Bible Commentaries
Joshua 1

Verse 1

Now. Hebrew "And". Linked on to Pentateuch as the books of Pentateuch are thus linked on to each other; and as the four books of earlier Prophets are linked on to Joshua. See App-1 . Joshua not necessarily the author, but doubtless is so, as asserted by Talmud. Book referred to in Old and New Testament: Judges 18:31 . 1Sa 1:3 , 1 Samuel 1:9 , 1 Samuel 1:24 ; 1 Samuel 3:21 .Psalms 44:2 , Psalms 44:3 ; Psalms 68:12 , Psalms 68:13 ; Psalms 78:54 , Psalms 78:55 ; Psalms 114:1-8 . Isaiah 28:1 .Habakkuk 3:11-13 .Acts 7:45 ; Acts 13:19 . Hebrews 11:32 .James 2:25 . No MS. of the five books yet found with Joshua bound up with them, making a sixth (or a so-called and hitherto unheard of " Hexateueh ").

after the death of Moses, in the eleventh month of fortieth year. Compare Deuteronomy 1:3 , Deuteronomy 1:38 ; Deuteronomy 34:5 , Deuteronomy 34:9 , and see App-50 . Compare tho beginning of the Book of Judges.

Moses the servant of the LORD . See note on Deuteronomy 34:5 , and ere Hebrews 3:5 .

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah . App-4 .

the LORD spake = Jehovah spoke. When Moses is dead. Moses is a type of Law, Joshua of the Messiah. The Law is "until Christ", Galatians 1:3 , Galatians 1:24 . Jehovah spake at four sundry times, and in three divers manners: To Joshua 1:1 ; Joshua 4:4 , Joshua 4:1 . To Joshua to command the priests, Joshua 4:15 . To Joshua to speak to the sons of Israel, Joshua 20:1 .

minister. Compare Exodus 24:13 .Numbers 11:28 . Deuteronomy 1:38 .

Verse 2

Moses My servant. See note on Numbers 12:7 , Numbers 12:8 .

is dead. Compare John 1:17 . Romans 7:1-6 .

I do give = I, even I, am giving.

children = sons.

Verse 3

as = according as. Compare Deuteronomy 11:24 .

said unto Moses. Compare Deuteronomy 11:24 .Deuteronomy 14:9 .

Verse 4

From. For these boundaries, compare Genesis 15:18 , Exodus 23:31 .Numbers 34:3-12 , Deuteronomy 11:24 .

coast = border or boundary.

Verse 5

man. Hebrew. 'ish . See App-14 .

I will be. Hebrew. 'ehyeh. Compare Exodus 3:14 , part of title Jehovah.

not fail thee. This promise first made to. Jacob, Genesis 28:11 . Passed on by Moses, Deuteronomy 31:6 . See note on Deuteronomy 4:31 .

Verse 6

thou. Emphatic. This is the great subject of the book.

Verse 7

observe = take

heed. Some codices, with two early printed editions, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read "observe and do".

prosper = deal wisely.

Verse 8

This book of the law i.e. the five books referred to as one throughout the Old Testament. See App-47 .

mouth. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for what is spoken by it ( App-6 ), i.e. Joshua is to continually speak of it,

meditate = talk to thyself. Compare Psalms 1:2 = audible musing.

way. Some codices with one early printed edition, read "ways".

Verse 9

Have not I? Figure of speech Erotesis ( App-6 ), for emphasis.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .

with thee. Compare Exodus 3:12 .

Verse 11

within three days = after three days. Spoken 6th or 7th of Abib. Compare Joshua 4:19 . Spies probably already sent (Joshua 2:16 , Joshua 2:22 ; Joshua 3:1 , Joshua 3:2 .)

Verse 13

the word. Compare Numbers 32:20-24 .

Verse 14

your. Some codices, with Sept Syriac, and Vulgate, read "and your". Hence note Figure of speech Polysgndeton ( App-6 ).

armed. Hebrew = marshalled by fives (see App-10 ). Compare Exodus 13:18 , where it is rendered "harnessed".

Verse 15

them. Aspecial various reading called Sevir ( App-34 ) reads "you", as in next clause, with many codices, and three early printed editions.

Verse 16

All = whatsoever, as in Joshua 1:18 .

Verse 17

be with thee. Compare Exodus 3:14 .

Verse 18

doth = shall.

commandment. Hebrew "mouth", put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for what is uttered by it. See App-6 .

commandest = shalt command.