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Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
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Matthew Henry |
J O S H U A
CHAP. IV.
This chapter gives a further account of the miraculous passage of
Israel through Jordan.
I. The provision that was made at that time to preserve the memorial of
it, by twelve stones set up in Jordan
(ver. 9)
and other twelve stones taken up out of Jordan,
II. The march of the people through Jordan’s channel, the two tribes
first, then all the people, and the priests that bore the ark last,
III. The closing of the waters again upon their coming up with the ark,
IV. The erecting of the monument in Gilgal, to preserve the remembrance
of this work of wonder to posterity,
| The Passage over the Jordan. | B. C. 1451. |
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1 And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed
over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
2 Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a
man,
3 And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst
of Jordan, out of the place where the priests’ feet stood firm,
twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave
them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
4 Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of
the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:
5 And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the
LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man
of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of
the tribes of the children of Israel:
6 That this may be a sign among you, that when your children
ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by
these stones?
7 Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut
off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed
over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones
shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.
8 And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and
took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the LORD
spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the
children of Israel, and carried them over with them unto the
place where they lodged, and laid them down there.
9 And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in
the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the
covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.
We may well imagine how busy Joshua and all the men of war were while
they were passing over Jordan, when besides their own marching into an
enemy’s country, and in the face of the enemy, which could not but
occasion them many thoughts of hear, they had their wives, and
children, and families, their cattle, and tents, and all their effects,
bag and baggage, to convey by this strange and untrodden path, which we
must suppose either very muddy or very stony, troublesome to the weak
and frightful to the timorous, the descent to the bottom of the river
and the ascent out of it steep, so that every man must needs have his
head full of care and his hands full of business, and Joshua more than
any of them. And yet, in the midst of all his hurry, care must be taken
to perpetuate the memorial of this wondrous work of God, and this care
might not be adjourned to a time of greater leisure. Note, How much
soever we have to do of business for ourselves and our families, we
must not neglect nor omit what we have to do for the glory of God and
the serving of his honour, for that is our best business. Now,
I. God gave orders for the preparing of this memorial. Had Joshua done
it without divine direction, it might have looked like a design to
perpetuate his own name and honour, nor would it have commanded so
sacred and venerable a regard from posterity as now, when god himself
appointed it. Note, God’s works of wonder ought to be kept in
everlasting remembrance, and means devise for the preserving of the
memorial of them. Some of the Israelites that passed over Jordan
perhaps were so stupid, and so little affected with this great favour
of God to them, that they felt no concern to have it remembered; while
others, it may be, were so much affected with it, and had such deep
impressions made upon them by it, that they thought there needed no
memorial of it to be erected, the heart and tongue of every Israelite
in every age would be a living lasting monument of it. But God, knowing
their frame, and how apt they had been soon to forget his works,
ordered an expedient for the keeping of this in remembrance to all
generations, that those who could not, or would not, read the record of
it in the sacred history, might come to the knowledge of it by the
monument set up in remembrance of it, of which the common tradition of
the country would be an explication; it would likewise serve to
corroborate the proof of the matter of fact, and would remain a
standing evidence of it to those who in after-ages might question the
truth of it. A monument is to be erected, and,
1. Joshua, as chief captain, must five direction about it
(v. 1):
When all the people had clean passed over Jordan, not even the
feeble, that were the hindmost of them, left behind, so that God had
done his work completely, and every Israelite got safe into Canaan,
then God spoke unto Joshua to provide materials for this monument. It
is the pious conjecture of the learned bishop Patrick that Joshua had
gone into some place of retirement to return thanks immediately for
this wonderful mercy, and then god met him, and spoke thus to him. Or,
perhaps, it was by Eleazar the priest that God gave these and other
instructions to Joshua; for, though he is not mentioned here, yet, when
Joshua was ordained by the imposition of hands to this great trust, god
appointed that Eleazar should ask counsel for him after the judgment
of Urim, and at his word Joshua and all the children of Israel must go
out and come in,
Num. xxvii. 21.
2. One man out of each tribe, and he a chosen man, must be employed to
prepare materials for this monument, that each tribe might have the
story told them by one of themselves, and each tribe might contribute
something to the glory of God thereby
(v. 2, 4):
Out of ever tribe a man. Not the Levites only, but every
Israelite must, in his place, help to make known to the sons of men
God’s mighty acts,
Ps. cxlv. 12.
