Bible Commentary

And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. 34. the blessings and cursings ] “The twelve curses are directed against idolatry (Deu 27:15), contempt of parents (Deu 27:16), removing a neighbour’s land-mark (Deu 27:17), inhumanity towards the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 8:34”

And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 8:33”

And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel. 32. a copy of the law ] “Short declaracioun of the lawe of Moyses,” Wyclif. This has been variously interpreted as meaning ( a) the whole Law; ( b) the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 8:32”

As Moses the servant of the Lord commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lifted up [any] iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings. 31. an altar of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 8:31”

Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal, 30 35. The Altar of Blessing and of Cursing 30. Then Joshua built ] The passes being now secured, and the interior of the country rendered accessible, Joshua resolved to take advantage of the terror which the success of his arms … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 8:30”

And the king of Ai he hanged on a tree until eventide: and as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his carcass down from the tree, and cast it at the entering of the gate of the city, and raise thereon a great heap of stones, [that remaineth] unto … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 8:29”

And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it a heap forever, [even] a desolation unto this day. 28. a heap ] “an everlasting toumbe,” Wyclif. Heb. a “ Tel,” always with the article, The Tel, or Heap. “For a long time modern explorers in vain sought for the site of Ai, where they knew it must … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 8:28”

Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves, according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua. 27. which he commanded Joshua ] See Jos 8:2, and comp. Num 31:22-26. Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Verse 27. Only the cattle and the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 8:27”

For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. Verse 26. Joshua drew not his hand back] He was not only the general, but the standard-bearer or ensign of his own army, and continued in this employment during the whole of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 8:26”

And [so] it was, [that] all that fell that day, both of men and women, [were] twelve thousand, [even] all the men of Ai. Not strictly, but largely so called, who were now in Ai, either as constant and settled inhabitants, or as sojourners, and such as came to them for their help, such as … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 8:25”