9 And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have IP rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you: wherefore the name of the place is called *Gilgal unto this day. 10 And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on he fourteenth day of the month at even, in the plains of Jericho. 11 And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the self-same day. 12 And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; t but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. 13 And it came to pass, when Josh s Ex. 16:35. Neh. 9:20,21. Rev. p Gen. 34:14. 1 Sam. 17:26,36. | 23:6,14. q Ex. 12:3,&c. Num. 9:1-5. t Deut. 6:10,11. Prov. 13:22. B. C. 1451 so. u Gen. 33:1,5. Dan. 8:3. 10.5. y Num. 22:23. 1 Chr. 21:16,17. a Ex. 23:20-22. Is. 55:4. Dan. b Gen. 17:3,17. Lev. 9:24. c 1 Sam. 3:9,10. Is. 6:8. Acts d Ex. 4:10,13. Ps. 110:1. Matt. 22:44. Luke 1:43. 20:42. John 20:28. Phil. 3:8. e Ex. 3:5. Acts 7:32,33. 2 Pet. 1:18. both brought out of Egypt, and into the land of their inheritance, "that they might keep the LORD's statutes, and observe his laws." (Note, Ps. 105:43-45.). Having been circumcised on the eleventh day of the month, they would be enabled to eat the passover on the evening of the fourteenth; while those who had before been circumcised might prepare for their brethren: and manifest whether this omission arose from neg-son might eat of it. (Notes, Ex. 12:43-45,48,49.) ligence; or whether the Lord dispensed with it This was a proper entrance upon the promised during their wanderings, when every removal land, as a holy land. The celebration of the would have rendered it dangerous to many in- passover immediately preceded Israel's deparfants; or whether the nation was laid under a ture out of Egypt; and formed nearly their first kind of interdict, when the rebellious genera-employment on entering Canaan: for they were tion was doomed to die in the wilderness. It is generally agreed, that the passover was celebrated only once, during Israel's continuance in the desert; and the people there did not want any mark of distinction from other nations: so that circumcision, in respect of its principal objects, was not so requisite in that situation, as after they were settled in Canaan; where every instituted ordinance, and every method of distinc-by tion and separation, must be used. The command however given to Joshua, and by him to the people, to perform this painful operation on so great a multitude, immediately upon entering the enemy's country, when it was well known that they would by it be for some time utterly disabled, formed a very great trial of their faith; (Note, Gen. 34:25-28.) and their prompt and universal obedience, in such critical circumstances, manifested a confidence in the Lord's protection, and a submission to his will, which confirm the sentiment, that this was the best of all the generations of Israel.-As circumcision might be perforined by any one; though the number to be circumcised was great, the whole would soon be completed, probably on the first day after their passage over Jordan. the time that the days of unleavened bread were ended, they would be perfectly healed and fit for action. In the mean time, the Canaanites were intimidated, and restrained from assaulting them. Nay, their very confidence in thus setting their enemies at defiance, while they attended to the ordinances of their religion, and engaged JEHOVAH to fight their battles, if it were known among the inhabitants of the land, would tend to increase their consternation. (Note, Ex. 34:24.) V. 11, 12. The people would find abundance of old corn in the deserted granaries of the affrighted inhabitants; and the barley-harvest being ripe, after offering the sheaf of first-fruits, they ate also new parched corn: and thus the manna, being no longer necessary, ceased, after having been sent them regularly for almost forty years! (Ex. 16:35.) V. 9. When the Israelites were brought into V. 13-15. Joshua was either taking a view of the promised land, and the covenant of the Lord Jericho, in order to attack it, or employed in sewas thus solemnly ratified with them, as the seed rious meditation and prayer, or both alternately; of Abraham, by the appointed seal; the reproach when he was surprised with the appearance of of their Egyptian bondage, and idolatrous cus- one, in form as "a Man, ... with his sword drawn toms, was rolled away; and it was plain, that the in his hand." Joshua, not at all intimidated, acLord had not brought them forth into the wilder- costed him, and demanded of him whether he was ness to destroy them. (Notes, Gen. 17:7-12,23 an ally or an enemy; and he received for answer, -27. Ex. 4:24-26. 1 Sam. 17:25,26.)—The word that he was come, not only as an Ally, but as "Gilgal" signifies rolling. The same place was Commander-in-chief over the LORD's host, and also called, "the hill of the foreskins;" because of over Joshua himself upon which Joshua recogthe great numbers whose foreskins were left bu-nized and worshipped him as his Lord; and revried there. (3) erently prostrating himself upon the earth, waitV. 