The two tribes, though seated already in their possession, yet, sharing
in the mercy, must lend a hand to the memorial of it.
3. The stones that must be set up for this memorial are ordered to be
taken out of the midst of the channel (where, probably, there lay
abundance of great stones), and as near as might be from the very place
where the priests stood with the ark,
v. 3, 5.
This intended monument deserved to be made of stones curiously cut with
the finest and most exquisite art, but these stones out of the bottom
of the river were more natural and more apt indications of the miracle.
let posterity know by this that Jordan was driven back, for these very
stones were then fetched out of it. In the institution of signs, God
always chose that which was most proper and significant, rather than
that which is pompous or curious; for God hath chosen the foolish
things of the world. These twelve men, after they got over Jordan,
must be sent back to the place where the ark stood, being permitted to
come near it (which others might not) for this service: “Pass over
before the ark
(v. 5),
that is, into the presence of the ark, which now stands in the midst of
Jordan, and thence fetch these stones.”
4. The use of these stones is here appointed for a sign
(v. 6),
a memorial,
v. 7.
They would give occasion to the children to ask their parents in time
to come, How came these stones hither? (probably the land about
not being stony), and then the parents would inform them, as they
themselves had been informed, that in this place Jordan was divided by
the almighty power of God, to give Israel passage into Canaan, as
Joshua enlarges on this head,
&c.
II. According to these orders the thing was done.
1. Twelve stones were taken up out of the midst of Jordan, and carried
in the sight of the people to the place where they had their
head-quarters that night,
v. 8.
It is probable that the stones they took were as big as they could well
carry, and as near as might be of a size and shape. But whether they
went away with them immediately to the place, of whether they staid to
attend the ark, and kept pace with the solemn procession of that, to
grace its triumphant entry in to Canaan, is not certain. By these
stones which they were ordered to take up God did, as it were, give
them livery and seisin of this good land; it is all their own, let them
enter and take possession; therefore what these twelve did the children
of Israel are said to do
(v. 8),
because they were the representatives of their respective tribes. In
allusion to this, we may observe that when the Lord Jesus, our Joshua,
having overcome the sharpness of death and dried up that Jordan, had
opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers, he appointed his twelve
apostles according to the number of the tribes of Israel, by the
memorial of the gospel to transmit the knowledge of this to remote
places and future ages.
2. Other twelve stones (probably much larger than the other, for we
read not that they were each of them one man’s load) were set up in
the midst of Jordan
(v. 9),
piled up so high in a heap or pillar as that the top of it might be
seen above the water when the river was low, or seen in the water when
it was clear, or at least the noise of commotion of the water passing
over it would be observable, and the bargemen would avoid it, as they
do a rock. Some way or other, it is likely, it was discernible, so as
to notify the very place where the ark stood, and to serve for a
duplicate to the other monument, which was to set up on dry land in
Gilgal, for the confirming of its testimony and the preserving of its
tradition. The sign being doubled, no doubt the thing was certain.
10 For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of
Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded
Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses
commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over.
11 And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed
over, that the ark of the LORD passed over, and the priests, in
the presence of the people.
12 And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and
half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children
of Israel, as Moses spake unto them:
13 About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the
LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
14 On that day the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all
Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days
of his life.
15 And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
16 Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that
they come up out of Jordan.
17 Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up
out of Jordan.
18 And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of
the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan,
and the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up unto the dry
land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and
flowed over all his banks, as they did before.
19 And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of
the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of
Jericho.
The inspired historian seems to be so well pleased with his subject
here that he is loth to quit it, and is therefore very particular in
his narrative, especially in observing how closely Joshua pursued the
orders God gave him, and that he did nothing without divine direction,
finishing all that the Lord had commanded him
(v. 10),
which is also said to be what Moses commanded. We read not of
any particular commands that Moses gave to Joshua about this matter:
the thing was altogether new to him. It must therefore be understood of
the general instructions Moses had given him to follow the divine
direction, to deliver that to the people which he received of the
Lord, and to take all occasions to remind them of their duty to
God, as the best return for his favours to them. This which Moses, who
was now dead and gone, had said to him, he had in mind at this time,
and did accordingly. It is well for us to have the good
instructions that have been given us ready to us when we have occasion
for them.
I. The people hasted and passed over,
v. 10.
