The Pulpit Commentary — Joshua — Section 88

2. Their Bervice reBulted im, the development of a finer brotherhood. Not e. perfect one, as there will be too much occasion to mark, but yet a relationship in which there was on the one hand the genial interest we always take in those we help, a,nd on the other there was the gratitude always felt where service is promptly and freely given. They know not what they Jose who never render help, Serve and love yolll" brethren and they will pray for you and love you, when perhaps their love a,nd prayer will tlll"n the scale between hope and despair. 3. There was developed in these tribes a noble sentvment of heroic patriotism. We make Olll" acts: but our acts make us. And a noble deed increases the nobility of natlll"e from which it sprung. The service now rendered by the tribes inhabiting Gilead lived in their memory, an inspiration to similar service. Gideon and J ephthah headed the tribes, and twice over delivered Israel from her oppressors. And in later times this same region gave Israel her grandest prophet-the great Elijah-who restored plll"e and undefiled religion to its throne. The senice you render ennobles you, and makes you more capable of nobler service in all time to come. 4. There was the direct outward reward. They lost nothing by it even in material wealth. No enemy attacked their families. They brought back great store of spoil, more wealth than herding could have given them in the interval. And through all their future history the service now rendered by them was repayed to them. So that, though exposed in situation, the first to feel the brunt of the attacks of Syria and Ammon, they retained, by help of their brethren, their possessions and their freedom, right down to the days of Allah. It is no slight reward which waits on brotherly kindness and charity, but one which makes men richer than with any wealth of selfishness they could possibly be. Go thon, and in thy sphere do as these tribes did-render prompt, willing, rich, lengthened service to your less favoured brethren, and " exceedingly abundant a.born all you a,sk or think" will you find your reward in heaven.-G. Ver. 13.-.d.n agreement remembered. The latter part of this chapter recounts the preparations made for the entrance of the Israelites into Canaan. Joshua was already showing himself "the right man in the right place." Having given orders with respect to the food necessary for the next march, he now addresses the tribes who had been permitted to choose an inheritance on the east of the Jordan. He 1·emincls them of their promise to send their armed men as a van-guard to the people. Though under the sheltering wings of the Ahnighty no prndent precau- tions must be neglected, no vigilance relaxed, the honour of Goel demands that reasonable cai·e should be exercised to prevent surprise and the consequent disgrace that would attach to His holy name. Goel helps us not only outwarclly but inwardly, teaching us how to live a sober, righteous, and godly life, ancl so to van- quish the machinations of the enemy. I. A COVENANT REMEMBERED, If the Reubenites and Gaclites hacl forgotten it, not so Joshua. Nor does God foil to recollect the vows we have macle. As He recalled Jacob to a sense of his ingratitude ancl remissness (Gen. xxxv. 1), so He will not have us treat our promises lightly. It is part of the functions of a faithful leader to bring to light forgotten duties. A minister reminds his people of their engage- ment~. What declarations of devoted adherence to Christ were uttered at conver- sion I how they bound themselves henceforth to liYe to the glory of God I The people's promises to Goel must be insisted on, as well ns the cheering promises which Goel has made to them. Let us not be nngry nor revile such admonitions as the preaching of the 1.aw inste(ld of the gospel. An appeal was m,ule to au- tho1-ity. The agreement hacl been a commandment on the part of l\Ioses. Joshrnt enforced compliance therewith. On the same f,'1.'0lmds we draw attention to the precepts of prophets ancl apostles, as well as to the direct dictates 0f the Lon1. These holy men were inspired, and to dispute their utterances is to call in question the authority of the Master whose servants they were. Joshua thus sanctioued Moses as Peter afterwards bore witness to Paul (2 Pet. iii. 15). II. PRINCIPLES RECOGNISED IN THE COVENANT, 1. FavoiwB merit some grateful retiirn. The land of Gilecul nncl I3askm was  TltE BOOK OF jOSlttrA. [ CH, I. 10-U.