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…

12 All the cities of these Kings, &c,) When the army was throughly discomfited, then they began to waste & spoil the country, & to take & sack the cities. Where it is said, that the cities, which remained untouched, were not burned, thereof we may gather a likely conjecture, that some were taken by force and assault, and so destroyed. Only Hazor, after it was taken, & the heat appeased, was consumed with fire: because it was the firebrand to kindle the rest unto war. Moreover, that which we have seen before, that Joshua refrained not the heat of his wrath, until he had slain all, from the greatest to the least, it is often and plainly repeated in this place. For that which before was not expressed, is now plainly set down: that Joshua did faithfully perform his duty, because he accomplished that, which God by Moses had commanded. Therefore, it was even as much, as if he had consecrated his hands unto God, when he destroyed those nations, according to his commandment. For thus we must take it, though all the world condemn us, yet it is sufficient to discharge us of all crime, that we have God for our author. In the mean time, we must wisely consider, what every ⟨image 65⟩mans vocation requireth: that no man take upon him to follow Joshua in the licentiousness of his own zeal, least he be judged a cruel bloodsucker, rather than a severe minister of God.

12 All the cities of these Kinges, &c,) When the armie was throughly discomfited, then they began to waste & spoile the contrie, & to take & sacke the cities. Where it is said, that the cities, which remained vntouched, were not burned, thereof we may gather a likely coniecture, that some were taken by force and assault, and so destroyed. Only Hazor, after it was taken, & the heate appeased, was consumed with fire: because it was the firebrand to kindle the rest vnto warre. Moreouer, that which we haue seene before, that Iosue refrained not the heate of his wrath, vntill he had slaiue all, from the greatest to the least, it is often and plainely repeated in this place. For that which before was not expressed, is now plainely set downe: that Iosue did faithfully perfourme his duetie, because he accomplished that, which God by Moses had commaunded. Therefore, it was euen as much, as if he had consecrated his handes vnto God, when he destroyed those nations, according to his commandement. For thus we must take it, though all the world condemne vs, yet it is sufficient to discharge vs of all crime, that we haue God for our authour. In the meane time, we must wisely consider, what euerie