The Pulpit Commentary — Joshua — Section 162

EXPOSITION. CHAPTER VI. 1-21. a.nd (2) the continuance of that act, rrvyn- A:Xurrµ,VJ/ .:al ax_vpoµi,•q (LX.X.), "clausa at THE VICTOnY.-Vers. 1.-This verse (see que munita" (Vulg.). So e.Iso the Che.Idea above) is p111'enthetical. It explains why paraphrase. The remainder of the verse the captain of the Lord's host appeared strengthens still more the assertion of the unto Joshua., The inhabitants of Jericho, state of siege. The king of Jericho, such though in a. state of the utmost alarm, were was his e.larm, regarded his city as 11 nevertheless fully on theiJ.> guard against the beleaguered one, from the mere presence of children of Israel. The commencement of Joshua and bis host in its vicinity. hostilities imposed a great responsibility on Ver. 2.-And the Lord said. This is no Joshuo.. Success at the outset was, humo.nly new source of information for Joshua.. speaking, indispensable. We may see what Jehovah is here obviously identical, as com- defeo.t involved for him by his distress in mentators are generally agreed, with the consequence of the check at Ai. The alter- " Capto.in of the Lord's host " in the last no.tive wo.s victory or annihilation, for the chapter (comp. Gen. xviii. 2, 13; Exod. Israelites bad uo homes or fortresses to iii. 2, 4). Thus sha.lt thou do six days. which they could reti.J·e. Joshua. was there- " Seven days together they walk this round ; fore enconro.ged by a. visible proof that be they made this therefore their Sabbath dny's wns under the protection of the Most High, journey; and who k~ows whether_ the last to be yet farther assured by the marvels and longest we.Ik, wh1ch brought nctory to that were to follow. The nse of the Pua! Israel, were not on this day? Not long participle with its fullest intensive sense, to before, an Israelite is stoned to t!eaU1 for strengthen the affirmation of the action by bnt gathering a few sticks that day ; now oJl the Kai, is II singular construction. Litero.lly the host of Israel must we.lk about the walls rendered it is "shutting and olosely shut of a. large I\Ild populous city, ancl yet do up," thus including (1) the act of closing, not violate the day. God's precept is the JOSHUA. H 98 THE BOOK OF JOSHUA. [CH, VI, 1-21,