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…

8 The Lord said, &c.) It is doubtful, whether God did not prevent and arm Joshua with his oracle, and drew him out of Gilgal before he removed, or else confirmed him when he was now ready to take his journey. I think rather, that Joshua as soon as he was required, did not rashly run forth without asking counsel of God: but then, ⟨image 57⟩when at the length he was certified of his pleasure, he did boldly and cheerfully take armour upon him: especially when he was but lately punished for being too easy to be entreated, it is a likely conjecture that in so doubtful a matter he attempted nothing, but by the commandment of God. Therefore, God took pity on the poor Giveonites, when he suffered them not to be destitute of the aide of his people. And Joshua is armed with confidence of victory, that he might succour them, because God doeth more sharply prick us forward to do our duty, by promising, than by commanding: although that which is here promised to one, pertaineth to all. But it is committed peculiarly to Joshua for his honours sake, that he might deliver it afterward to the whole army. For God doeth not speak out of heaven to all men indifferently: but he hath honor•• •is chief servants & chosen Prophets only, with this prerogative. Furthermore, it is worthy to be noted, that Joshua abused not the promise of God to slothfulness: but so much the more vehemently he was kindled to take pains, after he was instructed of the happy success. For many, while they boast of faith, through lewd security become idle and slothful. He heareth that the victory is in his hand: and runneth swiftly to fight, that he may enjoy it. For he knew that the happy success was not therefore revealed unto him, that he should be more idle or slothful: but that he might labour more earnestly about it: so it came to pass, that he set upon his enemies before they looked for him.

8 The Lord said, &c.) It is doubtfull, whether God did not preuent and arme Iosue with his oracle, and drewe him out of Gilgal before he remoued, or else confirmed him when he was nowe redie to take his iorney. I think rather, that Iosue assone as he was required, did not rashly runne foorth without asking counsell of God: but then, ⟨image 57⟩when at the length he was certified of his pleasure, he did boldly and cheerefully take armour vpon him: especially when he was but lately punished for beeing too easie to be intreated, it is a likely coniecture that in so doubtful a matter he attempted nothing, but by the commaundement of God. Therefore, God tooke pittie on the poore Giveonites, when he suffered them not to be destitute of the aide of his people. And Iosue is armed with confidence of victorie, that he might succoure them, because God doeth more sharpely pricke vs forward to doe our duetie, by promising, than by commanding: although that which is here promised to one, perteineth to all. But it is committed peculiarly to Iosue for his honours sake, that he might deliuer it afterward to the whole armie. For God doeth not speake out of heauen to al men indifferently: but he hath honor is cheefe seruantes & chosen Prophetes only, with this prerogatiue. Furthermore, it is worthie to be noted, that Iosue abused not the promise of God to slouthfulnesse: but so much the more vehemently he was kindled to take paines, after he was instructed of the happie successe. For many, while they boast of faith, through lewd securitse beecome idle and slouthful. He heareth that the victorie is in his hand: and runneth swiftely to fight, that he may enioy it. For he knew that the happie successe was not therefore reuealed vnto him, that he shoulde be more idle or slouthfull: but that he might laboure more earnestly about it: so it came to passe, that he sette vpon his enimies before they looked for him.