression,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4:14

Joshua 4:14. On that day the Lord magnified Joshua Both by the fellowship he admitted him to with himself, speaking to him on all occasions, and being ready to be consulted by him, and by the miracle which had just given happy success to that general’s first enterprise, and which had acquired to him the same confidence and respect from the Israelites which Moses had before acquired from the miraculous passage of the Red sea: thus did the Lord, in a glorious manner, accomplish the promises... read more

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Joshua 4:15

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Joshua 4:19

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4:1

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4:2-5

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4:6

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4:9

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4:10-11

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4:12-13

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 4:14

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