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…

Howbeit, in this place a more notable miracle is rehearsed, in which God did openly show his power.

Howbeit, in this place a more notable miracle is rehearsed, in which God did openly shew his power.

12 Then Joshua spake to the Lord, &c.) The words are so read, although some do expound it, Before the Lord, for that to speak to God, whom piety teacheth to be humbly entreated, it seemeth scarce agreeable to the modesty of faith, and immediately after it followeth, that Joshua directed his words to the Sun. Howbeit, I doubt not, but in the first part of the sentence his prayer or wish is noted: in the other the testimony of his confidence and trust, after God had beard him. For it had been a matter of great pride and rashness, to command the Sun to stand, if he had not obtained licence so to do. Therefore he prayeth and consulteth with God: and after he hath received an answer, he boldly commandeth the Sun to do that he knoweth to be the pleasure of God. And this is the force & prerogative of faith, which Christ commendeth, that she maketh mountains & seas obedient to her commandment. For the more ¹the godly do acknowledge their emptiness, the more liberally God both pour his virtue and power into them: and when faith is joined to the word, he showeth his power in her: finally, faith borroweth the boldness of commanding of the word, in which she is founded. So Elijah shut up heaven, and opened it at his commandment, ⟨image 58⟩²and drew fire from heaven. So Christ armeth his disciples with heavenly power, that they might subdue the elements unto them. Only we must beware, that no man run forth of his own head to unadvised commandments. For which cause Joshua did not attempt to stay & restrain the course of the Sun, before he was throughly instructed of the purpose of God. And although by that word, where it is said, Joshua spake unto God, is not expressed that modesty and submission, which becometh the servant of God to use in prayer: yet let it suffice us, that thereby is briefly noted, that Joshua required of God, that which he desired, & when he had obtained his request, he did boldly and freely set forth that incredible miracle, which was not yet come to pass. For he would never have been so bold with such security to command the Sun before all men, except he had ben throughly persuaded of his calling: otherwise he should have sustained a foul and shameful reproach.