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…

15 And Joshua, &c.) This was another practise, that while they feigned to run away, they drew their enemies a great way off, that they should have no refuge into the city afterward, because it was set on fire, before they suspected that any evil was to be feared behind them. For while the king of Hai pursueth the Israelites as vanquished, that part of the army, which lay in secrete towards Bethel, had time enough to take the city, that the Citizens might know that they were undone when it was too late to remedy it. For when they were driven back before, and many of them slain, after they saw their city on fire, they were driven to utter despair, and so enclosed, that none could escape. That some men make a question in this place, Whether it be lawful to oppress our enemies with craft and subtlety, it proceedeth from gross ignorance. For it is certain, that wars are maintained, not only with hand strokes: but they are counted the best Captains, which can do more by art and policy then by force: and he that by long practise is made subtle and crafty, is the best soldier. Therefore, if the war be lawful, there is no doubt, but we may use the accustomed arts of victory: so that either when truce is taken, or any other way, we break not our faith and promise.

15 And Ioshue, &c.) This was another practise, that while they feigned to runne away, they drew their enimies a great way off, that they should haue no refuge into the citie afterward, because it was set on fire, before they suspected that any euill was to be feared behinde them. For while the king of Hai pursueth the Israelites as vanquished, that part of the armie, which laie in secrete towardes Bethel, had time enough to take the citie, that the Citizens might know that they were vndone when it was too late to remedie it. For when they were driuen backe before, and many of them slaine, after they sawe their citie on fire, they were driuen to vtter despaire, and so inclosed, that none could escape. That some men make a question in this place, Whether it be lawfull to oppresse our enimies with craft and subtiltie, it proceedeth from grosse ignoraunce. For it is certaine, that warres are maintained, not onely with hand strokes: but they are counted the best Captaines, which can doe more by arte and policie then by force: and he that by long practise is made subtile and craftie, is the best souldiour. Therefore, if the warre be lawfull, there is no doubt, but we may vse the accustomed artes of victorie: so that either when truce is taken, or any other way, we breake not our faith and promise.