Jos 1:1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, The Lord speaks to Joshua (Moses assistant), to lead the people into the promise land.

Jos 1:2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. The people were camped in the Plains of Moab, across the Jordan River from Jericho. Joshua would be the Lord's new servant to lead the people.

Jos 1:3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. Promised Joshua the same as Moses.

Jos 1:4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.  From the wilderness: That is, their utmost limits should be from the Desert of Arabia Petrea on the south, to Lebanon on the north; and from the Euphrates on the east, to the Great Sea, or the Mediterranean, on the west. The Israelites did not possess the full extent of this grant till the time of David.

Jos 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Joshua had some big sandals to fill taking the place of Moses. But, God was with Him and told Joshua that He would never leave or abandon him. Christ would say this same thing in (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5).

Jos 1:6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. We are to be strong and courageous also, because God is with us. Unto this people: etc. or, thou shall cause this people to inherit the land. (Numbers 34:17-29).

Jos 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. Obey Gods instructions and do not deviate from them. Don't turn to the "right or left" and you will be successful. Listen to God, not to politicians and their ways of the world.

Jos 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Meditate on the Word and use wisdom in everything you do. Remember, "All wisdom comes form God." (Proverbs 2:6, James 3:17).

Jos 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Don't be afraid when you are teaching the Word or working for the Lord. "God is with you."

Jos 1:11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it. Time to get to work and claim what is yours.

Jos 1:12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying, These are the people already on the east side of the Jordan River. (They were already on their own portion of the land).

Jos 1:13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land. Remember that God had given you this land. 

Jos 1:14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them; Your going across the Jordan to help your brothers.

Jos 1:15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD'S servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising. When they possess the land the Lord has given them, then you can return and settle on the east side of the Jordan, to the land Moses assigned you.

Jos 1:16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. The people all agreed.

Jos 1:17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses. We trust and will listen to you like we did Moses. Hmmm, did they always listen to Moses?

Jos 1:18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage. Anyone who does not listen to the orders will be put to death. No messing around here, you better be strong and courageous or it could cost you your life! This applies to us today with God's blessings. "You better be on the receiving side of God." You don't want to disobey Him, which could cost you your eternal life in the end.

Jos 2:1 And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there. "Joshua, one of the twelve spies himself at Kadesh Barnea." (Numbers 13:8, 16). He sends out a couple of spies to check out the land on the other side of the Jordan River. Harlot's house: Though the word (zonah), generally denotes a prostitute, yet many very learned men are of opinion that it should be here rendered an innkeeper or hostess, from (zoon), to furnish or provide food. Among the ancients, women generally kept houses of entertainment. "Among the Egyptians, the women carry on all commercial concerns, and keep taverns, while the men continue at home and weave." The same custom prevailed among the Greeks. By the way... Who called Rahab a harlot. God or the people? It was the people. (She made some of the finest linen around and they were jealous of her). Rumors get started just like today. (Rahab would marry a guy named Salmon, and have a descendant named Boaz, who married Ruth, and had a grandson named David who would lead to Christ). Even if she was a harlot, who cares, we are all sinners and can be forgiven by God. (God uses whoever He wills).

Jos 2:2 And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country. We got spies in the house.  

Jos 2:3 And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country. Tells Rahab, if you have the two men from Israel hidden there, bring them out.

Jos 2:4 And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were: They were here but now they are gone, I didn't know who they were. (She hid the spies).

Jos 2:5 And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them. She led the kings men off to chase them, but they were still right there.

Jos 2:6 But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof. All things done in order. (She was a business woman).

Jos 2:9 And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. God let her know this.

Jos 2:10 For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. God was speaking to her and the people. (Deuteronomy 2:5), they knew that God was controlling and protecting these people.

Jos 2:11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. Rahab knew who God was and the power He had given to His people.

Jos 2:12 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: She wanted her family protected as well as herself.

Jos 2:13 And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death. My father: It is observable that in this enumeration of her kindred, there is no mention made of a husband. It is most likely that she was a single woman or widow, who obtained an honest livelihood by keeping a house for the entertainment of strangers; and not a woman of ill fame, as some have supposed. The spies sent on this occasion were certainly some of the most confidential persons that Joshua had in his host, and their errand was of the greatest importance; is it then not most likely that they lodged at an inn? (Joshua 2:13).

Jos 2:14 And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee. She made a deal with them to protect her and her family.

Jos 2:15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall. Gave them safe passage.

Jos 2:16 And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way. She knew the routine of the men searching for them and led them on the right path.

Jos 2:17 And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear. We will be bound by an oath, but you must follow these instructions.

Jos 2:19 And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.

Jos 2:20 And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear. With the red thread in the window, we will pass over you and protect you. (Resembles the Passover). But, if we are betrayed, we are not bound by this oath.

Jos 2:21 And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window. Rahab accepted the terms and sent them on their way.

Jos 2:22 And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not. Safe and sound just as predicted.

Jos 2:23 So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them: Told Joshua about everything that had happened.

Jos 2:24 And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us. Afraid of us or God? (It was God that put the fear in the enemy, not the people). Always count on God and you will be fine. Don’t ever be afraid of anything when you have God on your side.

Jos 3:1 And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. Getting the troops ready. Jordan: Called by the Arabs El Sharia, takes its rise in Anti-Libanus, about twelve miles north of Cesarea Philippi, now Banias; and, having run about twelve miles southward, it receives a considerable stream, which is now called the Moiet Hasbeia. About 15 miles farther, it forms the waters of Merom or Semechon, now Houle; and, after running about 28 miles more, it passes through the lake of Gennesareth, and thence runs southward till it loses itself in the Dead Sea; its whole course being about 160 miles.

Jos 3:2 And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host; 

Jos 3:3 And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it. Sending the "Ark of the Covenant" and the priests carrying the Ark ahead of the troops.

Jos 3:4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore. Keep your distance. (about a half mile between them and the Ark).

Jos 3:6 And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. So far they are listening to Joshua. What was in the ark? (The ten commandments, the rod, and on top the mercy seat).

Jos 3:7 And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. God was with Moses and now would be with Joshua.

Jos 3:8 And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan. Few steps into the Jordan River and stop there. 

Jos 3:9 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God. Listen to God!

Jos 3:10 And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites. Now you are going to see the power of God before you. "God is in control." (We have power over all our enemies in His name).

Jos 3:11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan. The Ark of the Covenant will lead the way across for you.

Jos 3:12 Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man. One man from each of the twelve tribes.

Jos 3:13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap. The Lord will build a wall (a dam), to block the water for them to get across. (Psalm 33:7, 78:13).

Jos 3:14 And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people; All in order as instructed.

Jos 3:15 And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,). Time of the season for the river to flood.

Jos 3:16 That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho. The salt sea: (Joshua 15:2, Genesis 14:3, Numbers 34:3, Deuteronomy 3:17). The passage through the Red Sea took place in the night, when the Israelites were fleeing from the Egyptians with great trepidation, but they passed Jordan in the day-time, with previous warning, leisurely, directly opposite to Jericho, and with a triumphant defiance of the Canaanites; this passage into the promised land evidently typifying the believer's passage through death to heaven.

Jos 3:17 And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan. Held their ground right in the middle of the Jordan, till all the people crossed on dry ground. The ordinary current of the Jordan, near where the Israelites crossed, is said to be about twenty yards across, deeper than a man's height, and so rapid, that there is no swimming against it. It has, however, two banks; the first, or inner one, is that of the river in its natural state, and the second, or outer one, about a furlong distant, is that of its overflowing, which it does when the summer's sun has melted the snow on mount Lebanon and Hermon, in the months of March and April. And this was the time which God chose that the Israelites should pass over it; that a miraculous interposition might be necessary; and that, by the miracle, they might be convinced of his omnipotence.  

Jos 4:1 And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying, Always listen when the Lord speaks.

Jos 4:2 Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man, Representing each of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jos 4:3 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. Were talking about a "rock" here, not a pebble. (Remember it is the "Rock" (Christ), that the church is built upon, not a "pebble" (Peter), like many try to make you believe. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18). You are Peter, a stone; and upon this "Rock" (Rock meaning "Petra" mass rock), unmovable rock, I will build my church; and all the powers of hell will not prevail against it. This is a very controversial scripture between scholars. It is not Peter that Christ would build the church on, "Christ is that rock." (Peter and the other apostles would go on to establish the church in Acts 1 and 2). However, Jesus Christ is the unmovable rock that you want to build upon.

