Joshua 5

Joshua 5:4

LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, &c.

O Lord, thou shewedst thyself marvellous in all the passages of Israel out of Egypt; when thou wentest up before them from the land of the Edomites, both the heavens and the earth did both feel and declare thy power; in all these were seen the wonderful signs of thine Almighty protection of thy people.

Joshua 5:5

The mountains melted from before the LORD, even that Sinai from before the LORD God of Israel.

The very foundations of the mountains were moved at thy presence; inasmuch as mount Sinai itself, which had formerly shaken at the delivery of thy Law given upon it, did now again, though far distant, quake at the awful manifestation of thy power.

Joshua 5:6

In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, &c.

In the days of the late tyrants that enthralled and oppressed Israel, even from the time of Shamgar’s deliverance till this of Jael, the ways were unfrequented: no man durst stir out, for fear of their cruelty.

Joshua 5:8

They chose new gods; then was war in the gates.

It was for their idolatry, that God stirred up enemies against them, and brought this desolation to their cities.

Joshua 5:9

I have this day rolled away the reproach of Egypt off you.

I have taken away from you that your uncircumcision, which you have kept all this while, out of that irreligious carelessness which your fathers brought with them out of Egypt.

My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people.

I cannot but applaud, and bless God, for the forwardness and cheerful courage of the chief rulers of Israel, in undertaking this war.

Joshua 5:10

Speak: ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way.

O ye, that are the chief leaders and governors of the people, do ye help me to praise our God, for our deliverance; and ye, that are travellers and traders abroad, join with me in this thanksgiving.

Joshua 5:11

They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the

places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, &c. towards the villages of Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates. And ye, the meanest of the people, even the drawers of water, in Israel, who, for the danger of the enemy, durst not stir forth of your doors, do you, being delivered from this fear, magnify the great works of God, who hath so freed all the villages of Israel, that now they may safely resort to their cities, whether for justice or traffic.

Joshua 5:12

Lead thy captivity captive.

Bring forth thy captives in a triumphant manner.

Joshua 5:14

Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come.

It is far from me, to be for thine adversaries; no, I am that angel of the covenant, who am come to lead and protect the troops of Israel.

Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after thee, Benjamin, among thy people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer.

Most of the several tribes did their parts in this conflict: some came from Ephraim; others, from the borders of the Amalekites; and thou, Benjamin, who art but a small tribe, wert not behind the rest of Israel: some from Manasseh (of whom Machir descended) who were chief rulers among the people, came forth; and tho scribes of the tribe of Zebulun were not wanting to this valiant service.

Joshua 5:15

And also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart.

Also Barak, with his tribe of Naphtali, came readily, and with all the speed that his feet could make, into the field. As for those tribes of Reuben and Gad, who were by the lot of their inheritance divided from the rest, there were great exceptions taken at their absence.

Joshua 5:16

Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.

O ye of the tribes beyond Jordan, how could any of you sit still quiet among your flocks and herds, when these great businesses were in hand? For the absence of Reuben, great exceptions were taken, and diverse censures passed.

Joshua 5:17

Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships, &c.?

Gilead came not forth, but abode still at home beyond Jordan; and those of Dan were attending their merchandize, &c.

Joshua 5:19

The kings came and fought.

The neighbour kings came forth to aid Jabin.

They took no gain of money.

They gained nothing by the war.

Joshua 5:20

They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.

The very clouds and winds fought for us, against our enemies;