NOw after the death of Moses the seruant of the Lorde , the Lorde spake vnto Ioshua the sonne of Nun , Moses minister , saying ,

2 Moses my seruant is dead : now therefore arise , go ouer this Iorden , thou , and all this people , vnto the land which I giue them , that is , to the children of Israel .

3 Euerie place that the sole of your foote shall tread vpon haue I giuen you , as I saide vnto Moses .

4 From the wildernes and this Lebanon , euen vnto the great riuer , the riuer Perath : all the lande of the Hittites , euen vnto the great sea toward the going downe of the sunne , shall be your coast .

1 Now after , &c. ) First heere is declared the continuall care that God had , in cherishing the people , and prouiding for their safetie . For in that he confirmeth I●sue to be a new captaine , geuing him a new charge , it sheweth the continuall course of his grace , that they shoulde not thinke they were left desolate and forsaken by the death of Moses . And Iosue in deede was chosen already to gouerne the people , neither had he onely receiued the bare office that was layed vpon him , but also he was furnished with spirituall giftes meete to execute the same . But because the most valiant men that are , although they be neuer so well furnished , yet when they come to the point of execution of the charge , either they ●●ay or stagger : this exhortation was not superfluous , that Iosue should immediately prepare himselfe vnto the voyage . Although not onely for his owne cause his calling is againe confirmed , but that the people might plucke vp their heartes , & not doubt at all , to follow suche a captaine , whom they might see not to set forwarde one foote , but as God went before him .

2 My seruant Moses , &c. ) A double sense may hereout bee gathered . The first is this , Forsomuche as Moses is dead , now the whole burthen and charge is turned ouer to thee . Therefore take vpon thee his place , vnto whom thou art appointed to succeed . The other sense is this , Although Moses be dead , yet giue not ouer the enterprise , but proceede and goe forwarde . But I doe rather allow the former illation , that by the right of succession he should take vppon him that charge , whiche Moses left vacant by his departure . The addition of ( a seruant ) whiche is attributed to Moses , hath speciall respect vnto the gouernement of the people , and the affaires thereof : because it must be vnderstoode , according to the circumstance of the place : for here he entreteth not of the lawe , but of the office of gouernment , whiche by his death was fallen vnto Iosue . And God verily , not so muche to commende Moses , calleth him his seruant , as that the authoritie of Iosue might be established , whiche Moses set vp in his place . Moreouer , because the people perhaps would scarse haue rested in a bare precept , after he had commaunded them to passe ouer Iordan , he promiseth that they should be Lords of all that region in peaceable possession wheresoeuer they did set their foote . For as nothing doth make vs more cowardes and vnprofitable than distrust , so when GOD setteth before vs a happie successe , faith and trust doth inspire a courage and chearefulnesse to take any enterprise in hande . Adde herevnto , that he doth not now first beginne to lifte vp their mindes vnto a good hope , with a newe promise which they had neuer hearde of before : but rather calleth to their remembraunce what Moses had testified long before vnto them . Wherefore he sayeth , that now the time is come , wherein God would performe and exhibit , whatsoeuer he had promised before vnto Moses . If any man will obiect , that The same thing was spoken to Abraham long before Moses was borne : or rather , Whatsoeuer Moses hearde foure hundred yeares after , proceeded most properly out of the perpetuall couenant , that was made with Abraham : I answeare , that The olde promise was omitted which was commonly knowen and notorious among them , and that Moses is brought forth for a witnesse , the memorie of whom was freshe , and by whose death the faith of the people had ben sore shaken , if God himselfe had not pronounced , that the effect of all thinges which he had spoken , was euen readie to be perfourmed .

