1:1 Now after the a death of Moses the servant of the LORD it
came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of
Nun, Moses' minister, saying,
The Argument - In this book the Holy Spirit sets most lively
before us the accomplishment of God's promise, who as he
promised by the mouth of Moses, that a prophet would be
raised up to the people like him, whom he wills to obey,
(De 18:15): so he shows himself true to his promise, as
at all other times, and after the death of Moses his
faithful servant, he raises up Joshua to be ruler and
governor over his people, that they should neither be
discouraged for lack of a captain, nor have reason to
distrust God's promises later. So that Joshua might be
confirmed in his calling, and the people also might have no
opportunity to grudge, as though he were not approved by
God: he is adorned with most excellent gifts and graces from
God, both to govern the people with counsel, and to defend
them with strength, that he lacks nothing which either
belongs to a valiant captain, or a faithful minister. So he
overcomes all difficulties, and brings them into the land of
Canaan: which according to God's ordinance he divides among
the people and appoints their borders: he established laws
and ordinances, and put them in remembrance of God's
revealed benefits, assuring them of his grace and favour if
they obey God, and of his plagues and vengeance if they
disobey him. This history represents Jesus Christ the true
Joshua, who leads us into eternal happiness, signified to us
by this land of Canaan. From the beginning of Genesis to
the end of this book is 2567 years. For from Adam to the
flood are 1656, from the flood to the departure of Abraham
out of Chaldea 423, and from then to the death of Joseph 290.
So that Genesis contains 2369, Exodus 140, the other three
books of Moses 40, Joshua 27. So the whole makes 2576 years.
(a) The beginning of this book depends on the last chapter
of Deuteronomy which was written by Joshua as a
preparation to his history.
1:4 From the b wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great
river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the c
Hittites, and unto the great d sea toward the going down
of the sun, shall be your coast.
(b) Of Zin, called Kadesh and Paran.
(c) Meaning, the whole land of Canaan.
(d) Called Mediterranean.
1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest
observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my
servant commanded thee: turn not from it [to] the right hand
or [to] the left, that thou mayest e prosper whithersoever
thou goest.
(e) He shows where true prosperity consists, even to obey
the word of God.
1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but
thou shalt meditate therein day and f night, that thou
mayest observe to do according to all that is written
therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and
then thou shalt have good success.
(f) Showing that it is not possible to govern well, without
the continual study of God's word.
1:11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying,
Prepare you victuals; for g within three days ye shall
pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which
the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.
(g) Meaning, from the day that this was proclaimed,
(Jos 3:2).
1:13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD
commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you
rest, and hath given you this h land.
(h) Which belonged to Sihon the king of the Amorites, and
Og king of Bashan.
1:15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as [he hath
given] you, and they also have possessed the land which the
LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the
land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the
LORD'S servant i gave you on this side Jordan toward the
sunrising.
(i) By your request, but yet by God's secret appointment,
(De 33:21).
1:17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, k so
will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with
thee, as he was with Moses.
(k) They not only promise to obey him as long as God is
with him: but to help punish all who rebel against him.
