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 Afterward I brought you, &c.) Now at the length he beginneth to entreat of those victories, which opened a way for them to possess the land. For though the region beyond Jordan was not promised in the covenant of inheritance: yet since God by his decree had annexed it to the land of Canaan, as a heaping up, and an increase of his benefits, Joshua doth not without cause couple them together: & doeth not only declare, that while they trusted in the power of God, they had the upper hand in all their wars: but also were defended against the pestilent deceit which Balaak practised against them. For although that deceiver Balaam could have prevailed nothing with his cursings and magical execrations: yet it was very profitable, to see the wonderful power of God, in overthrowing ⟨image 106⟩of his malice. For it was even as much, as if he hand to hand had fought against all their hurts & hinderances. And that he might more certainly persuade them, that they obtained the victory, not only because God was their guide, but through his only power, he repeateth that which is read in Moses, that Hornets were sent, which ¹without the hand of men should overthrow their enemies. And this was a more notable miracle, than if by any other means they had been overthrown, put to flight, and discomfited. For they that have been conquerors with small a doe beside their expectation, although they confess that victory is the gift of God: yet soon after being blinded with pride, they translate his praise to their own counsel, diligence, and valiantness. But when the matter is brought to pass by Hornets, the virtue and power of God is undoubtedly affirmed. Therefore it is concluded, that the people did not conquer the land by their own sword nor bow, as it is repeated in the. 44. Psalm, and seemeth to be taken from hence. Last of all, when he put the people in mind, that they did eat the fruit of other mens labours, he exhorteth them to love God, as his liberality towards them doeth deserve.

8 Afterward I brought you, &c.) Now at the length he beginneth to entreate of those victories, which opened a way for them to possesse the land. For though the region beyond Iordan was not promised in the couenant of inheritance: yet since God by his decree had annexed it to the lande of Chanaan, as a heaping vp, and an increase of his benefits, Iosue doth not without cause couple them together: & doeth not onely declare, that while they trusted in the power of God, they had the vpper hand in all their warres: but also were defended against the pestilent deceipte which Balaak practised against them. For although that deceiuer Balaam could haue preuailed nothing with his cursings and magicall execrations: yet it was verie profitable, to see the wonderfull power of God, in ouerthrowing