Joshua 4:13

Prepared for war. εὔζωνοι , LXX . Literally, disencumbered, like the Latin expeditus. Unlike Numbers 31:5 , the Hebrew has the article here. The meaning therefore may be "equipped men of the host," i.e; the light armed and active among them. If we translate thus, it is clear that all their armed men did not go over Jordan. The impedimenta were left behind, under a strong guard (see notes on Joshua 1:14 ). The plains of Jericho. Here the LXX . and Theodotion have τὴν ιερίχὼ πόλιν , Symmachus renders by ἀοίκητον , the Vulgate by cumpestria. The original is עַרְבוֹת literally, the deserts or uncultivated lands (see note on Joshua 3:16 ). They formed a "low-lying plain about four hours' journey in breadth," at that time largely covered with palm trees and thorny acacias, but apparently not cultivated. Since that time, the palms having disappeared, the plain has become "a very picture of fertility," "covered with luxuriant vegetation". The valley narrows to a gorge at Jericho, through which the Kelt, according to Robinson the ancient Cherith, flows, the source of all the verdure which once bloomed around the city. The gorge of the Kelt Canon Tristram describes as "tremendous," but he believes the Cherith to have been eastward of Jordan, following Mr. Grove, who is here disposed to accept the. tradition of Eusebius and Jerome.