Some understand this of the twelve men that carried the stones, but it
seems rather to be meant of the body of the people; for, though an
account was given of their passing over
(v. 1),
yet here it is repeated for the sake of this circumstance, which was to
be added, that they passed over in haste, either because Joshua
by their officers ordered them to make haste, for it was to be but one
day’s work and they must not leave a hoof behind, or perhaps it
was their own inclination that hastened them.
1. Some hasted because they were not able to trust God. They were
afraid the waters should return upon them, being conscious of guilt,
and diffident of the divine power and goodness.
2. Others because they were not willing to tempt God to continue the
miracle longer than needs must, nor would they put the patience of the
priests that bore the ark too much to the stretch by unnecessary delay.
3. Others because they were eager to be in Canaan, and would thus show
how much they longed after that pleasant land.
4. Those that considered least, yet hasted because others did. He that
believeth doth not make haste to anticipate God’s counsels, but
he makes haste to attend them,
II. The two tribes and a half led the van,
So they had promised when they had their lot given them on that side
Jordan,
And Joshua had lately reminded them of their promise,
It was fit that those who had the first settlement should be the first
in the encounter of difficulties, the rather because they had not the
incumbrance of families with them as the other tribes had, and they
were all chose men, and fit for service, ready armed. It was a good
providence that they had so strong a body to lead them on, and would be
an encouragement to the rest. And the two tribes had no reason to
complain: the post of danger is the post of honour.
III. When all the people had got clear to the other side, the priests
with the ark came up out of Jordan. This, one would think, should have
been done of course; their own reason would tell them that now there
was no more occasion for them, and yet they did not stir a step till
Joshua ordered them to move, and Joshua did not order them out of
Jordan till God directed him to do so,
So observant were they of Joshua, and he of God, which was their
praise, as it was their happiness to be under such good direction. How
low a condition soever God may at any time bring his priests or people
to, let them patiently wait, till by his providence he shall call them
up out of it, as the priests here were called to come up out of Jordan,
and let them not be weary of waiting, while they have the tokens of
God’s presence with them, even the ark of the covenant, in the depth of
their adversity.
IV. As soon as ever the priests and the ark had come up out of Jordan,
the waters of the river, which had stood on a heap, gradually flowed
down according to their nature and usual course, and soon filled the
channel again,
This makes it yet more evident that the stop which had now been given
to the river was not from any secret natural cause, but purely from the
power of God’s presence, and for the sake of his Israel; for when
Israel’s turn was served, and the token of God’s presence was removed,
immediately the water went forward again; so that if it be asked,
What ailed thee, O Jordan! that thou wast driven back? It must
be answered, It was purely in obedience to the God of Israel, and in
kindness to the Israel of God. There is therefore none like unto the
God of Jeshurun; happy also art thou, O Israel! who is like unto thee,
O people? Some observe here, by way of allusion, that when the ark,
and the priests that bore it, are removed from any place, the
flood-gates are drawn up, the defence has departed, and an inundation
of judgments is to be expected shortly. Those that are unchurched will
soon be undone. The glory has departed if the ark is taken.
V. Notice is taken of the honour put upon Joshua by all this
(v. 14):
On that day the Lord magnified Joshua, both by the fellowship he
admitted him to with himself, speaking to him upon all occasions and
being ready to be consulted by him, and by the authority he confirmed
him in over both priests and people. Those that honour God he will
honour, and when he will magnify a man, as he had said he would magnify
Joshua
(ch. iii. 7),
he will do it effectually. Yet it was not for Joshua’s sake only that
he was thus magnified, but to put him in a capacity of doing so much
the more service to Israel, for hereupon they feared him as they feared
Moses. See here what is the best and surest way to command the respect
of inferiors, and to gain their reverence and observance, not by
blustering and threatening, and carrying it with a high hand, but by
holiness and love, and all possible indications of a constant regard to
their welfare, and to God’s will and honour. Those are feared in the
best manner, and to the best purpose, who make it to appear that God is
with them, and that they set him before them. Those that are sanctified
are truly magnified, and are worthy of double honour. Favourites of
heaven should be looked on with awe.
