Ver. 9. Have not I commanded thee? &c.— These are the grounds of that intrepid courage which was to animate the soul of Joshua 1 st, The calling wherewith God had dignified him. 2nd, The positive promise of a lasting protection.
REFLECTIONS.—Moses had been a faithful servant; but death is the common lot of man. By removing from the people this most useful minister, God will call them off from dependance on, and attachment to men. Joshua must arise; and, though conscious of great inferiority of abilities, yet at God's command he may comfortably address himself to the work, assured that he who sends will strengthen him. Note; (1.) It is a comfort to the people of God, that, though ministers die, Jesus their Lord for ever lives to provide for and direct them. (2.) Those whom God calls to succeed eminent ministers, though they may feel their own insufficiency, must not be discouraged, but rely upon his grace and strength who gives the mission. 1. Here is the work enjoined him, to pass Jordan, and to possess the land of Canaan. An arduous task! how shall he cross this deep river, without bridge or pontoons, especially now, when overflowing its banks? and how possess a land where all the inhabitants are mighty? here he must rely upon God: if he commands, he will make the way plain and easy. Note; Divine faith overcomes the greatest difficulties; and they can do all things, who have Christ strengthening them. 2. The promises made to him for his encouragement, [1.] The gift of the land is confirmed to the children of Israel. It was their own, as certainly as if they were in possession. The bounds are wide and extended; and had they been faithful to God, he had not suffered a tittle to have been unfulfilled: if they never occupied the whole, they must blame their own unbelief and disobedience. [2.] God assures Joshua, that his never-failing presence and blessing shall be with him, as they had been with Moses; and the consequence of these must be victory. He shall tread on the necks of his enemies, and divide the land, to be possessed in peace by the tribes of Israel. Note; They who have God's presence with them, may cheerfully and confidently go forth against a host of enemies. (3.) Victory over all the powers of evil is obtained for us by our divine Joshua, and we may triumph already in our glorious head over sin, and death, and hell, as vanquished enemies. (4.) He bids him be of good courage, repeats it again and again, and urges it with renewed assurances that he would be with him: and need there was of such encouragement, though his valour had been tried and known, for his difficulties were now greater than ever. His own insufficiency for such an enterprize, the people's well-known rebellious spirit, his enemies' power and numbers, might shake the most confirmed constancy; but fear is banished, whilst he who supremely commands inspires him with strength and courage irresistible. Note; (1.) The strongest have need of daily support and encouragement from God, or their strength would quickly prove but weakness. (2.) When we go forth to fight the Lord's battles, as ministers, we should take with us that encouraging promise, Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. (3.) When God is pleased to work, none shall hinder: the mountains of difficulty shall, before our divine Zerubbabel, become a plain.