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…

43 Afterward, Joshua, and all Israel with him, returned unto the camp in Gilgal.

43 Afterward, Ioshue, and all Israel with him, returned vnto the campe in Gilgal.

29 Then Joshua, &c.) Now is described the taking of those cities, out of which that army was gathered, where God showed his power no less wonderful, then in the field: specially, if we consider the quick dispatch. For although they which fled into them, out of the battle, caused some fear: yet that fear being ceased, they might be profitable for their defence. Surely, the garrison was increased by their number. Therefore, whereas Joshua in a short time obtaineth them all, with the little towns adjoining, undoubtedly in the success, which was no less incredible, than unlooked for, the presence of God did shine manifestly. For although they that were besieged, did but only shut their gates: yet because Joshua did neither bring ladders to scale the walls, nor artillery to break them down, the siege of every one might have been some stay and tediousness. Therefore, when he taketh one city the next day after ⟨p. 57⟩he assaulted it, and an other the same day, these continual victories so easy & ready to obtain, exceed the measure of mans strength. Wherefore, not without great cause, in the end of the Chapter, the grace of God is celebrated with this commendation, that it was made manifest, that he did fight for Israel, while Joshua at once took so many Kings with their dominion: because he could never have passed so speedily from city to city, as it had been only to view them, except all lets being removed, his way had been made open by God himself. This also increased the miracle, that the King of Geser, which came to aide the other, no doubt but with great boldness, was suddenly and with none a do discomfited, and nothing stayed his continual tenor of marching for ward. As for them that were slain in the cities, do as it were in a glass represent those men, whose punishment God suspendeth, while he is doing execution upon others: for although they rejoice in themselves, for the respite of a short time, yet they are in worse case than if they had ben drawn unto death at the first. It had ben a miserable thing, to have ben slain in the field. Well, they escaped, and defend themselves with the malls of their cities. But there (which is more miserable) their wives & children are slain in their sight: and they themselves have a more shameful end, than if they had been slain fighting in the field.