4 From the wildernesse and Libanus , &c. ) How the trueth and effect of this promise aduaunced it selfe , aboue all lettes of the peoples malice & wickednesse , & yet the people them selues did not immediatly enioy so large a dominion , I haue already declared in the Preface , For , although God had set abroade the inestimable treasures of his goodnesse , in appointing them to be Lordes of the lande : yet he spared not to chastise and punish their slouthfulnesse : yea , it was necessarie to be fulfilled , which Moses threatened vnto Num. 33. 55. them : that except they destroyed these nations appointed to destruction , they should become vnto them prickes and thornes , with which their sides and eyes should be pricked . But as by the delay of fourtie yeares , in whiche they were ledde about the wildernesse , the promise of God was not made frustrate and of none effect : so the full possession of the land● , although it were long helde in suspense , yet it changed nothing of the faith and truth of Gods decrees , by which it was adiudged vnto them . The people might well in due time haue gonè foreward vnto the bounds & limites that were appointed vnto them : but they woulde not . Therefore were they worthie to be vtterly driuen out againe . Neuerthelesse , the mercie and clemencie of God graunted them a countrie , that was sufficient for their commodious dwelling . And although it was tolde them before , that those remnantes of the nations whiche they had reserued , as a iust rewarde of their disobedience , should become their deadly enimies , yet suffered they no displeasure at their handes , but when through their owne vnfaithfulnesse and continuall rebelling against God , they prouoked his anger against them . For so often as they enioyed prosperitie , streight way they fell to lasciuiousnesse & wantonnesse . But alwayes it came to passe by the wonderful goodnesse of God , that when they were oppressed by the violence of their enimies , and as it were ouerwhelmed in the graue , yet they liued in the middest of death : and not that onely , but oftentimes there were raised vp deliuerers that restored their state , when it was vtterly decayed and lost . By the greate sea is meant the midland sea , ouer against which standeth the lande of the Hitthites , as Euphrates is ouer against Libanus , so we remember that vnder the name of Libanus , is comprehended not onely the mountaines , but all the desert along , as it is manifest by an other place of Scripture .

5 There shal not a man be able to withstand thee al the dayes of thy life . As I was with Moses , so will I be with thee : I will leaue thee , nor forsake thee .

6 Be strong and of a good courage : for vnto this people shalt thou diuide the lande for an inheritaunce , whiche I sware vnto their fathers to giue them .

7 Onely be thou strong , and of a most valiant courage , that thou maist obserue and do according to all the law which Moses my seruant hath commaunded thee : thou shalt not turne away from it , to the right hand , nor to the left , that thou maist prosper whithersoeuer thou goest .

8 Let not this booke of the Lawe departe out of thy mouth , but meditate therein day and night , that thou maist obserue and doe according to all that is written therein : for then shalt thou make thy way prosperous , and then shalt thou haue good successe .

9 Haue not I commaunded thee , saying , Be strong and of a good courage , feare not nor be discouraged : for I the Lord thy God will be with thee , whithersoeuer thou goest .

5 There shall , &c. ) Because they had to fight against many warlike enimies : it was needfull , that Iosue should be encouraged with this especiall confidence . Or els whatsoeuer God had promised concerning the deliuerie of that lande into their handes , would haue bene darkened with this carefulnesse , as it had ben with a cloude : Yea , but what a wonderfull enterprise will it be , to discomfice and chase away so many mightie nations ? Wherfore that impediment is now taken away . And that he may the rather take away all doubtfulnesse , he setteth foorth the victories which Moses obteined , by which God had made it manifest , how easie it is for him to ouerthrowe all the armies of his aduersaries , be they neuer so strong . Wherefore Iosue is commaunded , in that aide and succoure whiche God brought vnto Moses , to beholde what should be the ende and successe of his warres , which he shoulde take in hande vnder the same conduct and gouernance that Moses did . For vnto his succession , a continuall course and tenor of his grace was annexed . That which followeth , although it tende to the same ende , yet doth it also further extende , I will not forsake thee . Wherefore the Apostle willing to withdrawe the faithfull from couetousnesse , applieth the same to the Heb. 13. 〈◊〉 staying of all our carefulnesse , and the correction of to great fearefulnesse . And verily that distrust which groweth of doubtfulnesse , doth kindle in vs suche a desire to bestirre our selues , that in euery little daunger , we are miserably tossed to and fro , vntill we be persuaded both that God will be present with vs , and also that in him we shall finde helpe enough , abundantly to defende vs . And surely , when he prescribeth none other remedie to heale our fearefulnesse , he teacheth vs that his presence ought to suffice vs for aide in all our distresse and miseries .