Jos 4:5 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: You don't carry a pebble on your back. This is a large stone with some weight.

Jos 4:6 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? In Ezekiel 26 we will discover another rock [Tyrus] which is a city on the coast of Lebanon. Satan is also used in the Scriptures as a rock, only he is the "false rock". The city of Tyrus then is used as Satan's stronghold. This is a type of what will befall the world in the end times, in a prophetic sense. Make sure Christ is your rock and not Satan. (Always follow the rock of God).

Jos 4:8 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. There you have the rock on solid ground. (Remember upon this rock I will build this church). "Christ is our rock."

Jos 4:9 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. And they are there: These words might be written by Joshua at the close of his life, or perhaps be added by some later prophet. It seems from this verse, that there were two sorts of stones erected as a memorial of this great event. Twelve at Gilgal (Joshua 4:20), and twelve in the bed of the Jordan; which last might have been placed on a base of strong stone work, so high as always to be visible, and serve to mark the very spot where the priests stood with the ark. 

Jos 4:11 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. Carried across just as God said it would.

Jos 4:12 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: 

Jos 4:13 About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho. Armed and ready for battle. (40 means probation).

Jos 4:14 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. Now the people revered Joshua just as they did Moses because they both obeyed God.

Jos 4:15 And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying, Speaking directly to Joshua again.

Jos 4:18 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. That the waters: As soon as the priests and the ark were come up out of Jordan, the waters of the river, which had stood on a heap, flowed down according to their natural and usual course, and again soon filled the channel. This make it abundantly evident, that the miraculous change which had been given to the river was not from any secret natural cause, but solely by the power of God, and for the sake of his chosen people; for when Israel's host had passed through, and the token of his presence was removed, immediately the waters went forward again, so that if it be asked, "What aileth thee, O Jordan, that thou was driven back?" it must be answered, it was in obedience to the God of Israel, and in kindness to the Israel of God. (Exodus 14:26-28).

Jos 4:19 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. Still on the east side of the river. (The tenth day of the first month), 40 years to the day, (Exodus 12:3), the passing over of the death angel. (Again, 40 is probation). The 40 years is over now. Gilgal: That is, the place afterwards called Gilgal; for it is so called here by anticipation. It was about ten furlongs east from Jericho, and fifty west from the Jordan.

Jos 4:20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.  

Jos 4:24 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. Fear translated here is "revere" and revere means to honor, admire, and love God. 

Jos 5:1 And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel. Now all who lived along the sea across the Jordan heard what the Lord had done and were in fear. Israel could have attacked right away, but God had other plans for Israel that were spiritual.

Jos 5:2 At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. Circumcise for spiritual reasons. "Today we do it for circumcision of the heart." (Colossians 2:11).

Jos 5:4 And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt. God's plan.

Jos 5:5 Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised. None of it done in the wilderness.

Jos 5:6 For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: unto whom the LORD sware that he would not shew them the land, which the LORD sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey. Thirty eight years earlier they could have entered the promise land, but the people disobeyed God. All those who were circumcised then would all die in the wilderness. Again, God's plan for a new generation that would be believers.

Jos 5:8 And it came to pass, when they had done circumcising all the people, that they abode in their places in the camp, till they were whole. Don't want to fighting any wars with your legs crossed.

Jos 5:9 And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day. Gilgal means a rolling away. (All their sins and shame were rolled away).

Jos 5:10 And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho. They celebrated the Passover.

Jos 5:11 And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day. Old corn: The people would find abundance of old corn in the deserted granaries of the affrighted inhabitants, and the barley harvest being ripe, after offering the sheaf of first-fruits, they ate also new parched corn; and thus the manna being no longer necessary, ceased, after having been sent them regularly for almost forty years. To Christians the manna for their souls shall never fail, till they arrive at the Canaan above, to feast on its rich and inexhaustible provisions.

Jos 5:12 And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. No more manna, now they fed themselves from the crops of Canaan. Kind of like us being fed milk as new Christians, and after we mature, we need meat in the word. (Hebrews 5:12-14). 

Jos 5:13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? Joshua encounters a man with a sword standing in front of him. Who are you he asked? Friend or foe?

Jos 5:14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? I am the commander of the Lord's army. (This is an angel of the Lord). Was this "Jesus Christ" in His "preincarnate" state?

Jos 5:15 And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. And Joshua: Many persons have been puzzled to know what was intended by this extraordinary appearance of the angel to Joshua, because they supposed that the whole business ends with the chapter; whereas it is continued in the succeeding one, the first verse of which is a mere parenthesis, simply relating to the state of Jericho at the time when Joshua was favored with this encouraging vision; by which he was shown that their help came from God alone, and that it was not by human might or power, but by the Lord of hosts they were to obtain the victory. (Make sure God is your commander and you are on His side).

Jos 6:1 Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in. Jericho (meaning fragrant), a fortress city is in lock down. (Considered to be one of the oldest cities in the world). 

Jos 6:2 And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour. God is going to give Jericho to them.

Jos 6:3 And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. (Remember at the sixth trump Satan appears in the end times).

Jos 6:4 And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. Trumpets of rams': The words shopheroth hyyovelim, should rather be rendered jubilee, trumpets, i.e., such as were used on the jubilee, which were probably made of horn or silver. For the entrance of the Israelites into Canaan was indeed a jubilee to them (Leviticus 25:11). Instead of the dreadful trumpet of war, they were ordered to sound the trumpet of joy, as already conquerors. (Leviticus 25:9). Now we have the seventh day trump. (Remember at the seventh trump Christ appears in the end times).

Jos 6:5 And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him. And the wall: The words wenaphelah chomath hair tachteyha, are literally, "and the wall of the city shall fall down under itself;" which appears simply to mean, that the wall shall fall down from its very foundation; which was probably the case in every part, though large breaches in different places might have been amply sufficient first to admit the armed men, after whom the host might enter to destroy the city. There is no ground for the supposition that the walls sunk into the earth. (Isaiah 25:12, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Hebrews 11:30).

Jos 6:6 And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD. Just as God instructed.

Jos 6:7 And he said unto the people, Pass on, and compass the city, and let him that is armed pass on before the ark of the LORD. The people and the armed men ready for action. (Over 40,000 of them).

Jos 6:8 And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the LORD, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them. The trumpets first followed by the Ark (the very presence of God), to follow.

Jos 6:9 And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rereward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets. Again, just as God commanded them to do.

Jos 6:10 And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout. Told to keep their mouths shut until told to speak. Kind of like in the end time when the elect will be delivered up before Anti-Christ. (You do not speak till the Holy Spirit speaks through you). 

Jos 6:11 So the ark of the LORD compassed the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp.  

Jos 6:14 And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned into the camp: so they did six days. Followed the pattern for six days.

Jos 6:15 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times. The seventh trump day. (Spiritual completeness).

Jos 6:16 And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city. Now it is time to speak and shout. Just as the Holy Spirit will speak through you in the end times. (Luke 21:12-15).

Jos 6:17 And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. Rahab and her family would be spared because she hid the spies.

Jos 6:18 And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. We are talking about false religion and those who follow the ways of the world and Satan. (Leave God out of the equation and you have trouble coming). 

Jos 6:19 But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD. Restock the treasure of the Lord. 

Jos 6:20 So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. The walls were down and they took the city because they had the faith and God allowed them. (Hebrews 11:30). 

Jos 6:21 And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword. Everything utterly destroyed. And they: The Canaanites were ripe for destruction; and God was pleased, instead of destroying them by a pestilence, a famine, or an earthquake, to employ the Israelites as the executioners of his vengeance. Had an angel been commissioned to slay them, who would have charged him with iniquity or cruelty? In all public calamities infants are involved; and tens of thousands of infants die in great agony every year. Now, either God is not the agent in these calamities (which opinion, though often implied in men's reasoning on these subjects, is not far from atheism); or they must consist with the most perfect justice and goodness.

Jos 6:22 But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her. Keep your promise to Rahab and her family.

