him and his people, until he had left him || of, and all the cities thereof, and they none remaining. smote them with the edge of the sword, 34 And from Lachish Joshua passed and utterly destroyed all the souls that unto * Eglon, and all Israel with him, and they encamped against it, and fought against it:

k

1

35 And they took it on that day, and smote it with the edge of the sword; and all the souls that were therein he mutterly destroyed that day, according to all that he had done to Lachish.

n

36 And Joshua went up from Eglon, and all Israel with him, unto " Hebron, and they fought against it:

37 And they took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof, and all the souls that were therein: he left none remaining, (according to all that he had done to Eglon,) but destroyed it utterly, and all the souls that were therein.

38 And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir: and fought against it:

39 And he took it, and the king there

was, and as these five kings were. (Note, 8:29.) V. 31–33. The king of Lachish had been before put to death. (23,26.)-Probably a detachment vanquished the king of Gezer, and destroyed his people, while Joshua and the main body

took Lachish.

were therein; P he left none remaining: as he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir, and to the king thereof; as he had done also to Libnah, and to her king.

40 So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded.

When sinners renounce the service of Satan and the friendship of the world, that they may make peace with God and join interests with Israel; they must not "marvel if the world hate V. 36, 37. The king of Hebron was one of them," if their former friends become their most the five before hanged: (23,26.) but, as some time rancorous foes, and if they meet with unexpecthad now elapsed, probably his successor had been ed opposition and temptations. For thus Satan, appointed. This might be deemed the more ne- the god of this world, discourages many who are cessary, as it was a considerable place, having convinced of their danger, and almost persuaded other cities dependent upon it.-It is not agreed, to be Christians; but are so afraid of the cross, whether Caleb at this time conquered the Ana- that they dare not venture to act according to the kims, or whether some of them now escaped to dictates of their consciences. Yet indeed these Gaza; (Note, 11:21–23.) and afterwards return- trials should excite new converts to greater diliing got possession of Hebron, and were destroyed gence, in seeking the comfortable assurance that by Caleb when the land had been divided. The the covenant of peace is ratified with them by a latter opinion seems more consonant with the his- merciful God; in surrendering themselves the tory. (Notes, 14:6—15. 15:13,14. Judg. 1:10—15.) more unreservedly to his service; and in applying V. 40-43. When the Israelites had first pass-to him for protection and deliverance. For the ed Jordan, they made but slow progress. Jeri- meanest and most feeble of those who have just cho was taken by miracle; but the city was deso- begun to serve the Lord, notwithstanding former lated, and all the spoil was destroyed, or dedicated crimes and present infirmities, are equally entito sacred uses. (Notes, 6:17--19,26.) They shared tled to his defence, with those who have long and the spoil of Ai, but the city was burnt and made faithfully been his servants.-They, who are enea heap. (Note, 8:28.) Gibeon surrendered, and mies to the Lord's people because they belong to was spared. (Notes, 9) But when their faith, pa- him, are adjudged his enemies: nor do any sintience, and obedience had been properly proved, ners more hasten and augment their own contheir success was more rapid; and they were en- demnation, than such as combine to impede the riched by the spoil of all these cities, and by the progress of true religion, by persecuting and inhouses both of the cities and villages, which were timidating those who seem disposed to serve God. preserved for their use; and by the acquisition of -No difficulties or dangers need dismay the beall the adjacent country, and its flocks, and herds, liever, when in the path of duty and confiding in and crops, and stores; while the inhabitants were the Lord: and it is peculiarly incumbent upon us either destroyed or driven away. Thus God gave to defend and rescue the oppressed and afflicted, them "great and goodly cities, which they built who have exposed themselves to trouble for our not; houses full of good things, which they filled sake or the gospel's, and who look to us for help. not; and wells digged, which they digged not." In such a case we ought not to be backward to (Deut. 6:10,11.) The Israelites, however, still endure hardship and fatigue, and expose ourselves continued in a body at Gilgal, and did not as yet to loss or inconvenience, rather than grieve, by inhabit their cities.They had now conquered al-needless delays, those who depend on our aid.most all the southern part of the land. The assurance of divine assistance should animate

