Joshua 4:14-15

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 4:10-19

The inspired historian seems to be so well pleased with his subject here that he is loth to quit it, and is therefore very particular in his narrative, especially in observing how closely Joshua pursued the orders God gave him, and that he did nothing without divine direction, finishing all that the Lord had commanded him (Josh. 4:10), which is also said to be what Moses commanded. We read not of any particular commands that Moses gave to Joshua about this matter: the thing was altogether new... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 4:14

On that day the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of Israel ,.... Made him great and honourable in their esteem, by doing what he foretold would be done, dividing the waters of Jordan, drying up the river to make a passage for them through it, as on dry land: and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life ; had a reverend esteem of him, and affection for him, and yielded obedience to him all his days; see Exodus 14:31 . read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 4:15

And the Lord spake unto Joshua ,.... When all the people had passed over jordan: saying ; as follows. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 4:14

The Lord magnified Joshua - See the note on Joshua 3:7 . read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 4:14

Verse 14 14.On that day the Lord magnified, etc It was not indeed the principal end of the miracle to proclaim Joshua’s pre-eminence in power and authority, but as it greatly concerned the public interest, that the government of Joshua should be firmly established, it is justly set down as an additional instance of the divine favor, that he was, so to speak, adorned with sacred insignia to render him venerable in the eyes of the people, and prevent any one from presuming to despise him. For a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 4:1-24

The memorial. Prom this chapter we learn several lessons. I. THE DUTY OF COMMEMORATING , BY A PIOUS MEMORIAL , THE GOOD THINGS GOD HAS DONE FOR US . The memory of events under the law was ever kept up in this way. The memorials of God's mercy we read of in the Old Testament are innumerable. There was circumcision, the memorial of God's covenant with Abraham; the stone set up at Bethel, the memorial of Jacob's vision. There was the passover, the memorial of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 4:6-22

Memorials. The crossing the Jordan dry shod was tile first miracle which marked the entrance of the people of Israel into the land of Canaan. It was God's purpose that this should be held in perpetual remembrance. Hence the erection of the twelve stones in the bed of the river, to remind the twelve tribes of that which the Almighty hand had wrought for them, in fulfilment of the promise made to their fathers. The material monument would, however, be insufficient of itself to preserve this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 4:14

On that day the Lord magnified Joshua. This was not, as Calvin remarks, the chief aim of the miracle. But it was, nevertheless, one important result of it. Joshua was the appointed leader of the Israelites, and he was under God's special protection and guidance. But however much God may overrule our human nature to His own purposes, He never abrogates the laws of its working. Confidence in a leader, from a human point of view, is one of the most essential requisites for success in war.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 4:14

Grace for beginners. In one sense Joshua is not a beginner. For forty years he has been at work for God. As spy, as general, as servant of Moses, during all these years he has wrought in the work, and with the help of God. Yet though eighty-five years of age, this crossing Jordan is his first act of leadership. In the sovereignty of Israel he is a beginner, with a beginner's fears, difficulties, burdens. And here we see a beautiful illustration of the fact—that with a beginner's cares... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 4:15

And the Lord spake unto Joshua, saying. Meyer and others, according to the method of a certain school, regard this as an extract from another document, which is equivalent to saying that the Book of Joshua is a compilation of the most unintelligent kind, a conclusion which is refuted by every line of the Book. A vivid and picturesque narrative, such as we have before us, could hardly have Been brought together by the liberal use of scissors and paste, with utter disregard of the coherence of... read more

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