Jos 6:23 And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel. They kept their word and rescued her and the family bringing them to safety.

Jos 6:24 And they burnt the city with fire, and all that was therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD. Everything destroyed but the gold, silver, and bronze. (This went to the Lord's treasury).

Jos 6:25 And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. Rahab (prostitute or not), was a true servant of the Lord. (James 2:25, Hebrews 11:31). Who ever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2:21).

Jos 6:27 So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country. Joshua was loved by the people just like Moses. (The hand of God was upon him). 

Jos 7:1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel. Now here comes Achan (meaning trouble), to mess everything up again. He was a thief, and had stolen some of the dedicated things of the Lord. (Joshua 7:20-21).

Jos 7:2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. The spies of Israel going out again to check out the town of Ai. 

Jos 7:3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. They checked it out, but they didn't consult with God about it. (Their starting to make decisions on their own).

Jos 7:4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. Went up to win the battle, but came out running. (Never underestimate the enemy, never underestimate your opponent).

Jos 7:5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water. The men of Ai chased them back like a bunch of little puppy dogs. (Israel wimped out and became paralyzed with fear). Why? They left God out of the equation, and without God, fear can creep into a man or woman. (Nothing to fear when God is on your side). 

Jos 7:6 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. Put dust: Rending the clothes, beating the breast, tearing the hair, throwing dust upon the head, and falling prostrate, were usual signs of deep affliction and distress among the ancient Israelites. (1 Samuel 4:12, 2 Samuel 13:19, Nehemiah 9:1).

Jos 7:7 And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan! Wish we had stayed on the other side rather than have the Amorites kill us. (Joshua losing a little faith here).

Jos 7:8 O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies! What now?

Jos 7:9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name? Might need to learn the hard way.

Jos 7:10 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Get up and stand like a man. (Better yet, like a warrior).

Jos 7:11 Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. They took of the accursed thing and made it their own. (Kind of like those who take false teachings and traditions of men and add it among their beliefs). God does not like it when you partake in false teachings.

Jos 7:12 Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. God is not going to tolerate this type of action. One mans way can destroy an entire nation here. (Isaiah 59:1-2). "Watch who you hang with, or what you partake in."

Jos 7:13 Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you. Clean your act up and get it right, or you will never receive God's blessings. (Do things God's way, not man's way).

Jos 7:14 In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families thereof; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man. Someone needs to fess up here to make things right with God.

Jos 7:15 And it shall be, that he that is taken with the accursed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath: because he hath transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he hath wrought folly in Israel. The wicked will be destroyed here. (God's not messing around).

Jos 7:16 So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken: Were going to weed them out one by one and find the one responsible.

Jos 7:17 And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken:  

Jos 7:18 And he brought his household man by man; and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken. Now we get down to Achan. (Mr. trouble).

Jos 7:19 And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me. Fess up and tell the truth.

Jos 7:20 And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: I did it... He confessed.

Jos 7:21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it. Lets see what he took and what they represent. A Babylonian robe (false religion and worldliness). Silver and gold (money can be the root of all evil). Paul would warn Timothy about this. (1 Timothy 6:9-10). 

Jos 7:22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it. Found what they were looking for.

Jos 7:24 And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. Not only Achan was involved, but his sons and daughters also.

Jos 7:25 And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones. All who were involved were stoned to death.

Jos 7:26 And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day. Called the valley of Achan till this day. (The valley of trouble). When you say your a Christian, don't think you can do things without God.

Jos 8:1 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land: There is going to be a little strategy and covert activity by God. Take all: It would seem, from this verse, that all that were capable of bearing arms were to march out of the camp on this occasion: 30,000 formed an ambuscade in one place; and 5,000 were placed in another, who all gained their positions in the night. With the rest of the army, Joshua appeared the next morning before Ai, which the men of that city would naturally suppose was the whole of the Israelite force and, consequently, be the more emboldened to come out and attack them. Some, however, think that 30,000 men were the whole that were employed on this occasion, 5,000 of whom were placed in ambush on the west of the city, between Bethel and Ai (Joshua 8:12), and, with the rest, Joshua appeared before the city in the morning. The king, seeing but about 25,000 coming against him, though he had but 12,000 persons in the whole city (Joshua 8:25), determined to risk a battle, issued out, and was defeated by stratagem. 

Jos 8:2 And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it. Everything will be yours. Now here comes some covert activity. (They are going to set an ambush behind the town). 

Jos 8:3 So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valour, and sent them away by night. Joshua's men getting ready for the signal to attack.

Jos 8:4 And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, even behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready: The group that will attack from behind.

Jos 8:5 And I, and all the people that are with me, will approach unto the city: and it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them, Run from them to draw them out.

Jos 8:7 Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand. When the men of Ai go after Joshua's group of men, the ambush will take the town from he rear. (Devine intervention by God).

Jos 8:8 And it shall be, when ye have taken the city, that ye shall set the city on fire: according to the commandment of the LORD shall ye do. See, I have commanded you. Take the goods but destroy the town.

Jos 8:9 Joshua therefore sent them forth: and they went to lie in ambush, and abode between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people. Bethel (house of God).

Jos 8:10 And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai. Time for Joshua to take command.

Jos 8:12 And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city. They have the city surrounded.

Jos 8:13 And when they had set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley. Army on the north and the ambush men on the west.

Jos 8:14 And it came to pass, when the king of Ai saw it, that they hasted and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at a time appointed, before the plain; but he wist not that there were liers in ambush against him behind the city. The king of Ai thought he could take the Israelites, but didn't count on the ambush set by the real commander. (God)! You always want God on your side in any confrontation.

Jos 8:15 And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness. Joshua sucks the enemy right in.

Jos 8:16 And all the people that were in Ai were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city. The enemy was lured away and the town left right open.

Jos 8:17 And there was not a man left in Ai or Bethel, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel. Wide open for taking.

Jos 8:18 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city. Joshua is going to obey God and let Him take care of all the timing.

Jos 8:19 And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand: and they entered into the city, and took it, and hasted and set the city on fire. The signal was given and they touched the town to the ground.

Jos 8:20 And when the men of Ai looked behind them, they saw, and, behold, the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven, and they had no power to flee this way or that way: and the people that fled to the wilderness turned back upon the pursuers. Now the main troops of Joshua turned to fight and the men of Ai were trapped.

Jos 8:21 And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and slew the men of Ai. The battle was on.

Jos 8:22 And the other issued out of the city against them; so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side: and they smote them, so that they let none of them remain or escape. The men of Ai were attacked from both sides and not a single one survived or escaped.

Jos 8:23 And the king of Ai they took alive, and brought him to Joshua. Only the king of Ai survived.

Jos 8:24 And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword. All were killed and the town was taken just as God planned. 

Jos 8:25 And so it was, that all that fell that day, both of men and women, were twelve thousand, even all the men of Ai. Twelve thousand people of Ai died. Keep in mind who these people were. They were a violent, wicked, perverse society just like Sodom and Gomorrah.

Jos 8:26 For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. Joshua seems to have been not only the general but the standard-bearer of the army (Joshua 8:18), and continued in this employment, by holding up or extending his spear, during the whole of the battle; and did not slacken from the pursuit till the forces of Ai were utterly discomfited. Some commentators, however, understand this action in a figurative sense, like the holding up of Moses' hands, as if it implied that Joshua continued in prayer for the success of his troops, nor ceased till the armies of Ai were annihilated, and the city taken and destroyed.

Jos 8:28 And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, even a desolation unto this day. Till this day it is called Tel. (The heap).

Jos 8:29 And the king of Ai he hanged on a tree until eventide: and as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his carcase down from the tree, and cast it at the entering of the gate of the city, and raise thereon a great heap of stones, that remaineth unto this day. The king: The kings of Canaan lay under the same curse as their subjects and probably were more deeply criminal. The reserving of the king of Ai for a solemn execution, would tend to strike terror into the other kings, contribute to the success of Israel, and give their proceedings the stamp of a judicial process, and of executing the vengeance of God upon his enemies.