CHAP. XI.

south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, The remaining kings of Cannan confederate against Israel, 1-5. and in the borders of Dor on the west; 3 And to the Canaanite on the cast

C

God encourages Joshua, who attacks and conquers them, 6-9.
He burus Hazor, and takes the cities of the other kings, and

destroys the inhabitants in obedience to the Lord, 10-15. Aand on the west, and to the Amorite, and The Anakims destroyed, 21, 22. the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains, and to the

general account of his conquests, 16-18. The hearts of the
Canaanites hardened, 19, 20.
The land rests from war, 23.

AND it came to pass, when Jabin Hivite under ' Hermon, in * the land of

things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph.

2 And to the kings that were on the north of the mountains, and of the plains

a 10. 12:19. 19.36. Judg. 4:2,17. e 12:19,20. 19.15,25.
b 10.3,4. Ps. 2:1-4. 83:1-3. d 21. 10:6,40. Luke 1:39.
Is. 26:11. 43:2,5-7.

us to action, and to devise and execute every proper plan to ensure success: and when we trust in the Lord, and give him the praise, we shall experience assistance in some measure proportioned to our boldness and diligence.-The sun, moon, and stars in their courses, (Note, Judg. 5: 20.) yea, the whole creation, will fight for the Lord's people against his enemies, though not so miraculously, yet as effectually, as in the days of Joshua; for all things combine to promote the salvation of the righteous, and the destruction of the wicked. How infatuated then are they who harden their hearts against that God, whose mandate can arm all the universe to execute vengeance on his enemies!

V. 16-43.

every lust, and completed its entire destruction. In so doing we may confidently expect the Lord's assistance; he will slay our in-dwelling sin, and yet spare us, though the union seem inseparable: he will afford us light during our whole conflict, until the warfare be accomplished; he will make one victory the forerunner and earnest of another; he will encourage us, and lead us on from strength to strength, until he has made us more than conquerors. "The LORD God of Israel fighteth for Israel;" and when he has exercised our faith, patience, and submission, he will bring us to the mansions above, enriched with the spoils of our conquered enemies, to join in songs of everlasting triumph and joyful praise.-But let every Israelite remember, that he is a soldier belonging to a great army, whom he is to assist with all his power. Beside those particular advan

"let their light shine before men, that they may se their light shine before mor, y teir Father which is in heaven."

NOTES.

"Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished:" their wisest counsels prove a snare to entangle them; their most valiant and vig-tages which he obtains for his own soul, the whole orous exertions expose their weakness, and end in company are trying to gain advantages against disgrace and dismay; their choicest blessings are the common enemy, by daily increasing the numchanged into a curse; and their secure retreats be- bers of true believers. The endeavors indeed come their prisons, or their graves!-Kings and of an individual must appear inconsiderable: but mighty captains, who are disobedient to God, will the combined efforts of the whole multitude may at last be treated as arch-rebels, to be distinguished produce vast effects. And oh! that God would only by the deepest infamy and the heaviest ven- incline the hearts of all who love Jesus Christ, geance: and all the Israel of God will join the and his cause of truth and righteousness, to lay triumph of the Captain of their salvation, in tram- aside their petty disputes and self-seeking, with pling upon the necks of their proudest opposers, their zeal for the interests of a party, that they and exclaiming, "So let all thine enemies perish, might all concur in this glorious warfare; “enO LORD." (Notes, Ps. 149:6-9.) This will be deavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the the final event of all the conflicts between the bond of peace;" boldly professing their attachchurch of God and its persecutors: but at pres-ment to the crucified Savior; and striving to ent we are called, not to avenge ourselves, but to forgive, love, and pray for our enemies; and endeavor to conquer their hearts with persevering patience and kindness. The Christian's warfare is of another nature: our most dangerous enemies are our own lusts, as in a league with the powers of darkness; and our sharpest conflicts and most glorious victories consist in resisting the devil, subduing the flesh, and striving against sin. In this war we must form no alliance, and give no quarter: and our once domineering sin, whether covetousness, pride, sensuality, or malice, must be marked as the object of our peculiar enmity and opposition; this, this especially, must be crucified. (P. O. 1 Sam. 15:22-35, conclusion. Notes, 2 Sam. 22:21-28. Heb. 12:1.) The activity, vigilance, courage, and wisdom, which this warfare requires, must be sought in earnest prayer; and thus we must "put on the whole armor of God" yet in trusting him, we must by no means abate our diligence and self-denial. Nor must we be satisfied with obtaining some important victory, but push our advantages, and pursue our scattered enemies, searching out the remains of sin; and thus aspire at further conquests, till we have set our feet upon the neck of

