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…

18 Notwithstanding be ye wary of the execrable thing, least ye make your selves execrable, and in taking of the execrable thing, make also the host of Israel execrable and trouble it.

18 Notwithstanding be ye warie of the execrable thing, least ye make your selues execrable, and in taking of the execrable thing, make also the host of Israel execrable and trouble it.

19 But all silver, and gold, and vessels of brass, and iron, shall be consecrate unto the Lord, and shall come into the Lords treasury.

19 But all siluer, and golde, and vesselles of brasse, and yron, shalbe consecrate vnto the Lorde, and shall come into the Lordes treasurie.

1 Jericho was shut, &c.) He saith that Jericho was shut up, because the gates were not opened: as in time of war, Cities are ⟨image 33⟩kept more diligently than at other times. And for greater vehemency, he addeth, that the gates were locked, as if he should say, That the Citizens were diligent to keep watch and ward, least they should be surprised unawares. So there was no way to take it, except it were by violence of assault: for by policy it could not be taken. This setteth forth the grace of God, because along and painful siege would have wearied the children of Israel, except present remedy had been speedily showed out of Heaven. For in the mean time, there was great danger, least they being driven into a narrow corner, might be consumed with famine and hunger: because it was not possible to have provision of victuals in their enemies land. God therefore aideth them with an unwonted miracle, that they should not linger long at one City: and overthrowing the walls, maketh an open breach for them to enter, that they might be the bolder to assault other Cities afterward. Now we see, how the two first verses agree together: namely, that Jericho was shut up, and so the children of Israel were kept out from entering thereinto: and that God promised that he would take the City by assault himself: for that by this means, he would prevent them, that they should not trouble themselves by doubtful deliberation. To be short, God provideth by this so happy beginning so easy victory, that their hearts should not faint in time to come. In the mean time we may note, the brutish dullness of that people, which thought, that their walls and gates were able to resist the power of God, as though it were an harder matter to break and dissolve a few boards and stones, than to dry up the waters of Jordan.