10. The general circumcision of the people ed and asked to know his will. Not only was this was preparatory to the solemn observance of the worship received, but he was further commandpassover in its season; for no uncircumcised per-led to shew the same token of respect to the VOL. I. [633 80 CHAP. VI. c See, I have given into thine hand JeriJericho is shut up: and the Lord instructs Joshua how to conduct cho, and the king thereof, and the mighty the siege, 1-3. Joshua directs the priests to carry the ark round the city, preceded by other priests, sounding with trumpets, and attended by the people, 6, 7. They thus march round the city daily for six days, and seven times on the seventh day, 8-16. The city and all in it, (except Rahab and those with ner.) are devoted to destruction, 17-19. The people shoot, the walls fall down, and the city is taken and destroyed; but Rahab is preserved, 20-25. A curse is denounced on him who should rebuild Jericho, 26. Joshua becomes renowned, 27. * NOW TOW Jericho was straitly shut up, because of the children of Israel none went out, and none came in. 2 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Heb. did shut up, and was a 2:9-14. Ps. 127:1. shut up. 2:7. 2 Kings 17:4. b See on 5. 13-15. heavenly vision, which had been required when the LORD appeared to Moses in the bush: (Notes, Er. 3:2-6.) and this being done, he received from him the orders contained in the ensuing chapter, which is a continuation of the subject, and is very improperly separated from the close of this. All these circumstances prove beyond a doubt, that this armed Man was no other than the Son of God, JEHOVAH, the second Person in the sacred Trinity, the Captain of our salvation, anticipating his incarnation, and assuring Joshua of success in this war. (Notes, Gen. 32:30. Hos. 12:3-6. Phil. 2:5-8.) 'Jesus, our Lord, the 'Prince of his Father's host, appearing to him who was a type of him, at Jericho, with a drawn 'sword, promised to be the Defender of his people.' Archbp. Usher. The Angel, who suffered himself to be worshipped, and by whose presence "the place where he appeared was sanctified, so "that Joshua was commanded to put off his shoes, 'no doubt was he whom all the angels in heaven 'worshipped.' Bp. Patrick. men of valor. 3 And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the City once. Thus shalt thou do six days. e 4 And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass c 9-24. 8:1. 11:6-8. Judg. 11: | e Lev. 25:9. Num. 10:1— 10. internal "seal of the righteousness of faith," and the ratification of the new covenant between a reconciled God and his soul. (Notes, Rom. 2:25 -29. 4:9-12.) Then feeding on Christ, the Paschal Lamb who was sacrificed for sinners, and keeping the "feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth," he will be prepared for the conflict. (Note, 1 Cor. 5:6-8.) Yet he will not prosper, so long as he neglects any of the ordinances or commandments of God; or lies under the reproach of living in conformity to the world, or of acting in any respect inconsistently with his holy profession. But duly attending to the worship of God and the means of grace, and daily girding on his divine armor, he may boldly defy all his enemies, and rest assured of the presence and protection of the great "Captain of salvation;" whose Person he will reverently worship, whose orders he will diligently observe, on whose assistance he will entirely depend, and by whom he will at length be made more than conqueror. -Many things are amiss in the best state of the church on earth: but when young persons have not so much as the appearance of religion, it will ir-redound to the reproach of their parents, being generally the consequence of their misconduct. When the upright believer is convinced of his neglect or sin, he will readily set about amendment; and when he is in a proper frame of mind, he will account the most self-denying commands, or mysterious dispensations of the Lord, reasonable, wise, and kind. Finally, what the Lord requires of his people, he will supply them with the means of performing: when one source of provision fails he will open another; nor shall the manna for their souls ever fail, till they arrive at the Canaan above, and feast on its rich and inexhaustible provisions. NOTES. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. How dreadful is the case of those, who are reversibly devoted to destruction, for whom no mercy is reserved, and who see the deserved vengeance of God advancing towards them with steady pace, without any possibility of averting or escaping it! Such will be the horrible situation of the wicked, when summoned to appear before the tribunal of an offended God. Nor can words express the anguish of their feelings, or the greatness of their terror, when they shall call in vain "upon the rocks and mountains to fall upon them," and hide them from the intolerable frown of their angry Judge, and from the dire sentence which he is prepared to execute upon them. As "men's hearts cannot endure, or their hands be strong," in such circumstances; oh, that they would now take warning, even before it be too late, that they would flee for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before them in the salvation of the gospel!