6 Be of good comfort , &c. ) Now followeth an exhortation vnto fortitude and courage , and that againe repeated , that it may more vehemently moue his minde . Although the promise is also interlaced in other wordes , whereby Iosue is assured of his calling , that he should not take vpon him that charge with any doubtfulnesse , which he was assured to be laide vpon him by God himselfe : or that if he should wrestle with lettes and hinderances , he might not faint and giue ouer in the middest of his course . For it had not ben sufficient to haue prepared him selfe manfully in the beginning , if he had not ben throughly furnished to continue vnto the ende . And although it be the propertie of faith , to encourage vs to take in hande any thing manfully , as likewise by slacknesse and cowardise infidelitie is bewrayed : yet out of this place we may gather , that bare promises haue not sufficient force in them to moue our dull mindes , except there be added the prickes of exhortations . For if Iosue , whose courage was otherwise singular , had yet neede to be stirred vp to doe his duetie , how much more sharply is it necessarie for vs to be pricked , which are so slow and dull by nature ? Consider also , that not once nor in one worde , strength and constancie is required of Iosue , but because he was to be exercised with many and sundrie conflictes : he is often and with many wordes confirmed and encouraged . He is willed to be of a valiant and inuincible courage . Although by these two woordes , it might be euident , that God chargeth him with a verie earnest matter , yet not content with this doubling of words , he repeateth the same sentence againe with an amplification : in that he addeth the Aduerb , greatly and exceedingly . Wherefore out of this place let vs learne , that we shal be neuer able to execute great and weightie affaires , except we goe about them with all our might : because both our abilitie is small : and Satan hardly withstandeth vs , so that nothing is more like , than that our hearts should faile vs . But because many with wandering and vncerteine attemptes doe bend all their force in vaine , here is set foorth the true meane and way of valiantnesse : namely , that Iosue applie all his studie and endeuour to keepe the lawe of GOD . Whereby wee are taught , that by this meanes we shall become inuincible , if we applie our selues with all our might , to yeeld faithfull obedience to GOD . Otherwise it were better for vs to lie still like ●luggardes and cowardes , than to be carried foorth with rashe and headlong boldnesse . Moreouer , God will not haue his seruant to be valiant onely to keepe the lawe , but rather he willeth him to contende manfully , that he faint not vnder the burthen of his painefull office : but because this doubt might trouble him , how he should acquite himselfe in matters of perplexitie , and what counsell he should take : he calleth him to the doctrine of the lawe , for that in following God , who therein goeth before him , he should be sufficiently instructed , for all matters . Thou shalte do wisely ( saith he ) in all thinges , so long as thou keepest thy selfe vnder the direction of the lawe . Although the Hebrue Uerbe SHACAL doth not onely signifie to do wisely , but also to prosper , because rashnesse is for the most parte punished with misfortunes . How so euer it be , by this meane he is more certainely encouraged to hope for the helpe of God , if he giue himselfe wholy to be his scholer . For it is a matter of great force to comfort vs , when any daunger is at hande to make vs afraide , that we can assure our selues , that the matter we haue in hande pleaseth God , because we seeke nothing else but to obey his commandementes . And because it were not sufficient to obey God in some part , he commendeth vnto him modestie and sobrietie , by which Iosue shoulde be reteined in simple obedience . For many , whiche are otherwise well affected , doe some times take vpon them to be wiser than they ought to be : whereby it commeth to passe , that through negligence they omitte many thinges , or els mingle their owne deuises with the commaundement of God . Therefore that which was Dent. 12 , 32. generally forbidden vnto all men by the lawe , to adde or take any thing away : now doth God especially applie to Iosue : for if this be the onely right way for priuate men to frame their liues , it is much more necessarie for them that rule & gouerne the people , namely that they submit them selues to God . And if so excellent a person as Iosue was , had neede of this bridle of modestie to keepe him in , that he passed not his boundes : what intollerable boldnesse woulde it be , if we that be farre inferiour vnto him , should take more libertie vnto our selues ? And this doth GOD expressely charge his seruaunt withall , that they whiche excell in honour , may acknowledge that they notwithstanding are subiect euen vnto the same lawe that the common people are .

