Joshua:3-4

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* Verse 1-6 - The Israelites came to Jordan in faith , having been told that they should pass it . In the way of duty , let us proceed as far as we can , and depend on the Lord . Joshua led them . Particular notice is taken of his early rising , as afterwards upon other occasions , which shows how little he sought his own ease . Those who would bring great things to pass , must rise early . Love not sleep , lest thou come to poverty . All in public stations should always attend to the duty of their place . The people were to follow the ark . Thus must we walk after the rule of the word , and the direction of the Spirit , in everything ; so shall peace be upon us as upon the Israel of God ; but we must follow our ministers only as they follow Christ . All their way through the wilderness was an untrodden path , but most so this through Jordan . While we are here , we must expect and prepare to pass ways that we have not passed before ; but in the path of duty we may proceed with boldness and cheerfulness . Whether we are called to suffer poverty , pain , labour , persecution , reproach , or death , we are following the Author and Finisher of our faith ; nor can we set our feet in any dangerous or difficult spot , through our whole journey , but faith will there see the prints of the Redeemer 's feet , who trod that very path to glory above , and bids us follow him , that where he is , we may be also . They were to sanctify themselves . Would we experience the effects of God 's love and power , we must put away sin , and be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God . * Verse 7-13 - The waters of Jordan shall be cut off . This must be done in such a way as never was done , but in the dividing of the Red sea . That miracle is here repeated ; God has the same power to finish the salvation of his people , as to begin it ; the WORD of the Lord was as truly with Joshua as with Moses . God 's appearances for his people ought to encourage faith and hope . God 's work is perfect , he will keep his people . Jordan 's flood cannot keep out Israel , Canaan 's force cannot turn them out again . * Verse 14-17 - Jordan overflowed all its banks . This magnified the power of God , and his kindness to Israel . Although those who oppose the salvation of God 's people have all advantages , yet God can and will conquer . This passage over Jordan , as an entrance to Canaan , after their long , weary wanderings in the wilderness , shadowed out the believer 's passage through death to heaven , after he has finished his wanderings in this sinful world . Jesus , typified by the ark , hath gone before , and he crossed the river when it most flooded the country around . Let us treasure up experiences of His faithful and tender care , that they may help our faith and hope in the last conflict . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary **** * ****** Joshua 4 ****** *** Outline of Joshua 4 *** Stones taken out of Jordan . ( _1-9 .) The people pass through Jordan . ( _10-19 .) The twelve stones placed in Gilgal . ( _20-24 .) *** Commentary *** * Verse 1-9 - The works of the Lord are so worthy of rememberance , and the heart of man is so prone to forget them , that various methods are needful to refresh our memories , for the glory of God , our advantage , and that of our children . God gave orders for preparing this memorial . * Verse 10-19 - The priests with the ark did not stir till ordered to move . Let none be weary of waiting , while they have the tokens of God 's presence with them , even the ark of the covenant , though it be in the depths of adversity . Notice is taken of the honour put upon Joshua . Those are feared in the best manner , and to the best purpose , who make it appear that God is with them , and that they set him before them . * Verse 20-24 - It is the duty of parents to tell their children betimes of the words and works of God , that they may be trained up in the way they should go . In all the instruction parents give their children , they should teach them to fear God . Serious godliness is the best learning . Are we not called , as much as the Israelites , to praise the loving-kindness of our God ? Shall we not raise a pillar to our God , who has brought us through dangers and distresses in so wonderful a way ? For hitherto the Lord hath helped us , as much as he did his saints of old . How great the stupidity and ingratitude of men , who perceive not His hand , and will not acknowledge his goodness , in their frequent deliverances ! **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary **** * ****** Joshua 5 ****** *** Outline of Joshua 5 *** The Canaanites are afraid , Circumcision renewed . ( _1-9 .) The passover at Gilgal The manna ceases . ( _10-12 .) The Captain of the Lord 's host appears to Joshua . ( _13-15 .) *** Commentary *** * Verse 1-9 - How dreadful is their case , who see the wrath of God advancing towards them , without being able to turn it aside , or escape it ! Such will be the horrible situation of the wicked ; nor can words express the anguish of their feelings , or the greatness of their terror . Oh that they would now take warning , and before it be too late , flee for refuge to lay hold upon that hope set before them in the gospel ! God impressed these fears on the Canaanites , and dispirited them . This gave a short rest to the Israelites , and circumcision rolled away the reproach of Egypt . They were hereby owned to be the free-born children of God , having the seal of the covenant . When God glorifies himself in perfecting the salvation of his people , he not only silences all enemies , but rolls back their reproaches upon themselves .

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