Jos 8:30 Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal, Ebal (stone mountain). Moses himself had twice given express orders for this solemnity; once (Deuteronomy 11:29-30), in which he pointed out the very place where it was to be performed; and again, at the (Deuteronomy 27:1), there is a renewal of the instructions to Joshua, with special reference to minute particulars. It was a federal transaction. The covenant was now renewed between God and Israel upon their taking possession of the land of promise, that they might be encouraged in the conquest of it, and might know upon what terms they held it, and come under fresh obligations to obedience. (Joshua 8:33).

Jos 8:32 And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel. Copied the laws of Moses.

Jos 8:34 And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. "God's laws are set in stone."

Jos 8:35 There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them. The people were following the instructions Moses gave for this time. (Deuteronomy 4:2, 11:29).

Jos 9:1 And it came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof; The news spread like wildfire about Israel crossing the Jordan and their conquest of Jericho and Ai. Now the kings west of the Jordan become nervous over the threat of an Israeli invasion.

Jos 9:2 That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord. Joining together to fight against Joshua and the Israelites.

Jos 9:4 They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up; Resorted to deception to save themselves.

Jos 9:5 And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy. They wanted to make it look like they were on the road for a long time and were wore down.

Jos 9:6 And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us. They were from just around the bend nearby and were lying.

Jos 9:8 And they said unto Joshua, We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye? and from whence come ye? Joshua wanted to know where they really came from.

Jos 9:9 And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt, That is a lie... (Deuteronomy 2:25), God began to put the fear in these people so he could give this land to Israel.

Jos 9:10 And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth. Notice that they don't mention what happened at Jericho and Ai. (They still want Joshua to think they came from a distant land).

Jos 9:11 Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us. A treaty or contract that Joshua would regret.

Jos 9:12 This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy: Another lie... (They started out with old bread).

Jos 9:13 And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey. Lying and putting on a show about everything. Sound familiar? Do not be deceived.

Jos 9:14 And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD. Big mistake not consulting with God. (Man will lie to you).  

Jos 9:15 And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them. Made a peace treaty with them for their safety and now it was set in stone.

Jos 9:16 And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt among them. Now they find out the truth, when it's to late. (Proverbs 12:19).

Jos 9:17 And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.  

Jos 9:18 And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes. Made a deal with them and swore by the name of the Lord without consulting God. (The people of Israel were not to happy with the deal).

Jos 9:19 But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them. The leaders kept their promise and did not attack Gibeon.

Jos 9:20 This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we sware unto them. God expects us to keep our promises even if you didn't consult with Him first. We will see that a few hundred years later, Saul would attack the Gibeonites, but they cried out to God, and the result was God had brought a famine on the land until David came along, pleasing the Gibeonites by putting to death some of Saul's sons as retribution and resolved the issue. (2 Samuel 21:1).

Jos 9:21 And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them. The book of (Ezra 8:15), all Nethinim (meaning given to service, the temple servants). They took over the priesthood. (Even to this day we have these same false priest instead of the true levitical priests). Be on guard on who you are studying with.

Jos 9:22 And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We are very far from you; when ye dwell among us? What were you thinking Joshua? "Pretty dumb not to consult with God."

Jos 9:24 And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing. We were afraid that you would wipe us out as a people, that is why we lied. They would have been wiped out by Israel, but they were spared. "It will be bad for Israel later." (Israel's fault for leaving God out).

Jos 9:25 And now, behold, we are in thine hand: as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do. Israel kept their word and spared them. 

Jos 9:26 And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not. "Big mistake." We are paying for it today.

Jos 9:27 And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose. To this very day that God would choose. Israel messed up, just like when the kenites slipped in to keep the books for Israel. (1 Chronicles 2:55).

Jos 10:1 Now it came to pass, when Adonizedek king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them; Remember that Gideon is only 40 furlongs (five miles) north of Jerusalem). They out foxed Israel and made peace with them. (The Gibeonites slipped in among them).

Jos 10:2 That they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty. Afraid that if Gibeon has allied with Israel, they would be in big trouble. (Gibeon was a large town and the men were strong warriors).

Jos 10:3 Wherefore Adonizedek king of Jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying. Hebron: Hebron was situated on an eminence, 20 miles south of Jerusalem, and the same distance north of Beersheba. It is now called El Khalil, "the well-beloved," the usual epithet which the Turks and Arabs apply to Abraham, whose sepulchral cave they still shew; over which St. Helena built a magnificent church Its original site was on an eminence, at the southern foot of which the present village is pleasantly situated, on which are the remains of an ancient castle, its sole defense.  

Jos 10:5 Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their hosts, and encamped before Gibeon, and made war against it. Moved in and attacked Gibeon. (May be a little trouble for Joshua, now he will be facing five kings).

Jos 10:6 And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us. Calling for help. 

Jos 10:8 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee. Not to worry God says to Joshua, I am with you and you will get the victory. (Never worry about the odds when God is on your side). 

Jos 10:9 Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal all night. Not an easy task, but they are going to catch them by surprise.

Jos 10:10 And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah. God threw them into a panic, and the Israelites kicked their butts. (Divine intervention, God did it). 

Jos 10:11 And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword. Again, divine intervention from God. (More killed by the hail storm than by the sword). 

Jos 10:12 Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. Sun: Joshua doubtless acted, on this occasion, by an immediate impulse upon his mind from the Spirit of God. The terms here employed to record the miracle, agree with the accustomed manner in which the the motions of the earth and sun are described in our own day. The sun apparently moves, but really is stationary; while the diurnal movement of the earth on its axis is by us unnoticed, and would not have been known except by astronomical science. The sun appeared to the Israelites over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Ajalon, and there they stayed in their course for "a whole day." Many vain enquiries have been made concerning the way in which this miracle was wrought, and many difficulties and objections have been urged against understanding it literally. But the fact is authenticated by the Divine testimony; and the manner in which it was accomplished lies entirely out of our province, because beyond our comprehension.

Jos 10:13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. God arranged the victory. The book of Jasher (meaning the upright one), could this be Moses, the law giver?

Jos 10:14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel. Nothing that God can't do. (Deuteronomy 1:30).

Jos 10:16 But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah. Makkedah is up in the mountains.

Jos 10:17 And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah. This information brought to Joshua, is an evidence that there were those of the country, who knew the holes and fastnesses of it, that were in his interests. And the care Joshua took to secure them there, as it is an instance of his policy and presence of mind, even in the heat of action; so, in the success of their project, it shows how they who think to hide themselves from God, not only deceive, but destroy themselves. Their refuge of lies will but bind them over to God's judgment.

Jos 10:18 And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them: These kings are going nowhere. (Trapped in the caves).

Jos 10:19 And stay ye not, but pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the LORD your God hath delivered them into your hand. God gave them the victory. When God is with you, who can be against you.

Jos 10:20 And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, that the rest which remained of them entered into fenced cities. Destroyed them all except for a small remnant. Remember, there were a lot of bad people in this group. (Gebor, Kenites, etc.).

Jos 10:21 And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel. Not a word was uttered against Israel.

Jos 10:24 And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. A little pressure right at the neck, the weakest part of the body. Symbolic of victory.

Jos 10:25 And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight. Never fear! God will take care of your enemies.

Jos 10:26 And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening. Hung them out to dry. Five kings on five trees. (Scripture tells us: You can’t leave someone on a tree after sundown).

Jos 10:27 And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun, that Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees, and cast them into the cave wherein they had been hid, and laid great stones in the cave's mouth, which remain until this very day. Place of the false kings.

Jos 10:28 And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that were therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho. We will see that Joshua is on a roll here conquering one city after another. (God was taking the promise land and giving it to the proper owners). Makkedah: Situated about 8 miles east from Eleutheropolis. It was afterwards assigned to the tribe of Judah. (Joshua 15:41).

Jos 10:30 And the LORD delivered it also, and the king thereof, into the hand of Israel; and he smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein; he let none remain in it; but did unto the king thereof as he did unto the king of Jericho. The Lord delivered it into the hand of Israel.

Jos 10:31 And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it: Lachish was also situated in the south of Judah, seven miles south from Eleutheropolis. It appears to have been anciently a very strong place; for though the people were panic struck, and the Israelites flushed with success, yet Joshua could not reduce it till the second day; and the king of Assyria afterwards was obliged to raise the siege.