8 Let not depart , &c. ) He is commanded also to vse daily meditation of the lawe : for when that studie is omitted but for a short time , many errours will easily creepe vpon vs : and our memorie wax●th rustie , insomuche that manie which haue cast off the continuaunce of studie , come as it were newe and rawe to take any thing in hand . Wherefore God commaundeth his seruaunt , to make daily proceedings , that all his life long he ceasse not to profite in the lawe . Wherof it followeth , that they to whom this studie seemeth loathsome , are blinded with intollerable arrogancie . But why doth he forbid the lawe to depart , rather from his mouth , than from his eyes ? Whereas some men doe expounde the mouth for the face , by the figure Synecdoche , the part for the whole , it is but friuolous . I doubt not therefore , but that this doth peculiarly perteine to his person , which was bounde to employ that studie that is here commaunded , not onely to his owne vse priuately , but for the whole people whom he had taken in charge to gouerne . Therefore , he is so commanded to geue heed to the doctrine of the law , & in such sort , that according to the office that was laid vpon him , he should vtter & bring foorth that which he had learned to the common profite of the people . And withall he is commaunded , by his diligence to geue other men example of obedience . For many in preaching will haue the lawe in their mouth , which in the meane time are the worst obseruers thereof in their life . Both is therefore commaunded , that in teaching other , he should frame himselfe and his whole life vnto that rule .

That which followeth in the other part of the verse , sheweth that prophane and vnholy men shall at length haue euill successe , what soeuer they attempt with contempt and neglect of the worde of God : and although the beginninges at the first seeme pleasant and prosperous , yet their end shal be accursed : because it is not lawfull to looke for prosperous successe , but onely from the fauour of God . Whereof it is meete that all deuises , rashly , and vnaduisedly taken in hande , should be vtterly destitute , as also all arrogancie which is likewise ioyned with contempt of God himselfe . Wherefore the faithfull , that they may haue good successe in all thinges , ought to procure vnto themselues , the blessing of God , as well by earnest desire of learning , as by obedience of faith . In the ende of the verse , because the Uerbe is of double signification , as I haue saide : either the same sentence is repeated , or else a second promise is added : whiche latter sense I do very well allowe . For it agreeth very well , that after happie successe is promised , Iosue should also be admonished , that men do nothing rightly , in good order , or with true knowledge : but so farre foorth as they submit themselues , to be gouerned by the word of God . Therefore that wisedome which the faithfull learne out of the woord of God , is contrarie to the bolde confidence of those men , which thinke they doe all thinges with great wisedome , when they are led with their owne vnderstanding .

9 Haue not I commaunded thee , &c. ) Although the Hebrues doe often times by interrogation simply affirme , & that phrase is very common among them : yet this interragation hath a speciall force , to confirme the former doctrine , while God bringeth forth his authoritie , and dischargeth the minde of his seruant , both from doubt and care . Is it not I ( saith he ) whiche haue commaunded thee : euen I also will be present with thee . This is therefore spoken with a force or emphasis , because it is not lawfull to resist his commaundementes . Againe , this place doth teache vs , that nothing doth more preuayle to make vs haue sure trust , then when we are bolde vpon the calling and commaundement of God , and being well assured thereof in our conscience , we doe followe him as a guide , whithersoeuer he doth call vs .