-The maxims and conduct of the church of God are widely different from those of the world. What other general ever opened a campaign in an enemy's country, in the manner that Joshua did? On such occasions, all attention paid to the exercises of religion is too gen- V. 2. (Note, 5:13-15.) It is indisputable that erally considered as a needless waste of time. the very person, who in the preceding chapter Yet, if the help of God be indeed the best securi- called himself "the Captain of the host of the ty for success, and if his anger is more to be fear- LORD," is here called JEHOVAH, which shews he ed than the sword of any enemy, it will be found was not a created angel, but God himself, who true policy to begin every expedition with re- alone could promise and perform what follows.' pentance of sin, and attendance on the solemn Bp. Patrick. By commission from him, and acworship of the Lord, and with using every meth-cording to his instructions, Joshua was directed od of securing his protection; though to a carnal eye that method may appear unfavorable to success. (Note, Matt. 6:33,34.)-But especially the Christian soldier must thus begin his spiritual warfare: nor can he face any of his enemies without "the circumcision of the heart," as the 34 CHAP. VI. V. 1. The king and people of Jericho did not possess courage enough to attack the invaders; but they shut themselves up in the city, where doubtless they expected to defend themselves under the protection of the walls, till succors should arrive from other quarters. It does not appear, that they made any advances toward an accommodation. to conduct his hostilities against the Canaanites: and this authority sanctioned, and even sanctined, all the terrible executions with which it was attended; the sword in his hand being the sword of justice drawn against condemned criminals. (Notes, Num. 31:2,14—18.) B. C. 1450. the city seven times, and the priests || priests that blew with the trumpets," and shall blow with the trumpets. the rear-ward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets. 5 And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout: and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him. k 6 T And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD. 7 And he said unto the people, Pass on, and compass the city, and let him 1 that is armed pass on before the ark of the LORD. 8 And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on " before the LORD, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them. 10 And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout. 11 So the ark of the LORD compassed the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp. 12 And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD. r 13 And seven priests, bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD, went on continually, and blew with the trumpets: and the armed men went before them; but the rear-ward came after the ark of the LORD, the priests going on and blowing with the trumpets. 14 And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned into 9 And the armed men went before the the camp: so they did six days. f Gen. 2:3. 7:2,3. Lev. 4:6. 14: g 16,20. Ex. 19:19. 1 Sam. 4:5. h Judg. 7:20-22. 15. i Is. 25:12. 30:25. 2 Cor. 10:4,5. *Heb. under it. k 8,13. See on 3:3.-Ex. 25:14. m See on 3,4.-Num. 32:20. [Practical Observations.] n 13. Num. 10:25. Is. 52:12. 58: 8. Heb. gathering host. Heb. your voice to be heard. o 2 Sam. 523,24. Is. 28:16. "seven days," and "seven times on the seventh V. 3-5. By prescribing this extraordinary method of besieging Jericho, the Lord was pleased to put honor upon the ark, as the symbol of his presence, and to manifest that all the victories of Israel were from him: for this was a specimen of them. The faith and patience of the people were thus proved and increased. Their regard to the priesthood likewise would be augmented; and they would be induced the more readily to give the priests their dues, when the Lord had thus employed them in the conquest of the land. The preaching of the gospel also, and its effects were typified. The words (barn nino) translated "rams' horns," may be rendered trumpels of the jubilees, that is, such as were to be blown in the year of jubilee: for the entrance of Israel into the promised land was indeed a jubilee to them. (Notes, Lev. 25:8-22.) Instead of the dreadful trumpet of war, they were ordered to V. 7. It may be supposed, that the procession sound the trumpet of joy, as already conquerors, was made at such a distance, as to be out of the in the anticipation of assured faith. The word, reach of arrows or missile weapons from the walls. signifying horn, occurs indeed in the fifth verse; It would be needful for the army to go before in but, even if interpreted literally, it only proves order to level the fences, and remove all obstructhat horns were used, without restricting the tions in passing round the city. So unprecedentmeaning to rams' horns: and perhaps horn may ed a procession would doubtless at first create be understood figuratively for trumpet. (1 Chr. much surprise, and some consternation, among 25:5.) No scriptural instance, on any other sub-the inhabitants: but when one day passed after iect, is adduced, in which a signifies a ram; that t has this meaning, is principally inferred from he Chaldee paraphrase. Probably the trumpets before made, and others of the same kind, were V. 9. The armed men preceded the priests who used on this occasion; for, as the number of the blew the trumpets, and those who carried the ark: priests increased, more trumpets were doubtless but after them the people in general seem to have formed, either of silver, or of some other materi- followed, with some persons appointed to close the als. (Note, Num. 10:2--10.)