Jos 10:32 And the LORD delivered Lachish into the hand of Israel, which took it on the second day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein, according to all that he had done to Libnah. 

Jos 10:33 Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish; and Joshua smote him and his people, until he had left him none remaining. Not going to happen when God is protecting His people.

Jos 10:34 And from Lachish Joshua passed unto Eglon, and all Israel with him; and they encamped against it, and fought against it: Moved right on to Eglon and conquered it.

Jos 10:35 And they took it on that day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein he utterly destroyed that day, according to all that he had done to Lachish. Wiped them all out.

Jos 10:36 And Joshua went up from Eglon, and all Israel with him, unto Hebron; and they fought against it: God leading and directing.

Jos 10:37 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. The king: From (Joshua 10:32), we learn that the king of Hebron was one of the five whom Joshua slew and hanged on five trees at Makkedah. This slaying of the king of Hebron, therefore, must either refer to what had already been done, or the Hebronites had set up another, whom Joshua now slew when he took the city.

Jos 10:38 And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir; and fought against it: Debir was situated in the south of the tribe of Judah, near Hebron. The expression of Joshua's returning to Debir, probably denotes, that having carried his conquests in the southern parts as far as Gaza (Joshua 10:41), which was in the south-west angle of Canaan, he then marched back to besiege Debir. 

Jos 10:39 And he took it, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof; and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed all the souls that were therein; 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. 

Jos 10:41 And Joshua smote them from Kadeshbarnea even unto Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even unto Gibeon. They took the whole south. 

Jos 10:42 And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel. The God of Israel being in total control. (Nothing has changed to this day).

Jos 10:43 And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal. Gilgal (The rolling away of sin). Listen to God, repent, and He always takes care of His own.  

Jos 11:1 And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph, King Jabin heard what happened and sent messages to the kings of the north of Israel. (Joshua already took the south, now he is going to take the north). 

Jos 11:5 And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel. All joining forces to fight against Israel.

Jos 11:6 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire. The Jewish historian "Josephus" writes that the northern kings combined had around 300,000 foot soldiers, 10,000 cavalry troops, and 21,000 chariots. Quite an army to come against Israel. (Israel had around 600,000 troops, but no cavalry or chariots).

Jos 11:7 So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them. Joshua took the army of Israel and got right down to business attacking by surprise. (The northern kings were not ready and Israel was). 

Jos 11:8 And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining. The Israelite army chased and killed them till not one warrior of the kings were left alive. (Just as God had predicted).

Jos 11:9 And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire. They crippled the horses and burned all the chariots just as the Lord instructed. (Sometimes the innocent animals get destroyed in the art of war).

Jos 11:10 And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms. After Joshua wins the battle, he now turns back and captured Hazor and killed it's king. (Hazor had been the capital of all these kingdoms). "God had dealt right with the root of the problem." Why? Because of what Satan brought upon this land. (It was a land of hybrids and misfits that mixed in with these people).  

Jos 11:11 And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire. The Israelites completely destroyed everything and then burned the city. 

Jos 11:12 And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded. Joshua slaughtered all the kings and their people just as Moses (The Lord's servant), had commanded. (God in control).

Jos 11:13 But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn. Those cities who did not fight were not burned.

Jos 11:14 And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe. Nothing left breathing! Sounds kind of brutal, but keep in mind that this was God's judgment on a wicked civilization.

Jos 11:15 As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses. The Lord commanded Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua. He did what he was told because he knew that the Lord gave these instructions to Moses.  

Jos 11:16 So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same; Conquered all that he was instructed.

Jos 11:17 Even from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them. Halak: Meaning bare mountain, or smooth mountain. (Cleansed the whole land).

Jos 11:18 Joshua made war a long time with all those kings. This didn't happen over night. It took a long time for these results. Caleb was forty years old when sent from Kadesh-barnea to spy the land, and he was eighty-five at the conclusion of this war (Joshua 14:10). Almost thirty-nine years of this time were spent before Israel passed Jordan; which leaves between six and seven for the term of Joshua's wars. (Joshua 11:23, 14:7-10).

Jos 11:19 There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle. Remember when Joshua made a deal with these people without consulting God? (Joshua 9:18-21). "A BIG MISTAKE."

Jos 11:20 For it 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 favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses. Why? Because they were the descendants of the Nephilim (the fallen angels), and it was necessary for the sword to destroy them, as the flood did before. "God's will that they be destroyed." (Deuteronomy 7:1-5).

Jos 11:21 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. God's cleansing was necessary.

Jos 11:22 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. The second influx. The decendants of Anakim (long-necked), a race of giants. (Numbers 13:33). Still in Gaza and Gath, and Ashdod. (They were still there). It happened before and it is happening now. (Happened so that we would know what would befall us in the end times).

Jos 11:23 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. The land allotted to the house of Israel and house of Judah.

Jos 12:1 Now these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east: The land taken by Israel.

Jos 12:3 And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdothpisgah: Sea of Chinneroth: This inland sea, or rather lake, which drives its several names, the Lake of Tiberias, Sea of Galilee, Lake of Gennesareth, from the territory which forms its western and south-western border, is computed to be between seventeen and eighteen miles in length, and from five to six in breadth. The waters of this lake, which are sweet and agreeable, lie in a deep basin, surrounded with lofty hills, except at the north and south, where it is a plain country or level. There is a current through the whole lake even to the shore; and the Jordan through it is discernible by the smoothness of the surface in that part. Jesus spent much of His time here. (John 6:1).

Jos 12:4 And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei, Bashan, land of the giants.

Jos 12:6 Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh. Joshua is following what Moses has commanded. Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh settle east of the Jordan. The other half of Manasseh would settle on the west side of the Jordan.

Jos 12:7 And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baalgad 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; West of the Jordan. (According to the twelve tribes that were conquered).

Jos 12:8 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 Hivites, and the Jebusites: Remember there would still be hybrids from the fallen angels mixed in. Now we are going to get a list of the "kings" that Joshua and Israel conquered. (With God's help).

Jos 12:24 The king of Tirzah, one: all the kings thirty and one. Sixteen kings in the south, and fifteen kings of the north. Thirty one kings in all. (That's how many kings Joshua conquered).

Jos 13:1 Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed. Joshua around 100 years old now. Still some work to be done. The big battles are finished, but there are a few smaller battles that Israel will still face. Now we will see the process of dividing the land among the twelve tribes.

Jos 13:2 This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri, The remaining territory.

Jos 13:3 From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites: Later will become enemies of Israel during the time King Saul and David.

Jos 13:4 From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the borders of the Amorites: The north needs to be conquered yet.

Jos 13:5 And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising, from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath. Here is where the Nethinim come from. (Home of the Kenites).

Jos 13:6 All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim, and all the Sidonians, them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only divide thou it by lot unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee. God going to drive them out of the land.  

Jos 13:7 Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh, Divided among the ten northern tribes. Remember that Manasseh is often referred to as the half tribe because it will be divided  and half would settle on one side of the Jordan river and the other half on the other side of the Jordan. 

Jos 13:13 Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites: but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day. The Israelites failed to drive out the people of Geshur, so they lived among them.

Jos 13:33 But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance: the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance, as he said unto them. At (Joshua 13:14), as well as here, notice is taken, that to the tribe of Levi, "Moses gave no inheritance," for so God had appointed. (Numbers 18:20). If they had been appointed to a lot entire by themselves, Moses would have served them first, not because it was his own tribe, but because it was God's, but they must be provided for in another manner; their habitation must be scattered in all the tribes, and their maintenance brought out of all the tribes, and God himself was the portion both of their inheritance and of their cup. (Joshua 18:7, Deuteronomy 10:9, 18:1-2).

Jos 14:1 And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them. Eleazar was the high priest. (Head of the religious community). Joshua was the main man in charge. Heads (fathers) of the tribes represented the tribes of Israel.