10 Then Ioshua commaunded the officers of the people , saying ,

11 Passe through the host , and commaunde the people , saying , Prepare you vitailes : for after three dayes ye shall passe ouer this Iordaine , to goe in to possesse the land , which the Lord your God giueth you to possesse it .

12 And vnto the Rubenites , and to the Gadites , and to halfe the tribe of Manasseh spake Ioshua , saying ,

13 Remember the woorde , whiche Moses the seruaunt of the Lord commaunded you , saying , The Lord your God hath geuen you rest , and hath geuen you this lande .

14 Your wiues , your children , and your cattell shal remaine in the lande which Moses gaue you on this side Iordan : but ye shall goe ouer before your brethren armed , all that be men of warre , and shal helpe them .

15 Vntill the Lord haue giuen your brethren rest , as well as to you , and vntill they also shall possesse the land , which the Lorde your God giueth them : then shall ye returne vnto the land of your possession , and shall possesse it , which land Moses the Lordes seruaunt gaue you on this side Iordan , towarde the sunne rising .

16 Then they answeared Ioshua , saying , All that thou hast commaunded vs , we will doe , and whithersoeuer thou sendest vs , we will goe .

17 As we obeyed Moses in all thinges , so will we obey thee : onely the Lorde thy God be with thee , as he was with Moses .

18 Whosoeuer shall rebell against thy commaundement , and will not obey thy wordes in all that thou commaundest him , let him be put to death : onely be strong and of good courage .

10 Then Iosue commaunded , &c. ) It may be doubted whether this decree were published , after the espialles were sent , and after their returne . And verily it seemeth to me not onely likely , but also I am throughly persuaded , that after he had knowen by their report , suche thinges as he woulde , then he thought best to remoue the campe . Otherwise it had bene but ouer headie hastinesse , to take his iourney that way whiche he knewe not : seeing he thought it profitable to be first instructed of many things , before he entered into the lande of his enimies . Neither is it a straunge thing , that the order of time is neglected , and that which followed being omitted , is afterwardes rehearsed . Wherefore , the second Chapter shal be as it were a Parenthesis interlaced , which doth more fully declare , at what time Iosue commaunded the people to remoue with bagge and baggage . Therefore , when he had perfect intelligence of euery matter , he thought it high time to marche forwarde , and so commaunded the people by an edict to prepare them selues to remoue . And wheras with so great confidence he pronounceth , that after three dayes they should passe ouer Iordan , he would neuer haue bene so bold to haue made suche a promise , if the spirit of God had not directed him thereto . No man had assayed to finde a foorde , neither was there any hope that any might be found . And as for bridge , or vessels , there were none , by which they might passe ouer . And it had bene an easie matter to haue kept them from the passage . Wherefore , nothing else remained , but that God should miraculously carrie them ouer . This did not Iosue hope of rashly , nor of his owne braine , but as it was reuealed to him by God . In their readinesse of obedience appeared the faith of the people , for that seing before their eyes so great difficultie , they would neuer haue bene so obedient , if they had not cast all their care vpoa GOD . And there is no doubt , but God him selfe gaue this courage into their minds , that he might take away all stoppes , whiche might lette the effecte of his promise .

