Joshua 8:35 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 8:30-35

This religious solemnity of which we have here an account comes in somewhat surprisingly in the midst of the history of the wars of Canaan. After the taking of Jericho and Ai, we should have expected that the next news would be of their taking possession of the country, the pushing on of their victories in other cities, and the carrying of the war into the bowels of the nation, now that they had made themselves masters of these frontier towns. But here a scene opens of quite another nature;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 8:35

There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not ,.... So punctually, precisely, and exactly did he observe the instructions and commands that were given him by Moses; and this he did in the most public manner: before all the congregation of Israel ; who were on this occasion called together, and not before the men only, but with the women, and little ones : who all had a concern in the things that were read to them: yea, even and the strangers that were... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 8:35

With the women and the little ones - It was necessary that all should know that they were under the same obligations to obey; even the women are brought forward, not only because of their personal responsibility, but because to them was principally intrusted the education of the children. The children also witness this solemn transaction, that a salutary fear of offending God might be early, diligently, and deeply impressed upon their hearts. Thus every precaution is taken to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 8:30-35

The fruits of victory. "Then Joshua built an altar unto the Lord.… And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses … And he read all the words of the law." There is always danger in the moment after victory. We remember how Hannibal lost, amid the enervating luxuries of Capua, the fruit of the battle of Cannae. The most seductive Capua to the people of God is spiritual pride, which seeks to take to itself the glory which belongs to God alone. Woe to those who sleep upon the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 8:30-35

The setting up the law. The provision for the due observance of God's law was one of the most remarkable features of the invasion of Canaan by Joshua. Twice was the command given in Deuteronomy by Moses ( Deuteronomy 11:29 , 36, and Deuteronomy 27:2-13 ), and the spot fixed on beforehand, no doubt because of its central position in Palestine. We have already observed, in the notes on Deuteronomy 5:1-33 ; on the scrupulous care to fulfil the provisions of the law with which the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 8:30-35

The altar on Ebal, and the reading and recording of the law. We come on this scene unexpectedly. War, with its stratagems, its carnage, its inversion of ancient order, was filling our mind. But suddenly, instead of the camp, there is the religious assembly; sacrifice instead of slaughter; instead of the destruction of heathen cities, the erection of monumental inscriptions of the law. The mustering of the whole people to learn and accept afresh God's great law. It was not a casual... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 8:30-35

Sacrifice and law. This religious solemnity is a fulfilment of the command given by Moses in Deuteronomy 27:1-26 . It is expressive of the fidelity of Joshua to the sacred traditions of the past, and his loyalty to the Divine order and the Divine authority. The time is appropriate for such public homage to be paid to the God of Israel. It is the "right hand of the Lord" that has done so valiantly in the recent victories; to Him be all the glory. The land has been taken possession of in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 8:35

That were conversant with them. Literally, who were going in the midst of them; i.e; the strangers who had attached themselves to them, either at their departure from Egypt, or since their conquest of Eastern Palestine. HOMILETICS read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Joshua 8:30-35

The account of this solemnity is very brief. An acquaintance with Deuteronomy 27:0 is evidently presupposed; and the three several acts of which the solemnity consisted are only so far distinctly named as is necessary to show that the commands of Moses there given were fully carried out by Joshua.It is difficult to escape the conviction that these verses are here out of their proper and original place. The connection between Joshua 8:29, and Joshua 9:1, is natural and obvious; and in Joshua... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 8:34-35

Joshua 8:34-35. Afterward After the altar was built, and the stones plastered and written upon; he read That is, he commanded the priests or Levites to read, Deuteronomy 27:14. Blessings and cursings Which words come in, not by way of explication, as if the words of the law were nothing else besides the blessings and curses; but by way of addition, to denote that these were read, over and above the words of the law. There was not a word which Joshua read not Therefore, he read not the... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 8:30-35

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 8:35

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 8:35

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 8:30-35

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 8:30-35

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 8:30-35

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 8:30-35

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 8:35

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Joshua 8:30-35

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 8:34-35

Group of Brands