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 Arise, sanctify the people, &c) Although the Verb KADASH is diversely taken: yet because he speaketh of purging the people, I doubt not but he prescribeth a solemn ceremony of sanctification. Therefore in my judgement they do not sufficiently express the writers mind, which translate it generally, To prepare. But rather, because they were to be brought as into the presence of GOD, they had need to be sanctified, that they should not appear before him in their uncleanness. And as concerning Joshua, the manner of sanctification is to be noted, that he commanded the people to purge themselves, according to the Law. And although the ceremony of it self had been to small purpose, yet it was of great force, to awake the rude people: for that outward oblation ought to bring them unto spiritual cleanness. Their abstaining from things otherwise lawful, did admonish them, that great and excellent pureness is required of them. They are told before, what should be done, that every one might examine himself more diligently.

13 Arise, sanctifie the people, &c) Although the Uerbe KADASH is diuersely taken: yet because he speaketh of purging the people, I doubt not but he prescribeth a solemne ceremonie of sanctification. Therefore in my iudgement they doe not sufficiently expresse the writers minde, which translate it generally, To prepare. But rather, because they were to bee brought as into the presence of GOD, they had neede to be sanctified, that they should not appeare before him in their vncleannesse. And as concerning Iosue, the manner of sanctification is to be noted, that he commaunded the people to purge themselues, according to the Lawe. And although the ceremonie of it selfe had bene to small purpose, yet it was of greate force, to awake the rude people: for that outward oblation ought to bring them vnto spirituall cleannesse. Their absteyning from thinges otherwise lawfull, did admonishe them, that great and excellent purenesse is required of them. They are tolde before, what shoulde be done, that euery one might examine himselfe more diligently.

Yea, GOD proceedeth by degrees, as if he would give them time to repent themselves. For, no other reason can be given, why he descended from a tribe, to the families, and so to one man,