Jos 14:2 By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe. lot: Though God had sufficiently pointed out by the predictions of Jacob and Moses what portions he designed for each tribe, yet we readily discern an admirable proof of His wisdom, in the orders he gave to decide them by lot. By this means the false interpretations which might have been given to the words of Jacob and Moses were prevented; and by striking at the root of whatever might occasion jealousies and disputes among the tribes, he evidently secured the honesty of those appointed to distribute the conquered lands of Canaan. Besides, the success of this method gave a fresh proof of the divinity of the Jewish religion, and the truth of its oracles. Each tribe finding itself placed by lot exactly in the spot where Jacob and Moses foretold, it was evident that Providence had equally directed both the predictions and that lot; and it would be the greatest folly and presumption not to acknowledge the inspiration of God in the words of Jacob and Moses; the direction of his hand in the lot, and his providence in the event. 

Jos 14:4 For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance. The land divided into twelve parts, but the tribe of Levi didn't get a portion of land. Although they did have towns to live in.

Jos 14:8 Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God. Caleb is going to remind Joshua what Moses had promised him about 45 years ago.

Jos 14:12 Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said. The land of giants. (Descendents of Anak).

Jos 14:13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance. Caleb gets Hebron (seat of association), as his inheritance.

Jos 14:15 And the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war. The land of the giants (Numbers 13:22) it is, that Caleb would pick. He was promised by Moses (through God), that he would inherit the land that he spied out. But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it. (Numbers 14:24). A different spirit: Hmmm. It is probable that Caleb was a foreigner by birth (a proselyte), incorporated into the tribe of Judah. 

Jos 15:1 This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward was the uttermost part of the south coast. This then was the lot: The geography of the sacred writings presents many difficulties, occasioned by the changes which Canaan has undergone, especially for the last 2,000 years. Many of the ancient towns and villages have had their names so totally changed that their former appellations are no longer discernible; several lie buried under their own ruins, and others have been so long destroyed that not a vestige of them remains. On these accounts it is very difficult to ascertain the precise situation of many places mentioned in these chapters; but this cannot in any measure affect the truth of the narrative.

Jos 15:2 And their south border was from the shore of the salt sea, from the bay that looketh southward: Border around the tribe of Judah.

Jos 15:3 And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadeshbarnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karkaa: Karkaa: Supposed to be the Coracea of Ptolemy, in Arabia Petrea Eusebius places a castle called Carcaria at the distance of a day's journey from Petra.

Jos 15:4 From thence it passed toward Azmon, and went out unto the river of Egypt; and the goings out of that coast were at the sea: this shall be your south coast. Azmon: The last city they possessed towards Egypt; east of the River of Egypt or Rhinocorura. (Numbers 34:5).

Jos 15:6 And the border went up to Bethhogla, and passed along by the north of Betharabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben: 

Jos 15:8 And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward: Valley of the giants: Situated apparently west of Jerusalem and mount Moriah. (Joshua 18:16, 2 Samuel 5:18, 2 Samuel 5:22, Isaiah 17:5), the valley of Rephaim.

Jos 15:12 And the west border was to the great sea, and the coast thereof. This is the coast of the children of Judah round about according to their families. The shoreline of the Mediterranean sea was the western boundary.

Jos 15:13 And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron. The race of giants lived here also. 

Jos 15:14 And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak. The place Caleb asked for in his inheritance. Not worried about the giants, he knew God was with him. (Joshua 14:12). Note: Caleb asked for help from God, but he still had to drive out the giants. Lesson: Just because you ask God for something, doesn't mean that you just get it. God will help you if you put in the effort. "He wants you to work for it."

Jos 15:16 And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. A little deal put forth by Caleb. Any takers?

Jos 15:17 And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife. Othniel: (force of God), would be Caleb's nephew.

Jos 15:20 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families. Theses are the cities of Judah below (Joshua 15:20-63). Note: Some of the cities will belong to more than one tribe; like Jerusalem (Judah and Benjamin).

Jos 15:33 And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah, Area where Samson hung out.

Jos 15:35 Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah, Socoh and Azekah: The Philistines were camped near here when David fought Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:1).

Jos 15:63 As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day. Jerusalem will be shared with the tribe of Benjamin. (Joshua 18:28).

Jos 16:1 And the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho, unto the water of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goeth up from Jericho throughout mount Bethel, Jacob (father of Joseph), blessed Joseph with a double portion, so, Manasseh and Ephraim (two sons of Joseph), were granted equal status to the other tribes. Many scholars believe this to be part of an end time prophecy. Israel was to become a great nation. (The lost tribes of Israel traveled north over the Caucasus Mountains and settled in Europe and the Americas). Manasseh (the United States), represents that great nation, and a company of nations (The British commonwealth, or Great Britain), which represents Ephraim. (A good book explaining this is "The Key of David" by Herbert W. Armstrong). 

Jos 16:10 And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute. They didn't drive out the Canaanites as instructed by God and they dwell among the people of Ephraim till this day. (Numbers 33:52-55, Deuteronomy 7:1-2).

Jos 17:1 There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph; to wit, for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan. Manasseh settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River.

Jos 17:5 And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan; Ten portions: As there were six sons and five daughters, among whom this division was to be made, there should be eleven portions, but Zelophehad, son of Hepher, having left five daughters in his place, neither he nor Hepher is reckoned. The lot of Manasseh therefore was divided into ten parts; five for the five sons of Gilead, Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, and Shemida; and five for the five daughters of Zelophehad, Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. (Joshua 17:2-3, 17:14).

Jos 17:7 And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of Entappuah. Territory of Manasseh. Michmethah: Situated, probably, east of Shechem, though its precise situation, as well as that of many others, cannot, at this distance of time, be ascertained. Many of these towns were small, and we may rationally conclude, slightly built; and consequently have perished more than two thousand years ago. It would therefore be useless now to look for such places; though in many instances, their ancient names have been preserved, and their sites identified. Several towns even in England, mentioned by Cesar and other ancient writers, are no longer discernible; several have changed their names, and not a few their situation. (Joshua 16:6-8).

Jos 17:9 And the coast descended unto the river Kanah, southward of the river: these cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh: the coast of Manasseh also was on the north side of the river, and the outgoings of it were at the sea: River Kanah: or, brook of reeds, The brook Kanah seem to be what is now called Nahr el Kasab, which falls into the Mediterranean a few miles south of Cesarea of Palestine. (Joshua 16:8).

Jos 17:11 And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, even three countries. Note: Megiddo was one of the royal cities of the Canaanites, guarding the Valley of Jezereel. The location of the battle of Armageddon. (Zechariah 12:11, Revelation 16:16). 

Jos 17:12 Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land. Big mistake not to drive out the Canaanites.

Jos 17:13 Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel were waxen strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute; but did not utterly drive them out. The Israelites became strong enough to drive out the Canaanites, but they didn't listen to God. God warned the nation before not to leave things unfinished. (Numbers 33:55, Joshua 16:10). 

Jos 17:14 And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto? They wanted more land. 

Jos 17:15 And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee. Joshua tells them if you want more land to go and conquer it.

Jos 17:16 And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Bethshean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel. Their response is just to complain to Joshua. His idea to go get it yourself is to hard for them. Sound familiar? (Everything handed out to people today, no one wants to earn it). 

Jos 17:18 But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong. The land is there, go out and take it and work it. Have no fear, the Lord is here. (Romans 8:31, Hebrews 13:6).  

Jos 18:1 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them. Shiloh (place of rest), was situated on a hill in the tribe of Ephraim, though near the borders of Benjamin, about fifteen miles north of Jerusalem. Shiloh would become the center (headquarters), for Israel. The Ark of the Covenant would find a permanent home here for about 400 years, until the Ark is captured by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:3-11).  

Jos 18:2 And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance. Five down and seven to go to get their inheritance. 

Jos 18:3 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you? Five of the tribes took care of business, while the other seven are waiting around for something to happen. What are you waiting for Joshua asked?

Jos 18:4 Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me. 

Jos 18:8 And the men arose, and went away: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the LORD in Shiloh. Check out the land. (Survey the land).

Jos 18:9 And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book, and came again to Joshua to the host at Shiloh. Described: The surveyors seem to have formed some kind of map of the country, as well as a description of it in writing. The Egyptians, from the situation of their fields, as annually overflowed by the Nile, acquired great skill in mensuration and land surveying; and some of the Israelites had, no doubt, learned these from them, without a knowledge of which they could not properly have divided the land. This is probably the first act of surveying on record. (Acts 13:19).

Jos 18:10 And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions. Cast lots: Kind of like drawing straws or throwing dice to determine the land. 

