A commentary of M. John Calvin, upon the book of Joshua finished a little…A commentarie of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the booke of Iosue finished a little…

For if the two sons of Jacob, were able boldly to break into the city of Shechem, and slay all the Citizens, and to sack it: how much more easy a matter had it ben, for all the nations adjoining, to set upon the ¹Israelites, being wounded in like manner, and to have slain them every mothers child? Wherefore, as I said, this was a very sharp trial: and therefore their ready obedience is worthy of greater praise. Although the place it self seemeth to be chosen out by GOD of purpose, that they might be more willing to obey. If the same thing had been commanded on the other side of Jordan, it was to be feared, least they would have been discouraged, and by occasion of this stay, have again refused to enter into the land. Now, when with so happy success, they are brought into the possession thereof, as it were by the hand of God himself: this only let being taken away, they conceive full hope & assurance, that they shall soon end their wars. Wherefore it is no marvel if they obey more readily, then they would have done, if they had not been so lately and so notably confirmed in their faith of Gods promises. Also the very sight of the land ought to move them to obedience, when they see, that they are again consecrated unto God, that their uncircumcision should defile that holy land.

For if the two sonnes of Iacob, were able boldly to breake into the citie of Sichem, and slay all the Citizens, and to sacke it: how much more easie a matter had it ben, for all the nations adioyning, to set vpon the ¹Israelites, being wounded in like manner, and to haue slaine them euery mothers childe? Wherefore, as I saide, this was a verie sharpe triall: and therefore their readie obedience is worthie of greater praise. Although the place it selfe seemeth to be chosen out by GOD of purpose, that they might be more willing to obey. If the same thing had bene commaunded on the other side of Iordane, it was to be feared, least they woulde haue bene discouraged, and by occasion of this stay, haue againe refused to enter into the lande. Now, when with so happie successe, they are brought into the possession thereof, as it were by the hande of God himselfe: this onely lette being taken away, they conceiue full hope & assurance, that they shal sone end their warrs. Wherfore it is no maruel if they obey more readily, then they woulde haue done, if they had not bene so lately and so notably confirmed in their faith of Gods promises. Also the verie sight of the lande ought to moue them to obedience, when they see, that they are againe consecrated vnto God, that their vncircumcision should defile that holy lande.