-The repeated pre-rear, and to prevent any from straggling from the scription of the number seven must not pass un- main body. noticed: "Seven priests," "seven trumpets," another, and no effect followed, they would probably become secure, and treat the whole with derision as a senseless parade. V. 10. This implies, that a profound silence 15 And it came to pass on the seventh || vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated day, that they rose early, about the unto the LORD: they shall come into * the dawning of the day, and compassed the treasury of the LORD. city after the same manner seven times: "only on that day they compassed the city seven times. 16 And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout, for the LORD hath given you the city. 17 And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, y because she hid the messengers that we 20 So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight be fore him, and they took the city. 21 And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword. 22 But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her. z Rom. 12:9. 2 Cor. 6:17. Eph.† Heb. holiness. Lev. 19:24. a 7:1,11,12,15. Deut. 7:26. 13: b 7:11,12. 22:18-20. 1 Sam. 14: c 7.25. 2 Sam. 21:1. 1 Kings 18: d2 Sam. 8:11. 1 Chr. 18:11. 26: must be observed, and that no conversation was allowed. V. 16. Given you the city.] It is not before said, that Joshua had given the people this assurance: and some think that he was directed to conceal from them the event of the procession, in order to make the fuller proof of their faith and obedience. (Notes, 3:2-4.)-He could not give this notice to the whole body, except by messengers, sent to make proclamation in different places; and these might sufficiently notify what follows also, though not before explicitly mentioned. marg. Zech. 14:20,23. 24:13. e 1 Kings 7:51. 14:26. 2 Kings f See on 5. 2 Cor. 10:4,5. Heb. Heb. under it. g 9:24,25. 10:28,39. 11:14. Deut. 2:34. 7:2,3,16. 20. 16,17. 1 Sam. 15:3,8.18,19. 1 Kings 20:42 Jer. 48:18. Rev. 18.1 h 17. 2:1,&c. 2:12-14,17-20. 9:15.18—20 2 Sam. 21:2,7. Ps. 15-4. Ez 17:13,16,18,19. j 2:18. Gen. 122. 18:24. 19 29. Acts 27:24. Heb. 11:7. commissioned to slay them, (as one did Sennacherib's army,) who would have charged him with iniquity or cruelty? (Note, 2 Kings 19:35.)—In all public calamities infants are involved; and tens of thousands of infants die in great agony every year. Now, either God is not the Agent in these calamities, (which opinion, though often implied in men's reasonings on these subjects, is not far from atheism;) or they must consist with the most perfect justice and goodness. What injustice then could there be, in his ordering the destruction of a guilty race by the sword of his people? Or what injustice can be charged on them, while executing his express commission, as ratified by undeniable miracles? If the history be authentic, this was the case: and that must be judged of by other rules. It is evident that the hand of God would be far more noticed in these uncommon events, than if he had destroyed his enemies by the ordinary course of second causes; as the very objec tions and clamors of infidels demonstrate: and the malignity of sin, with the indignation of God against sinners, and his power and determination to inflict condign punishment on them, would be far more conspicuous and impressive. Thus, in all governments, solemn public executions, in which the punishment of the criminal is avowedly inflicted for a specified offence, have always been deemed far more suited to produce salutary effects on the minds of all concerned; than secretly and without notice putting criminals to death in a dungeon, or elsewhere. In short, every man, who V. 21. The Canaanites were ripe for destruc- by reading the account of these awful judgments, tion; and the Lord was pleased, instead of destroy-in any age or place, has been led to a deeper sense ing them by a pestilence, a famine, an earthquake, a deluge, or fire from heaven, to employ the Israelites as the executioners of his vengeance, both for their warning and instruction, and for that of all who read these records. Had an angel been || V. 17-19. (Note, Lev. 27:28,29.) This city was, as it were, the first-fruits of Canaan, and as such wholly devoted to the Lord. The only advantages, which the people derived from this miraculous victory, were the destruction of their enemies, the dominion of the land, and the enriching of the sanctuary. For every living creature must be slain, except Rahab, and those who had taken refuge in her house; whatever part of the spoil was not consumed with fire, was ordered to be brought into the treasury of the Lord; and if any Israelite dared to appropriate the smallest part to himself, the curse of Jericho would rest upon him, and upon the camp of Israel, until he also and all that appertained to him were utterly destroyed. (Notes, 7: Deut. 7:25,26. 1 Sam. 15:1 -3,8,9,22,23. 1 Kings 20:41,42.) The whole was to be made a solemn and awful sacrifice to the justice of God upon a people, which had filled up the measure of their iniquities. of the evil of sin, and warned to repent and seek mercy from the Lord, will to eternal ages glorify the divine wisdom and goodness, in the very dispensations, which embolden the blasphemies of the impenitent and unbelieving. (Notes, 2. Num.31:2.) be so m See on 19. n 11:19,20. Judg. 1:24,25. Acts 2.21. o Matt. 1:5. p See on 4:9. V. 22, 23. As Rahab's house stood upon the as is conducive to our real good.