Bible Commentary

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. Verse 19. We have sworn unto them] Although the Israelites were deceived in this business, and the covenant was made on a certain supposition which was afterwards proved … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 9:19”

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. 18. had sworn unto them ] The remembrance of the league was kept up through the whole course of the subsequent history. A … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 9:18”

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 Kirjath-jearim. 17. on the third day ] A three days’ journey it might well be “according to the slow pace of eastern armies and caravans.” Stanley’s S. & P. p. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 9:17”

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 neighbors, and [that] they dwelt among them. Verse 16. At the end of three days] Gibeon is reputed to be only about eight leagues distant from Gilgal, and on … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 9:16”

And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation swore unto them. Verse 15. Joshua made peace with them] Joshua agreed to receive them into a friendly connection with the Israelites, and to respect their lives and properties; and the elders of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 9:15”

And the men took of their victuals, and asked not [counsel] at the mouth of the LORD. 14. the men took of their victuals ] “thei token thanne of the meetis of hem,” Wyclif. “The men” here denote the elders of Israel, the heads of the tribes. Comp. Jos 9:18-21. Some think it means they … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 9:14”

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. And these bottles of wine, which we filled, [were] new,…. That is, on the day they came out on their journey: and, behold, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 9:13”

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 moldy: This our bread we took hot [for] our provision out of our houses,…. These are not the words of the elders to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 9:12”

Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke 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. Verse 11. Wherefore our elders, c.] All this, and what follows to the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 9:11”

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. 10. to Og, king of Bashan ] They prudently omit all mention of the late capture of Jericho and Ai, lest the revelation of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 9:10”