Jos 18:11 And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph. The first allotment of land went to the clans of the tribe of Benjamin.

Jos 18:28 And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families. Jebus (Jerusalem), one of the cities that would be shared by more than one tribe.

Jos 19:1 And the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah. The second allotment to the clans and tribe of Simeon.

Jos 19:9 Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them. Since Judah's territory was too large for them, the tribe of Simeon received an allocation within the territory of Judah.

Jos 19:10 And the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families: and the border of their inheritance was unto Sarid: The third allotment went to the clans and tribe of Zebulun's.

Jos 19:11 And their border went up toward the sea, and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that is before Jokneam; The river Kishon, which empties itself into the Mediterranean near mount Carmel, in the vicinity of which Jokneam was situated.

Jos 19:17 And the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families. Fourth allotment went to the clans of the tribe of Issachar.

Jos 19:23 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities and their villages. 

Jos 19:24 And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families. The fifth allotment of land went to the clans of the tribe of Asher.

Jos 19:32 The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families. The sixth allotment went to the clans of the tribe of Naphtali. (My wrestling).

Jos 19:33 And their coast was from Heleph, from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami, Nekeb, and Jabneel, unto Lakum; and the outgoings thereof were at Jordan: 

Jos 19:39 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages. Around 1,400 years later, this would be the area that Jesus spent time in His ministry. Where the people in darkness would see a great light. "Jesus." (Matthew 4:13-16). 

Jos 19:40 And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families. The seventh allotment went to the clans of the tribe of Dan.

Jos 19:49 When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them: After all the land was divided among the tribes, the Israelites gave Joshua a piece of land for his allocation.

Jos 19:50 According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein. It was by God (not the people), who said Joshua could have any piece of land he wanted. 

Jos 19:51 These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the LORD, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. So they made an end of dividing the country. The division of the land was completed and each tribe had their place in the promise land.

Jos 20:2 Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: Appoint the cities of assistance or protection.

Jos 20:3 That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. For capital crimes the penalty was death. For accidental crimes they would seek refuge at one of these cities. 

Jos 20:4 And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. They would appear before the elders and state their case.

Jos 20:6 And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled. The slayer would remain in the city until the death of the high priest in office at the time, then he would be free to return to his home town.

Jos 20:9 These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation. These cities of refuge were set apart for all the Israelites as well as the foreigners living among them. Again, they were for anyone who accidentally killed another person, so they could take refuge in one of the cities.

Jos 21:1 Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel; Seems they want a bigger piece of the action. 

Jos 21:2 And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle. It appears that Moses promised them more cities once the promised land was conquered. (Numbers 35:2-8).

Jos 21:3 And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs. The people of Israel gave the Levites parts of their own grants of land.

Jos 21:4 And the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites: and the children of Aaron the priest, which were of the Levites, had by lot out of the tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of Simeon, and out of the tribe of Benjamin, thirteen cities. These tribes furnished more habitation to the Levites, in proportion, than any of the other tribes, because they possessed a more extensive inheritance, agreeably to what Moses had commanded (Numbers 35:8). It is worthy of remark, that the principal part of this tribe, whose business was to minister at the sanctuary, which sanctuary was afterwards established at Jerusalem, had their appointment nearest to that city; so that they were always within reach of the sacred work which God had appointed them.

Jos 21:8 And the children of Israel gave by lot unto the Levites these cities with their suburbs, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses. The Israelites obeyed the Lord's command to Moses and gave the Levites land by casting lots.

Jos 21:14 And Jattir with her suburbs, and Eshtemoa with her suburbs, 

Jos 21:41 All the cities of the Levites within the possession of the children of Israel were forty and eight cities with their suburbs. The Levites get 48 towns within Israel territory.

Jos 21:43 And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. The Lord gave Israel all the land He had promised.

Jos 21:44 And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. God gave them rest all around and none of their enemies could stand against them. (The Lord was with them).  

Jos 21:45 There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. Every promise the Lord had made to Israel was fulfilled and came true. God is faithful and you can trust Him to keep His word. "When He calls, listen, He gets things done." (1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians5:24). 

Jos 22:1 Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, Reubenites: We have already seen, that a detachment of 40,000 men, of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, had passed over Jordan armed, with their brethren, according to their agreement with Moses. The war being now concluded, the land divided, and their brethren settled, Joshua assembles these warriors; and with commendations for their services and fidelity, he dismisses them, having fist given them the most pious and suitable instructions. They had now been about seven years absent from their respective families; and though there was only the river Jordan between the camp of Gilgal and their own inheritance, yet it does not appear that they had, during that time, ever revisited their home, which they might have done at any time of the year, except the harvest, as the river was at other times easily fordable.

Jos 22:2 And said unto them, Ye have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you: Kept their promise to help the other tribes conquer their territories. (Numbers 32:20-29).

Jos 22:3 Ye have not left your brethren these many days unto this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God. Again, helping the other tribes take their land.

Jos 22:4 And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan. Return back to your homes. These men have been away from their families for about seven years now.

Jos 22:5 But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. Keep serving the Lord with all your heart. 

Jos 22:6 So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents. Joshua gives them a blessing and they return to their homes.

Jos 22:8 And he spake unto them, saying, Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren. It became very profitable for these tribes to help the other tribes, but they did it because it was the right thing to do.

Jos 22:9 And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession, whereof they were possessed, according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses. Shiloh was the main house of worship. Now they start their journey back to their own land of Gilead.

Jos 22:10 And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to. They wanted their own house of worship. This verse should probably be rendered, "And when they came to the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, Then built an altar by or, beyond Jordan, a great altar to the view." It would appear, that when they came to the river, they formed the purpose of building the altar; and when they crossed it they put that purpose into execution. It is evident that they did not build it west of the Jordan, for that was not in their territories, and the next verse expressly says that it was built over against the land of Canaan.

Jos 22:11 And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel. Lack of communication. The problem was that this would not be an authorized alter for sacrifice. (Leviticus 17:8-9). 

Jos 22:12 And when the children of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh, to go up to war against them. Supposing they had built this altar for sacrifice, in opposition to the command of God, they considered them as rebels against God and the Israelitish constitution. (They wanted to war against their own people). Lack of communication when you don't consult with God first. Their was instruction if a city goes away from the Lord. (Deuteronomy 13:12-15). 

Jos 22:13 And the children of Israel sent unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh, into the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, Phinehas (brass mouth or mouth of a serpent), was the son of Eleazar, who was the son of Aaron.

Jos 22:14 And with him ten princes, of each chief house a prince throughout all the tribes of Israel; and each one was an head of the house of their fathers among the thousands of Israel. Ready to make war.

Jos 22:16 Thus saith the whole congregation of the LORD, What trespass is this that ye have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD, in that ye have builded you an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the LORD? Accusing right off the bat. Didn't even consult with the Lord first. "Causing trouble."

Jos 22:17 Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD, Talking about when the Moabite women had been seducing the Israelite men into worshipping other gods at the direction of Balaam. (Numbers 25:4-18). 

Jos 22:18 But that ye must turn away this day from following the LORD? and it will be, seeing ye rebel to day against the LORD, that to morrow he will be wroth with the whole congregation of Israel. More worried about themselves. 

Jos 22:19 Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God. They just wanted their own place to worship.

Jos 22:20 Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity. The people suffered because of what Achan did. (Joshua 7:1).

Jos 22:21 Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel, The conduct and answer of these Reubenites and the associates are worthy of admiration and imitation. Though conscious of their innocence, they permitted Phinehas to finish his speech, though composed of little else than accusations, without any interruption; and taking in good part the suspicions, reproofs, and even harshness of their brethren, with the utmost meekness and solemnity they explain their intention, give all the satisfaction in their power, and with great propriety and reverence, appeal to that God against whom they were supposed to have rebelled.

Jos 22:23 That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require it; This was to be only for a church of worship. (No sacrifices).

Jos 22:24 And if we have not rather done it for fear of this thing, saying, In time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, What have ye to do with the LORD God of Israel? 

Jos 22:25 For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD. We are divided by the Jordan River, placed there by God. "You can't claim the Lord for yourselves." 

Jos 22:26 Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice: Were not going to break God's laws.

