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…

13 When Joshua was, &c.) Here is rehearsed, a notable vision, by which Joshua was encouraged. For although he did his office valiantly, yet was it profitable for him to be pricked forward, when he ran well. And yet the Angel appeared not for his cause only, but for the confirmation of all the people: yea, GOD had a further respect, by manifest arguments to testify unto the posterity, that his grace and favour, which was never sufficiently considered. For although they boasted gloriously, that they were planted in the holy land, by the hand of GOD: yet they could scarce be brought by so many miracles, earnestly to acknowledge, that they were there as Gods tenants. Therefore, this vision ⟨p. 26⟩ought to be profitable unto all ages, that the benefit of GOD might not be called in doubt. Where it is said, that he lifted up his eyes, it signifieth the certainty of the matter, least any man should think, that his sight was deceived with a vanishing show. Now, this sight at the first, was fearful to behold: for it is like, that Joshua was then alone, whether he departed from company, of purpose to pray, or to view the city. And the latter cause seemeth unto me likely, that he viewed by him self, on what part the city was best to be assaulted, least the rest should be discouraged by the difficulty of the matter. Surely it appeareth, he had no company with him, seeing he meeteth with the Angel alone: and there is no doubt, but that he was ready to have fought, if he had met with his enemy. But he demandeth the question of him, as of a man: because he knew him not to be an Angel, but by his answer. And this his doubtful inquiry winneth more credit to the vision, while he was brought by little and little, from the sight of a man, whom he speaketh withal, unto the knowledge of an Angel. Although the words sound, that he was not one of the common sort of Angels, but one of principal excellency. For he calleth him self, The Prince of the army of GOD: which may be understood, as well of the chosen people, as of the Angels: but the former opinion is better: because GOD bringeth forth no new matter: but continueth that, which we read to have been before performed to Moses. And we know, that Moses him self preferred that benefit before all the rest, and not unworthily: for they by GOD did openly and familiarly show his glory.

13 When Ioshua was, &c.) Here is rehearsed, a notable vision, by which Iosue was incouraged. For although he did his office valiantly, yet was it profitable for him to be pricked forward, when he ranne well. And yet the Angel appeared not for his cause only, but for the confirmation of all the people: yea, GOD had a further respect, by manifest argumentes to testifie vnto the posteritie, that his grace and fauour, which was neuer sufficiently considered. For although they boasted gloriously, that they were planted in the holie lande, by the hande of GOD: yet they could scarse be brought by so many miracles, earnestly to acknowledge, that they were there as Gods tenantes. Therefore, this vision