CHAP. XI. V. 1—3. All the kings between Jordan and the Mediterranean sea, from north to south, had confederated against Israel; (Notes, 9:1,2. 10:1-5.) but it seems, that the events recorded in the two preceding chapters had disconcerted their measures: so that for a time the kings, who possessed the northern parts of the land, remained inactive; and as Joshna did not attack them, they might have concluded that Israel, satisfied with their present acquisitions, would push their conquests no further, if not molested. But their enmity, resentment, and apprehensions would not permit them to be quiet; and when their courage revived, they renewed their confederacy. (Notes, Ex. 14:1-9.) Thus it was doubtless ordered by a divine interposition, that, except in Israel's crossing over Jordan into Canaan, and in the destruction of Jericho and Ai, the Canaanites rushed forward upon their own ruin. (Note, 19,20.)-The regions here mentioned seem to include the whole country, from

multitude, with horses and chariots very | were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them: there was not any left to breathe; and he burnt Hazor with fire.

20 For Pit was of the LORD to harden" their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favor, but that he might destroy them; 4 as the LORD commanded Moses.

V. 17. The length of the land from the borders of Seir, or Edom, to mount Lebanon, is here described.

21 And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains; from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel; Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.

22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel; only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.

23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses, and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel, according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.

Num.

r 14:12-14. 15:13,14. Num. 13: -8.
22,33. Deut. 1:28. 2:21. Judg.u Ex. 23:27-31. 34:11.
1:10,11,20. Jer. 3:23. 9:23. 34:2-13. Deut. 11:23-25.
Am. 2:9.
x 14-16: 18: 19: Num. 26:53,
54.

s 10:42. 24:11,12. Ps. 110:5,6.

149:6-9. Rev. 6:2. 19:11-21. | y 14:15. 21:44. 22:4. 23:1. Ps t Judg. 3:3. 1 Sam. 17:4. 2 46:9. 2 Tim. 4:7,8. Heb. 4:8,9. Sam. 21:16-22. 1 Chr. 20:4

formerly so terrified the unbelieving Israelites, no ways distinguished themselves in this war, but were subdued and destroyed with the other inhab

V. 18. Caleb was forty years of age when he itants. (Marg. Ref. r.)-It seems evident, that went from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and Joshua conquered the Anakims, and desolated he was eighty-five when these conquests were their cities, before the division of the land: vet completed. (14:7-10.) Almost thirty-nine years several of the principal persons escaped into the of this time were spent, before Israel passed over country of the Philistines, and settled there; from Jordan; so that this calculation leaves between whom Goliath, and the other giants afterwards six and seven years for the term of Joshua's wars. mentioned, descended. But after a time some of -The whole country from north to south was them returned, with followers, and rebuilt the citthen subjected, and all the inhabitants, with whomies: and Caleb and Othniel, to whom that part of the Israelites had met, were destroyed. The sub- the country was assigned, vanquished and destroysequent history shews that the nations were noted them after the division of the land, perhaps exterminated, but that numbers concealed themselves till they were again able to make head against Israel; and many, it is supposed, fled to Zidon and Tyre, and thence migrated into distant countries, and settled colonies in them. (Notes, 7,8. 10:20. Gen. 9:24.25.)

