Verse 1
Now. Hebrew "And". Linked on to Pentateuch as the books of Pentateuch are thus linked on to each other; and as the four books of earlier Prophets are linked on to Joshua. See App-1. Joshua not necessarily the author, but doubtless is so, as asserted by Talmud. Book referred to in Old and New Testament: Judges 18:31. 1 Samuel 1:3, 1 Samuel 1:9, 1 Samuel 1:24; 1 Samuel 3:21. Psalms 44:2, Psalms 44:3; Psalms 68:12, Psalms 68:13; Psalms 78:54, Psalms 78:55; Psalms 114:1-8. Isaiah 28:1. Habakkuk 3:11-13. Acts 7:45; Acts 13:19. Hebrews 11:32. James 2:25. No MS. of the five books yet found with Joshua bound up with them, making a sixth (or a so-called and hitherto unheard of " Hexateueh ").
after the death of Moses, in the eleventh month of fortieth year. Compare Deuteronomy 1:3, Deuteronomy 1:38; Deuteronomy 34:5, Deuteronomy 34:9, and see App-50. Compare tho beginning of the Book of Judges.
Moses the servant of the LORD. See note on Deuteronomy 34:5, and ere Hebrews 3:5.
the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.
the LORD spake = Jehovah spoke. When Moses is dead. Moses is a type of Law, Joshua of the Messiah. The Law is "until Christ", Galatians 1:3, Galatians 1:24. Jehovah spake at four sundry times, and in three divers manners:
To Joshua 1:1; Joshua 4:4, Joshua 4:1.
To Joshua to command the priests, Joshua 4:15.
To Joshua to speak to the sons of Israel, Joshua 20:1.
minister. Compare Exodus 24:13. Numbers 11:28. Deuteronomy 1:38.
Verse 2
Moses My servant. See note on Numbers 12:7, Numbers 12:8.
is dead. Compare John 1:17. Romans 7:1-6.
I do give = I, even I, am giving.
children = sons.
Verse 3
as = according as. Compare Deuteronomy 11:24.
said unto Moses. Compare Deuteronomy 11:24. Deuteronomy 14:9.
Verse 4
From. For these boundaries, compare Genesis 15:18, Exodus 23:31. Numbers 34:3-12, Deuteronomy 11:24.
coast = border or boundary.
Verse 5
man. Hebrew. "ish. See App-14.
I will be. Hebrew. "ehyeh. Compare Exodus 3:14, part of title Jehovah.
not fail thee. This promise first made to. Jacob, Genesis 28:11. Passed on by Moses, Deuteronomy 31:6. See note on Deuteronomy 4:31.
Verse 6
thou. Emphatic. This is the great subject of the book.
Verse 7
observe = take
heed. Some codices, with two early printed editions, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read "observe and do".
prosper = deal wisely.
Verse 8
This book of the law i.e. the five books referred to as one throughout the Old Testament. See App-47.
mouth. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for what is spoken by it (App-6), i.e. Joshua is to continually speak of it,
meditate = talk to thyself. Compare Psalms 1:2 = audible musing.
way. Some codices with one early printed edition, read "ways".
Verse 9
Have not I? Figure of speech Erotesis (App-6), for emphasis.
God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.
with thee. Compare Exodus 3:12.
Verse 11
within three days = after three days. Spoken 6th or 7th of Abib. Compare Joshua 4:19. Spies probably already sent (Joshua 2:16, Joshua 2:22; Joshua 3:1, Joshua 3:2.)
Verse 13
the word. Compare Numbers 32:20-24.
Verse 14
your. Some codices, with Sept Syriac, and Vulgate, read "and your". Hence note Figure of speech Polysgndeton (App-6).
armed. Hebrew = marshalled by fives (see App-10). Compare Exodus 13:18, where it is rendered "harnessed".
Verse 15
them. Aspecial various reading called Sevir (App-34) reads "you", as in next clause, with many codices, and three early printed editions.
Verse 16
All = whatsoever, as in Joshua 1:18.
Verse 17
be with thee. Compare Exodus 3:14.
Verse 18
doth = shall.
commandment. Hebrew "mouth", put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for what is uttered by it. See App-6.
commandest = shalt command.