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…

7 The men pursued, &c.) That they were so light of belief, it showeth, that they were bereft of their wits by God. But notwithstanding, that Rahab had much prevailed, when she had deluded ⟨p. 10⟩them, yet a new trouble disquieted them, because the gates being kept shut, the city was as a prison, that took away from them all hope of escape. Wherefore they were once again awaked with an earnest trial to call upon God for help. For seeing this history was written of their report, they were not ignorant what was then a doing: especially, when God of purpose to amplify his grace and favour towards them, brought them into diverse and sundry dangers one after an other. And now, when they understood they were sought for, the story sayeth they were still waking: whereby we gather, that they were in great care and perplexity. And where it was told them, that they were shut in, so that they could not depart out of the city, no doubt but it did greatly increase their fear and trembling. Nevertheless, it appeareth, that Rahab was nothing at all afraid, when with bold courage and well ordered speech she covenanteth and indenteth with them for the preservation of her self and her family. And in this her constancy, that faith of hers, which elsewhere is commended, doth very much shine: for, after the judgement of man, she would never have contemned the fury of the King and the prople, to her strange guests that were as good as half dead. Many think that commendation to be frivolous and undeserved, which James and the Author of the Epistle to the Hebrews do give her, while they rehearse her ¹and reckon her in the number of the faithful. But whosoever shall wisely consider all the circumstances, shall easily judge that she was endued with a lively faith. First therefore, if the tree be known by the fruits, here we may see rare effects of faith, which are as many testimonies thereof. Secondly out of the seed of godliness this her judgement proceeded, that the nations all about were already as good as vanquished & overthrown, because all their minds & courage were stricken down with a terror and fear sent of God upon them. And such speeches are to be found in profane writers also: which God caused them to utter, that he might show he hath power and authority to govern and turn the hearts of men which way it pleaseth him.

7 The men pursued, &c.) That they were so light of beleefe, it sheweth, that they were beerefte of their wittes by God. But notwithstanding, that Rahab had much preuailed, when she had deluded