V. 19, 20. The Lord had forbidden Israel to make any league with the idolatrous inhabitants of the land: but the examples of Rahab and of the Gibeonites shew, that individuals or cities, who would renounce idolatry, and heartily come into the interests of Israel, might be spared. The Canaanites in general, however, were not in the least disposed to do this; and they never so much as proposed any terms of accommodation. "For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts:" they had filled up the measure of their iniquity; and were judicially left to blindness, pride, and obstinate enmity, and to the power of Satan: and the dispensations of Providence were appointed in that manner, which most tended to render them pertinacious in resisting, and to drive them to desperation; in order that they might bring upon themselves that vengeance, which they had justly merited, and of which the Lord had constituted the Israelites his executioners, by the commandment given to Moses. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, Ex. 4:21. 9:12-16. 14:3,4. Deut. 2:30.) This last reason is added, and repeatedly mentioned, (15) to shew that Joshua and Israel did not act out of cruelty, revenge, or avarice; but simply in obedience to God, which alone could induce pious men to make such undistinguishing slaughter of their fellow-creatures: and doubtless, many of them did very great violence to their own feelings and inclinations, while engaged in that service. (Notes, Num. 20:14-21. 21:21-25. 31:14-18.)

V. 21-23. The Anakins, whose name had

after the death of Joshua. (Notes, 10:36,37. 14:6—
15. 15:13—17. Judg. 1:10--15.) The conquered
cities had doubtless before this been garrisoned,
and some of the people dispersed through the
country to cultivate the lands; and preparation
was now making for the regular partition of it
among their tribes and families. New occupa-
tions, with which the nation had hitherto been en-
tirely unacquainted, now called for their atten-
tion: but the Lord, who gave them the land, was
able to teach them to cultivate it; and they would
soon make proficiency under such an Instructer.
(Note, Is. 28:23-29.)-Great numbers of the an-
cient inhabitants still continued in the land, or
waited in the adjacent countries for an opporin-
nity of regaining their possessions: but, for the
present, they lay concealed, or remained quiet;
so that the Israelites were not molested by their
assaults or incursions.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

The believer must never put off his armor, or expect durable peace, till he closes his eyes in death; nay, as his strength, consolations, and usefulness are increased, he may expect more heavy trials and severe conflicts: but while he continues watching and praying, he may confidently trust, that none of his enemies shall be permitted to assail him, till he is prepared for the battle.--The strongest faith would naturally grow weak, if we were left to ourselves; and whenever we view difficulties or dangers with an eye of sense, our hearts are overwhelmed with discouragement. But Jesus ever liveth to intercede for his people, and their faith shall not fail however Satan may assault them. (Note, Luke 22:31 34.) By waiting upon the Lord they renew their strength; and their hopes revive, and their hearts rejoice, even

CHAP. XII.

m

B. C. 1451.

5 And reigned in 'mount Hermon, and A list of the kings subdued by Moses, eastward of Jordan, 1-6: in Salcah, and in all Bashan, " unto the and of the one and thirty kings conquered by Joshua, westward of that river, 7-24. border of the Geshurites, and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon;

NOW

OW these are the kings of the land which the children of Israel smote and possessed their land on the other ide Jordan, towards the rising of the un; b from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east;

2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and from the middle of the river, and from half Gilead, even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon:

e

3 And from the plain to the 'sca of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain; even the salt sea on the east, the way to Beth-jeshimoth: and from *the south under † Ashdoth-pisgah.

h

4 And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei, g 3:16. 15:2,5. Gen. 14:3. 19:25.

a 1:15. 22:4.

b Num. 21:13,24. Deut. 2:24. Judg. 11:18. Is. 16:2.

c 11:3,17. Deut. 3:8,9. 4:48. Ps. 133:3.

d Num. 21:23-30.

Deut. 2:24

-37. 3:6-16. Neh. 9:32. Ps. 135:11. 136:19,20.

e Gen. 32:22. Judg. 11:13,22.

Deut. 3:17.

h 13:20.

* Or, Teman.

