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…

20 Achan answered, &c.) Because he was amazed, he seeketh not to hide himself, nor to extenuate his offence, nor to allege any colour of excuse: but rather, doth plainly and truly confess the whole matter. So the holy name of God prevailed more to wrest out this confession, than any other torments. And yet this plain dealing was not a certain token of repentance: but as one astonished with fear, he doeth openly confess that, which he would gladly have covered. And it is no new matter, that the reprobate, after they have assayed for a time, all means to escape, when they be even frozen in their vices, suddenly become voluntary witnesses against themselves: not that they come to it of their own accord, but because God draweth them, and in a manner driveth them headlong against their will. Although this his open confession shall condemn the hypocrisy of many, which with vain compass of words seek to darken the clear light. For this is an Emphatical or earnest speech, This and that have I done: which signifieth, that orderly and distinctly he declared every part of the matter, how it was done. Neither doeth he only acknowledge the fact, but neglecting all defence and excuse, he condemneth himself also in the quality of the fact. I have sinned (saith he:) which he would not have said, but that he acknowledgeth himself guilty of sacrilege: whereby it appeareth, that he excuseth not him self, by error or by ignorance.

20 Achan answeared, &c.) Because he was amazed, he seeketh not to hide himselfe, nor to extenuate his offence, nor to alledge any colour of excuse: but rather, doth plainely and truely confesse the whole matter. So the holy name of God preuailed more to wrest out this confession, than any other tormentes. And yet this plaine dealing was not a certaine token of repentance: but as one astonished with feare, he doeth openly confesse that, which he would gladly haue couered. And it is no new matter, that the reprobate, after they haue assaide for a time, all meanes to escape, when they be euen frosen in their vices, soudeinely become voluntarie witnesses against themselues: not that they come to it of their owne accorde, but because God draweth them, and in a manner driueth them headlong against their will. Although this his open confession shall condemne the hypocrisie of many, which with vaine compasse of words seeke to darken the cleere light. For this is an Emphaticall or earnest speache, This and that haue I done: which signifieth, that orderly and distinctly he declared euerie part of the matter, how it was done. Neither doeth he onely acknowledge the fact, but neglecting all defence and excuse, he condemneth himselfe also in the qualitie of the facte. I haue sinned (sayth he:) which he woulde not haue said, but that he acknowledgeth himselfe guiltie of sacrilege: whereby it appeareth, that he excuseth not him selfe, by errour or by ignorance.