Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Joshua Ch.11 / 24 Ch.s
JOS:11
* Divers kings overcome at the waters of Merom. (1-9) Hazor is
taken and burned. (10-14) All that country subdued, The Anakims
cut off. (15-23)
#1-9 The wonders God wrought for the Israelites were to
encourage them to act vigorously themselves. Thus the war
against Satan's kingdom, carried on by preaching the gospel, was
at first forwarded by miracles; but being fully proved to be of
God, we are now left to the Divine grace in the usual course, in
the use of the sword of the Spirit. God encouraged Joshua. Fresh
dangers and difficulties make it necessary to seek fresh
supports from the word of God, which we have nigh unto us for
use in every time of need. God proportions our trials to our
strength, and our strength to our trials. Joshua's obedience in
destroying the horses and chariots, shows his self-denial in
compliance with God's command. The possession of things on which
the carnal heart is prone to depend, is hurtful to the life of
faith, and the walk with God; therefore it is better to be
without worldly advantages, than to have the soul endangered by
them.
#10-14 The Canaanites filled up the measure of their iniquity,
and were, as a judgment, left to the pride, obstinacy, and
enmity of their hearts, and to the power of Satan; all
restraints being withdrawn, while the dispensations of
Providence tended to drive them to despair. They brought on
themselves the vengeance they justly merited, of which the
Israelites were to be executioners, by the command the Lord gave
to Moses.
#15-23 Never let the sons of Anak be a terror to the Israel of
God, for their day to fall will come. The land rested from war.
It ended not in a peace with the Canaanites, that was forbidden,
but in a peace from them. There is a rest, a rest from war,
remaining for the people of God, into which they shall enter,
when their warfare is accomplished. That which was now done, is
compared with what had been said to Moses. God's word and his
works, if viewed together, will be found mutually to set each
other forth. If we make conscience of our duty, we need not
question the performance of the promise. But the believer must
never put off his armour, or expect lasting peace, till he
closes his eyes in death; nay, as his strength and usefulness
increase, he may expect more heavy trials; yet the Lord will not
permit any enemies to assault the believer till he has prepared
him for the battle. Christ Jesus ever lives to plead for his
people, and their faith shall not fail, however Satan may be
permitted to assault them. And however tedious, sharp, and
difficult the believer's warfare, his patience in tribulation
may be encouraged by the joyfulness of hope; for he will, ere
long, rest from sin and from sorrow in the Canaan above.