VI. An account is kept of the time of this great event
(v. 19):
it was on the tenth day of the first month, just forty years
since they came out of Egypt, wanting five days. God had said in his
wrath that they should wander forty years in the wilderness, but, to
make up that forty, we must take in the first year, which was then
past, and had been a year of triumph in their deliverance out of Egypt,
and this last, which had been a year of triumph likewise on the other
side Jordan, so that all the forty were not years of sorrow; and at
last he brought them into Canaan five days before the forty years were
ended, to show how little pleasure God takes in punishing, how swift he
is to show mercy, and that for the elects’ sake the days of
trouble are shortened,
Matt. xxiv. 22.
God ordered it so that they should enter Canaan four days before the
annual solemnity of the passover, and on the very day when the
preparation for it was to begin
(Exod. xii. 3),
because he would have their entrance into Canaan Graced and sanctified
with that religious feast, and would have them then to be reminded of
their deliverance out of Egypt, that, comparing them together, God
might be glorified as the Alpha and Omega of their
bliss.
20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did
Joshua pitch in Gilgal.
21 And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your
children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What
mean these stones?
22 Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came
over this Jordan on dry land.
23 For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from
before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did
to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were
gone over:
24 That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the
LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God
for ever.
The twelve stones which were laid down in Gilgal
(v. 8)
are here set up either one upon another, yet so as that they might be
distinctly counted, or one by another in rows; for after they were
fixed they ar not call a heap of stones, but these
stones.
I. It is here taken for granted that posterity would enquire into the
meaning of them, supposing them intended for a memorial: Your
children shall ask their fathers (for who else should they ask?)
What mean these stones? Notes, Those that will be wise when they
are old must be inquisitive when they are young. Our Lord Jesus, though
he had in himself the fulness of knowledge, has by his example taught
children and young people to hear and ask questions,
Perhaps when John was baptizing in Jordan at Bethabara (the house of
passage, where the people passed over) he pointed at these very stones,
while saying
God is able of these stones (which were at first set up by the
twelve tribes) to raise up children unto Abraham. The stones
being the memorial of the miracle, the children’s question gave
occasion for the improvement of it; but our Saviour says
(Luke x. 40),
If the children should hold their peace, the stones would
immediately cry out; for one way or other the Lord will be
glorified in his works of wonder.
II. The parents are here directed what answer to give to this enquiry
(v. 22):
“You shall let your children know that which you have yourselves
learned from the written word and from your fathers.” Note, It is the
duty of parents to acquaint their children betimes with the word and
works of God, that they may be trained up in the way they should
go.
1. They must let their children know that Jordan was driven back before
Israel, who went through it upon dry land, and that this was the
very place where they passed over. They saw how deep and strong a
stream Jordan now was, but the divine power put a stop to it, even when
it overflowed all its banks–“and this for you, that live so long
after.” Note, God’s mercies to our ancestors were mercies to us; and we
should take all occasions to revive the remembrance of the great things
God did for our fathers in the days of old. The place thus
marked would be a memorandum to them: Israel came over this Jordan. A
local memory would be of use to them, and the sight of the place remind
them of that which was done there; and not only the inhabitants of that
country, but strangers and travellers, would look upon these stones and
receive instruction. Many, upon the sight of the stones, would go to
their Bibles, and there read the history of this wondrous work; and
some perhaps, upon reading the history, though living at a distance,
would have the curiosity to go and see the stones.
2. They must take that occasion to tell their children of the drying up
of the Red Sea forty years before: As the Lord your God did to the
Red Sea. Note.
(1.) It greatly magnifies later mercies to compare them with former
mercies, for, by making the comparison, it appears that god is the same
yesterday, to-day, and for ever.
(2.) Later mercies should bring to remembrance former mercies, and
revive our thankfulness for them.
3. They must put them in the way of making a good use of these works of
wonder, the knowledge whereof was thus carefully transmitted to them,
(1.) The power of God was hereby magnified. All the world was or might
be convinced that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that nothing
is too hard for God to do; nor can any power, no, not that of nature
itself, obstruct what God will effect. The deliverances of God’s people
are instructions to all people, and fair warnings not to contend with
Omnipotence.
(2.) The people of God were engaged and encouraged to persevere in his
service “That you might fear the Lord your God, and consequently
do your duty to him, and this for ever,” or all days
(margin), “every day, all the days of your lives, and your seed
throughout your generations.” The remembrance of this wonderful work
should effectually restrain them from the worship of other gods, and
constrain them to abide and abound in the service of their own God.
Note, In all the instructions and informations parents give their
children, they should have this chiefly in their eye, to teach and
engage them to fear God for ever. Serious godliness is the best
learning.
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