Joshua 1:1-9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 1:1-9

Honour is here put upon Joshua, and great power lodged in his hand, by him that is the fountain of honour and power, and by whom kings reign. Instructions are given him by Infinite Wisdom, and encouragements by the God of all consolation. God had before spoken to Moses concerning him (Num. 27:18), but now he speaks to him (Josh. 1:1), probably as he spoke to Moses (Lev. 1:1) out of the tabernacle of the congregation, where Joshua had with Moses presented himself (Deut. 31:14), to learn the way... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 1:1

Now after the death of Moses ,.... Or "and after" F8 ויהי "et factum est", V. L. "et fuit", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus. ; the book begins as if something went before, it is connected with; and indeed it seems to be the last chapter of the book of Deuteronomy, which treats of the death of Moses; and Joshua being the penman of Deuteronomy 34:5 , as say the Talmudists F9 T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 14. 2. , and of this book, as has been seen, having wrote them, he goes on with... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 1:2

Moses my servant is dead ,.... Which was said not for the information of Joshua, but to lead on to, and show the cause and reason of what he was about to say to him: now therefore arise, go over this Jordan ; near to which the whole body of the people of Israel were, and very probably were in sight of it: thou, and all this people : which were very numerous, six hundred thousand men or more, besides a great number of women and children, and no boats to carry them over, or pontoons to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 1:3

Every place that the sole of your feet shall tread upon ,.... That is, in the land of Canaan: that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses : See Gill on Deuteronomy 11:24 ; though the Jews extend this to all without the land subdued by them, and even to all the countries they now tread on, and are exiles in; but the limits of what the Lord gave them are fixed in Joshua 1:4 . read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 1:4

From the wilderness ,.... The wilderness of Kadesh and Sin, on the border of Edom; in the southeast corner, as Jarchi says, see Numbers 34:3 , and this Lebanon ; which though on the other side Jordan, and at a considerable distance, being the northern border of the land towards Syria, might be seen afar off; or it is expressed, because it was a well known place, as Kimchi remarks: even unto the great river, the river Euphrates ; which was the eastern border of the land, and to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life ,.... What is promised to the people in common, Deuteronomy 11:25 ; is here particularly promised to Joshua their general; and which was fulfilled in him, and still more in Christ his antitype, who made an end of sin, destroyed the devil, spoiled principalities and powers, abolished death, and overcame the world: as I was with Moses, so will I be with thee ; to counsel and advise, guide and direct, protect... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 1:6

Be strong, and of good courage ,.... The same exhortation Moses gave him, Deuteronomy 31:7 ; and is afterwards repeated in this chapter, as being of great moment and importance, as it is in the general of an army to show greatness and strength of mind, valour and courage, and not be dismayed at the number and strength of the enemy. As Joshua's work in fighting with the Canaanites, and conquering their land, so Christ's work in the redemption of his people, and subduing their enemies,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 1:7

Only be thou strong, and very courageous ,.... For though Joshua was a man of valour and courage, as appears by his war with Amalek, yet there was need of this exhortation, and of repeating it, since he was to engage with a people more and mightier than those with him, and who dwelt in strong and fortified places, and had been preparing for some time, having had notice, and were in expectation of the Israelites' attempt upon them: that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 1:8

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth ,.... He was often to read it, frequently repeat it, and speak of it, to refresh his own memory with it, and the memory of those about him. Jarchi restrains it to the book of Deuteronomy now before him: but thou shalt meditate therein day and night ; whenever he had any leisure from the important business of his office, whether by day or night, see Psalm 1:2 , that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee ?.... The above things, to go over Jordan with the people into the land of Canaan, and to observe the law of Moses in all things, and to be of good courage, which is again repeated; consider who it is that has given these orders and instructions, the great Jehovah, the everlasting I AM, who is faithful to his promises, and able to perform. The consideration of which would serve to animate him to the work he was called unto, to encourage his faith in God, to engage... read more

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