Ver. 1. And it came to pass, when all the people.] Heb., All the nation; Goi, so the Israelites are here and elsewhere called. The Jews, then, have no reason to reproach Christians by that name, calling us Goiim and Mamzer Goiim, bastardly heathens. Were clean passed over.] Without the least opposition of the Canaanites, who were intimidated and infatuated.
Ver. 2. Out of every tribe a man.] For the two tribes and half planted beyond Jordan were also concerned, as being of the same body and way of worship. See Joshua 22:30.
Ver. 3. Twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you.] This is an ancient and commendable practice, by lasting monuments to propagate and perpetuate the memory of special mercies and signal deliverances; to set up some marks and mementoes upon them, that they grow not stale or moth eaten. To this end were those new names of places, Bethel, Penuel, Gilgal, Eben Ezer, Ramath Lehi, Berachah, &c. This is the best art of memory, and a very good means both to prevent Satan—who striveth to obliterate God’s great works, or else to alienate and translate them upon himself, -to excite ourselves to duty—for it fortifieth faith, feedeth hope, nourisheth joy, -and to do good to posterity. (Psalms 48:13 102:18)
Ver. 4. Then Joshua called, &c.] See Joshua 4:2 3:12.
Ver. 5. Before the ark of the Lord your God.] A God in covenant with you, and who therefore may well expect this or any other service from you.
Ver. 6. That this may be a sign.] We stand in need of all helps. The Israelites had their fringes and phylacteries to immind them; and of all things, God cannot abide to be forgotten. (Psalms 9:16,17)
Ver. 7. The waters of Jordan were cut off.] And again the waters of Jordan were cut off. Good things must be whetted and inculcated upon our children. (Deuteronomy 6:7) [See Trapp on “De 6:7”]
Ver. 8. And the children of Israel did so,] i.e., The twelve select men, representing the whole people.
Ver. 9. And Joshua set up twelve stones.] Besides the first twelve: Gaudet produci haec solennitas, as Augustine said at the feast of Pentecost. So Hezekiah and the people kept other seven days. (2 Chronicles 30:23) And they are there unto this day.] Id est, immutabili et perpetuo statuto, saith Junius: By an immutable and perpetual statute.
Ver. 10. Until everything was finished.] They would not off the ground till the work was done; but by a heroical faith, there held them, when others feared and therefore hasted away. And the people hasted and passed over.] Partly through desire of the promised land, but principally through fear of danger, by those hideous mountains of water which hung over their heads: a ghastly sight surely.
Ver. 11. That the ark of the Lord passed over.] That it might be both van and rear. “For ye shall not go out with haste” (it was weakness of faith that made this people to do so), “nor go by flight: for the Lord will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward.” (Isaiah 52:12)
Ver. 12. As Moses spake unto them.] Indented with them. (Numbers 32:20,27) Dilexi hominem: I loved the man, said Ambrose concerning Theodosius, because he was no less solicitous of the Church’s welfare after his decease than whilst he lived.
Ver. 13. Passed over before the Lord.] As in his sight and presence, approving to him their hearts and practices.
Ver. 14. The Lord magnified Joshua.] See Joshua 3:7.
Ver. 15. And the Lord spake unto Joshua.] See Joshua 1:1.
Ver. 16. Command the priests.] They would not stir out of their station till God called them off. It is good to do all by a warrant. To be out of God’s precincts is to be out of his protection.
Ver. 17. Come ye up out of Jordan.] Now that all the people are in safety; and stand upon the bank to behold the last act of this great miracle.
Ver. 18. And it came to pass, when the priests, &c.] Not till then: as till Methuselah was deceased, the flood could not come; till Lot was housed in Zoar, Sodom could not be overthrown, &c. “He that walketh uprightly, walketh safely.” And flowed over.] Heb., Went, sc, leisurely, and by degrees, according to God’s disposal and appointment.
Ver. 19. On the tenth day of the first month.] [See Trapp on “Ex 12:3”]
Ver. 20. And those twelve.] See Joshua 4:3.
Ver. 21. See Joshua 4:6,7.
Ver. 22. See Joshua 4:6,7.
Ver. 23. From before you.] Who were then in our loins, or so young that you could not be affected with it. As the Lord your God did to the Red Sea.] Upon the review of a present mercy we should recognise former favours. Those that had passed through the Red Sea, as Caleb and Joshua, were now the less afraid of passing through Jordan. So those that have gone through the baptism of repentance and regeneration, will not fear to pass through death into heaven.
Ver. 24. That all the people of the earth might know.] And acknowledge God’s power and providence: for at his own glory he aimeth in all his actions, and at the good of his people.