-He takes pecuwall of the city, the preservation of it must have liar pleasure in leading men's attention to his own been the effect of the Lord's special care: for had truths and ordinances; in exercising their faith pleased, she might have perished when the and patience; in inuring them to submit their unwa.. fell down, without any violation of the en-derstandings implicitly to his teaching, and their gag einent into which the spies had entered in behalt of Israel. (Notes, 2:12--20.)—But her faith saved her: this temporal deliverance was the pledge of eternal felicity: she was first honored as the means of preservation to her relations; and then she became a wife and mother in Israel, and an ancestor of David and of Christ!-She and all her relations were, however, excluded from the camp of Israel, till they had been purified, according to the law. V. 25. She hud, &c.] Which proceeded not 'merely from her humanity, but was a noble act of courageous taun.' Bp. Patrick. V. 26. Jericho, as devoted to utter destruction, was to be left a perpetual desolation, and if any man ventured to rebuild it, he would do it at his peril. (Note, 1 Kings 16:34.) Probably Joshua bound the nation, by means of their princes and elders, by an oath, as connected with this curse, that they would leave it in ruins. V. 27. No wonder that the fame of that commander was celebrated, even by enemies, before whom the river was divided, and the strong walls of the city fell down, without any visible cause.Joshua might very well write this of himself, as the whole honor was referred to the LORD God of Israel. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1—14. When sinners are repeatedly warned to flee from the wrath to come, and alarmed and disquieted in their consciences with apprehensions of impending vengeance, and yet harden their hearts in impenitence, and disdain to sue for peace or ask forgiveness from God; they may be considered as "devoted to utter destruction:" nor can any counsel, courage, strength, or numbers, afford them the least security, in their infatuated contest with the Almighty.-When the Lord effects his purposes by such means and instruments as we deem adequate; our views are apt to terminate upon them, and to overlook Him "who worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will." To obviate this propensity, our God sometimes deviates from the common track, and works by methods or instruments, which in themselves appear not at all suited to produce the intended effect; nay, indeed have no direct connexion with it. (Notes, Num. 21:6-9. Ez. 37:1-10. John 9: 4-7.) But it is our duty to use only those means which the Lord appoints or allows; to submit to nis will and depend upon his blessing; and with patient waiting and self-denying diligence to expect the event: and we shall thus succeed as far will to his authority; and in securing to himself their praises and thankful acknowledgments. In promoting true religion especially, he works by means and instruments, which the proud, the learned, the wise, and the wealthy, of this world, generally despise. The doctrine of a crucified Savior, GOD MANIFESTED IN THE FLESH, as the only foundation of a sinner's hope of acceptance, and the only source of sanctifying grace; preached by ministers, frequently of obscure birth and moderate abilities, and destitute of the advantages of eminent learning or eloquence; sometimes even homely in their appearance and address; and who are themselves conscious of much unworthiness, and insufficiency for so arduous and important an employ:-this, I say, from generation to generation, in every country of the world, has been the Lord's ordinary method of accomplishing those purposes, which philosophers, moralists, and lawgivers, have attempted in vain; namely, of teaching numbers "to do good who have been accustomed to do evil." The disregarded Trumpet blown by the despised minister,-"the preaching of the cross, which is foolishness to them that perish,"-is only the token: the operation is from God. (Notes, Rom. 1:13-16. 1 Cor. 1:20-31. 2: 3-5. 2 Cor. 4:7. 10:1-6.) When that signal is given in simple dependence upon "the exceeding greatness of his mighty power," it becomes indeed mighty through him, and Satan's strong holds fall before it.--Thus, at different periods, have heathen idolatry and Popish superstition sunk before this trumpet's feeble blast, attended with the shout, the fervent united prayers, of the true Israel.--At some future period, (perhaps commencing early in the seventh thousand years,) this gospel shall be preached far more earnestly, more generally, and more successfully than ever; all Satan's remaining bulwarks shall fall down to the ground; "and the kingdoms of the earth shall become the king. doms of the Lord and of his Christ." (Notes, Is. 30:23-25. Rev. 11:15-18.)-In the mean time the gospel is never preached in vain, in any nation, city, or village, by ministers of any name who simply seek the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Let experience decide, whether in our age and nation, this same "foolishness of preaching" has not done more towards checking the enormous progress of profligacy and open ungodliness, and producing a regard to the ordinances and commandments of God in every part of the land, than all other means combined: and whether a greater number of undeniable instances of atrocious sinners being transformed into new creatures, leading new lives, and becoming ex |