Or, the springs of Pisgah, or,
the hill. Num. 21:20. Deut. 3:
17. marg. 4:49.

i See on Num. 21:33-35. Deut.
3:1-7.

f See on 11:2.--John 6:1. Seaj 13:12. Deut. 3:11.
of Tiberias.
k See on Deut. 1:4.

6 Them did Moses the servant of the LORD, and the children of Israel, smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD P gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

r

7 ¶ And these are the kings of the country, which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baal-gad in the valley of Lebanon, even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel for a possession, according to their divisions:

8 In the mountains, and in the valleys, and in the plains, and in the springs, and in the wilderness, and in the south country; the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hi- [B. C. Vites, and the Jebusites.

X

1450.

s Gen. 45:6. 32:3. 36:8,20,30. Deut. 2:1,4.

t 1:3,4. 11:23. 13:-19: Deut. 11: 23,24.

u 10:40. 11:16.

x Gen. 15:18-21. Ex. 3:6. 23: 23,28-31. Deut. 7:1. 9:1.

the Canaan above.-But how dreadful is the case of the obstinate unbeliever, who is not moved, either by promises, warnings, judgments, or mercies, to seek reconciliation to his offended God!When transgressors have provoked Him to leave them to themselves, they soon, by increasing presumption and hardness of heart, make way for the execution of this purposed vengeance, and for the display of his righteousness in their eternal destruction: (Note, Rom. 2:4-6.) nor will numbers,

n the midst of tribulation. Perplexing trials render their dependence on God more simple, their prayers more fervent, and in the event their gratitude more lively: and without exception, every cross and temptation, which the believer is enabled properly to endure, enriches his soul with increasing holiness, and will enlarge his everlasting inheritance.-The possession of those things on which the carnal heart is prone to depend, is unfavorable to the life of faith and the walk with God; and it is immensely better to be without sec-strength, or carnal confidences avail, when God ular advantages, than to have our everlasting in- shall arise to execute judgment on his enemies. terests endangered.-They who prosper in the --Those trials and perils, the prospect of which ways of the Lord, attend to the precepts and di- deter many from a life of godliness, and often exrections of his word, as well as to the promises; cite the apprehensions of the true believer, are while simplicity of faith is shewn by unreserved frequently in experience too inconsiderable for obedience. (Notes, Heb. 11:8-10,13-16.)-The notice, and only excite shame and surprise, upon servants of God have different employments allot- the recollection of the alarms which they occated them: but every service requires self-denial, sioned. Let sinners then take warning not to in respect of some or other of our natural inclina-harden their own hearts, lest God should give tions; and therefore, without the habit of submitting our will to his command, we cannot implicitly follow him. Nay frequently in pleasing God, we must expose ourselves to the censure and reproach of our fellow-creatures; and our best actions may by ill-judging men be supposed to result from the worst of principles: but the testimony of our conscience, and the approbation of our Judge, will compensate all consequences.-Would we approve ourselves upright, we must "leave othing undone which the LORD has command- CHAP. XII. V. 1-6. This chapter connects d" for though omissions are not so scandalous, the history of the conquest of Canaan with the either in the world or in the church, as commis- subsequent account of its division to the tribes of sions, they are as certainly acts of disobedience, Israel. The passages referred to in the margin, and effects of a will unsubjected to the divine au- seem to give all the useful information that can thority. However tedious, sharp, and difficult be collected concerning the narrative. (Notes, the believer's warfare is, his patience in tribula- Num. 21:21-34. 32:29-41. Deut. 2:24-37. 3:1 tion may be encouraged by the joyfulness of hope;-11.) for he will, ere long, rest from sin and sorrow in V. 7. "Halak" signifies either division, or [657

VOL. I.

83

them up to judicial hardness: let them lay down their arms of rebellion, and humbly sue for "peace, and they shall make peace;" the effect of which shall be "quietness and assurance for ever." And let none of us dread any thing in comparison of the wrath of God, which is more tremendous than we can possibly conceive. (Note, || Ps. 90:11.)

NOTES.