Jos 22:27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD. We just want our own church to worship the Lord. Then in the future, you cannot say that we have no claim to the Lord.

Jos 22:28 Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you. This is our way of saying that we love the Lord as much as you do.

Jos 22:29 God forbid that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn this day from following the LORD, to build an altar for burnt offerings, for meat offerings, or for sacrifices, beside the altar of the LORD our God that is before his tabernacle. We would not go against the laws of sacrifice.

Jos 22:30 And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation and heads of the thousands of Israel which were with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spake, it pleased them. Everyone was satisfied now. It was good in their eyes, It is remarkable, that Joshua is not once named in this transaction; but this only shows, that he did not in his old age assume any regal authority, but left the elders and magistrates to conduct the general business, only acting himself when great occasions made it necessary. Yet we cannot doubt, that his wisdom and piety influenced the counsels of the elders and people at this time.

Jos 22:31 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD. Even Phinehas is satisfied now.

Jos 22:33 And the thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and did not intend to go up against them in battle, to destroy the land wherein the children of Reuben and Gad dwelt. All the Israelites were satisfied and praised God. They spoke no more of war against Reuben and Gad.

Jos 22:34 And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God. Ed means witness. (Witness on this side of the river). They would go back to Shiloh on the feast days. (Peace finally came through communication).

Jos 23:1 And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age. The people are finally at rest from their enemies and Joshua is getting up there in age. (Over 100 years old now).

Jos 23:2 And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age: And for their elders: Or, "even for their elders," etc.; for it is probably that Joshua gave the following charge only to the elders, judges, etc., to communicate to the people.

Jos 23:3 And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto all these nations because of you; for the LORD your God is he that hath fought for you. The Lord has fought for you and has done great things. (The Lord will do the same for you if you study His Word and get to know Him).

Jos 23:4 Behold, I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea westward. From the Jordan River, westward to the Mediterranean sea.  

Jos 23:5 And the LORD your God, he shall expel them from before you, and drive them from out of your sight; and ye shall possess their land, as the LORD your God hath promised unto you. You will possess their land: When God promises something, He delivers. (Deuteronomy 11:23). You can even remind God of His promises. (Isaiah 43:26).

Jos 23:6 Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left; Careful to follow God's instructions. (Everything Moses wrote in the book of instruction). Do not deviate from it, turning either to the "right" or the "left." Same thing God said to Joshua: Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:7). Don't just follow the right or the left because of profit or promises from others. (Something voters and politicians should think about). 

Jos 23:7 That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them: That ye come: Have no civil or social contacts with them, as these will infallibly lead to spiritual affinities, in consequence of which, ye will make honorable "mention of the name of their gods," "swear by them" "and serve" them in their abominable rites; and "bow yourselves unto them," as your creators and preservers. All this will follow by simply coming among them. He who walks in the counsel of the ungodly, will soon stand in the way of sinners, and sit in the seat of scorners. (Look at what many churches bring into the mix today).

Jos 23:8 But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day. Stick with Gods way, not the ways of the world. "Cling tightly to the Lord." (Acts 11:23). 

Jos 23:9 For the LORD hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but as for you, no man hath been able to stand before you unto this day. Stick with God and you will get the victory.

Jos 23:10 One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you. Numbers mean nothing when God is on your side. (Psalm 35:1, Romans 8:31).

Jos 23:11 Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God. Love God and protect your soul. All things work together for the good to them that love and obey God. (Romans 8:28). 

Jos 23:12 Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you: If you mix in with them and their ways. (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Jos 23:13 Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you. Mess up and you will lose your land and the people will become a snare to you. (a thorn in your side).

Jos 23:14 And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof. Everything God has promised has come to pass.

Jos 23:15 Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all good things are come upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you. If you don't follow Gods ways, just as He has given you the land, He will take it away.

Jos 23:16 When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you. Break God's covenant and His anger will burn against you. "God is faithful to love, but He is also faithful to judge." It's called tough love! When you do something wrong or against God's commandments, expect to be corrected. (Hebrews 12:5-6).

Jos 24:1 And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God. Shechem (meaning back or shoulder), is where Joshua called the chiefs of all the tribes to him on that mount, which had before been consecrated by the law, and by the altar which he had erected. (Joshua 8:30). Shechem is the city located between two mountains. Mount "Ebal" and Mount Gerazim. Shechem was a place they returned to as a reminder that the nation of Israel served Yahveh. 

Jos 24:2 And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods. 

Jos 24:3 And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac. The first place Abraham stopped in the land of Canaan was Shechem. 

Jos 24:4 And I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it; but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt. 

Jos 24:11 And ye went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand. God delivered the enemy right in the hand of Israel.

Jos 24:12 And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow. God brought the victory. (Exodus 23:28). "It was the hornets."

Jos 24:13 And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat. God prepared everything for them.

Jos 24:14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. Put away the gods: From this exhortation of Joshua, we not only learn that the Israelites still retained some relics of idolatry, but to what gods they were attached.

1. Those whom their fathers worshipped on the other side of the food, or the river Euphrates, i.e., the gods of the Chaldeans, fire, light, the sun, etc.

2. Those of the Egyptians, Apis, Anubis, serpents, vegetables, etc.

3. Those of the Amorites, Moabites, Canaanites, etc., Baal-peor, Astarte, etc.

How astonishing is it, that after all that God had done for them, and all the miracles they had seen, there should still be found among them both idols and idolaters! (Joshua 24:2, 24:23, Genesis 35:2, Exodus 20:3-4). i.e. don't listen to false preachers and traditions of men. You don't need them. God gave you this "book" His written Word, open to all who will receive it.

Jos 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. "We would never abandon the Lord and serve other gods." (Don't serve some church or denomination that teaches false doctrine and traditions of men).

Jos 24:16 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods; Do not be deceived!

Jos 24:17 For the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed: God takes care of His own. Believe what you want, but if it is not the truth in the Word, you may pay the price. Remember God almost killed Balaam. (Numbers 22:5-35).

Jos 24:19 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. Warning to those who transgress and do not follow and love God.

Jos 24:20 If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good. If you forsake God and serve strange gods. After all the good God has done to all the people for many years, the choice is still yours on who to serve. "God or Satan." (Satan tempted Christ with scripture, what do you think he will tempt you with)? You need to know the truth in the word.

Jos 24:22 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses. Ye are witnesses: Ye have been sufficiently apprised of the difficulties in your way - of God's holiness, and the nature of his service - your own weakness, inconstancy, and insufficiency - your need of the Divine help, and the hope of assistance held out in the law - and the awful consequences of apostasy, and now ye make your choice. Remember then that ye are witnesses against yourselves; and your own conscience will be witness, judge, and executioner. i.e. Don't fall for new religions. "The Word is the same today as it was from the beginning."

Jos 24:23 Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel. Get rid of all the junk and turn to the Lord! Put away religion and be a true Christian. Learn the truth of the Word. Remember, "Christianity is "real life," not religion." (Proverbs 2:2).

Jos 24:24 And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey. This generation keeps their word and they do serve the Lord. However, things begin to slip after Joshua dies.  

Jos 24:26 And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the LORD. Eight miles south of Shiloh. (Abraham received the covenant there and Jacob bought a piece of land there). Now Joshua.

Jos 24:27 And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God. A witness against you if you go back on your word to God.

Jos 24:29 And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old. Joshua (a type of Christ), to enter the promise land had died at the age of 110 years old. "Joshua was a good and faithful servant." (2 Timothy 4:7-8, Revelation 14:13). God chooses who He ever wills.

Jos 24:30 And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathserah, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash. Timnathserah: (portion of the sun). 

Jos 24:31 And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel. This is history, to see how much God is with us till this day.

Jos 24:32 And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph. A special place for the children of Joseph. (His bones were buried there). 

Jos 24:33 And Eleazar the son of Aaron died; and they buried him in a hill that pertained to Phinehas his son, which was given him in mount Ephraim. Eleazar was the third son of Aron. Buried him in Ephraim. (meaning double fruit). So, we end with the death of Joshua, burial of the bones of Joseph, and the death of Eleazar the high priest. Who will you serve? The time is near my friend, and we all need to make a stand on what we believe. I hope that you will say "Yes to Jesus."