12 To the Rubenites , &c. ) These tribes had their inheritance graunted them on the other side of Iordane for this condition , that they shoulde goe a warfare with the rest of their brethren , vntill they had chased away the nations of the Chanaanites . Now therefore Iosue exhorteth them to performe their promise , that leauing their wiues and children , with all their goodes , they should passe ouer Iordane , and not geue ouer the warrefare , vntill they sawe their brethren all placed in quiet possession of their inheritaunces . And he bseth two argumentes cheefly to prouoke them to doe their duetie , of which the former is taken of authoritie , the other of equitie . First therefore he rehearseth vnto them what Moses gaue them in commaundement , from whose decree it was not lawfull for them to decline , when all men knew right well , that Moses spake nothing of his owne head , but onely such thinges as God by his owne mouth had vttered . And withall , though he do not expresse it , yet by the way he geueth them to vnderstande , that they were bounde by couenaunt , because they had promised that they woulde so doe . Then setting before their eyes the equitie of the cause , he moueth them to consider , that it were not meete that those should be in vnequall condition , to whome the same inheritaunce was alike appointed . It were not at all conuenient ( saith he ) that your brethren should aduenture them selues , and take paines to holde out the warre , and you should sit quietly and enioy your ease at home . But whereas he willeth them to goe before , he meaneth not that they should be the firste that should abide the brunt of their enimies , & so being layed open to all daungers , should take more paines , & endure greater hardnes than all the rest . Onely by this meanes he exhorteth them to marche forwarde cheerefully , because it had bene a kinde of drawing backe , if they should haue followed all the rest slowely in the rereward . Therefore , to marche before their brethren , is not to stand in the vauntgard of the battell when they should fight : but in keping their order and aray to shew foorth their courage and good will . For it is certeine , that as they were diuided into foure standardes , so they marched forwarde . But in that he nameth those that were men of warre among them , it may be gathered ( which in other places is more manifest ) that olde men , and such as were not of sufficient strength , were permitted to looke to their affaires at home , or else to take their ease if they were feeble , or in health appaired .

16 Then answered , &c. ) They doe not only obey , but also most liberally and frankly they offer such seruice as was required of them . And this is the way for men to doe their duetie , cheerefully to performe whatsoeuer God requireth of them , not with heuinesse as 1. Cor. 9. 7. S. Paul saith . If any man wil obiect , That they doe bragge of such obedience as they shewed to Moses , more than modestie woulde they should , seing they had ben often times disobedient : I answer , that Although they did not alwayes follow him with such feruent zeale as they ought to haue done , yet they were so reasonably well framed vnto obedience , that their modestie was not only tollerable , but also worthie of great commendation , if we consider how proudly their fathers rebelled , and with what obstinacie they attempted to cast off the yoke which God had layed vpon them . For in this place speake not those rebells , by whom God complaineth in the Psalme , that he Psal. 65. 8. 〈◊〉 10. 11. was prouoked to wrath : but such as being subdued by example of their punishment , had learned quietly to submit them selues . Although in their wordes they doe not so much aduance their owne vertues , as they doe set vp and extoll the authoritie of Iosue , whiles they professe that they will take him , euen as they tooke Moses , in whose roome he succeded . The prayer which they adde , doeth conteine the matter of their trust & confidence : that God would be present with his seruant Iosue , euen as he helped Moses . For they declare that they will be in a readinesse to fight vnder the conduct of their new Captein generall , because they are persuaded , that he being furnished with the power and aide of God , shall haue the victorie , as they had often experience before , that God was wonderfully with them to assiste them by the hand of Moses . And herevpon it may be gathered , that they had this confidence , both because they rehearse the triall and experience of Gods goodnesse to encourage them selues therewith , and also in that they acknowlege Iosue to be the successor of Moses , not only in place , but also in happie successe . For this addition is not without great weight , Thy GOD : but to shew a continuance of the course of Gods grace towards him . Yet the forme of speaking may be taken indifferently , both for the confidence of faith , and for a wish or praier . Wherfore , although they signifie , that they do cherish a good hope in their harts , yet as in so weightie a matter , they geue them selues also to prayers . And surely when soone after they doe of them selues exhort him to constancie , they declare , that they also wil be fellows and companions with him in the same faith and confidence . Where it is worthie to be noted , that although Iosue was a singular example of fortitude and valiantnes vnto all the rest , and encoraged them both by word and deed : yet he him selfe is also pricked forward , when he runneth before them , that by his cherefulnes he might better encorage all the rest of the people .