Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Joshua Ch.4 / 24 Ch.s
JOS:4
* Stones taken out of Jordan. (1-9) The people pass through
Jordan. (10-19) The twelve stones placed in Gilgal. (20-24)
#1-9 The works of the Lord are so worthy of rememberance, and
the heart of man is so prone to forget them, that various
methods are needful to refresh our memories, for the glory of
God, our advantage, and that of our children. God gave orders
for preparing this memorial.
#10-19 The priests with the ark did not stir till ordered to
move. Let none be weary of waiting, while they have the tokens
of God's presence with them, even the ark of the covenant,
though it be in the depths of adversity. Notice is taken of the
honour put upon Joshua. Those are feared in the best manner, and
to the best purpose, who make it appear that God is with them,
and that they set him before them.
#20-24 It is the duty of parents to tell their children betimes
of the words and works of God, that they may be trained up in
the way they should go. In all the instruction parents give
their children, they should teach them to fear God. Serious
godliness is the best learning. Are we not called, as much as
the Israelites, to praise the loving-kindness of our God? Shall
we not raise a pillar to our God, who has brought us through
dangers and distresses in so wonderful a way? For hitherto the
Lord hath helped us, as much as he did his saints of old. How
great the stupidity and ingratitude of men, who perceive not His
hand, and will not acknowledge his goodness, in their frequent
deliverances!