Bible Commentary

Joshua 11:15-23

Matthew Henry on Joshua 11:15-23

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

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.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Joshua 11:1-23EXPOSITION THE PROSECUTION OF THE WAR.—Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Joshua 11:1-23The continuation of the struggle. The same class of thoughts is suggested by this chapter as by the former. We have, as before But the course of the narrative gives a somewhat different form to our reflections. I. JOSHU…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Joshua 11:15-23We have here the conclusion of this whole matter. I. A short account is here given of what was done in four things:—1. The obstinacy of the Canaanites in their opposition to the Israelites. It was strange that though it…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Joshua 11:15As the Lord Commanded Moses (see note on Joshua 10:40). So did Joshua. The implicit obedience of Joshua to all the commands he had received of God, whether directly or indirectly through Moses, is a striking feature of…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Joshua 11:15God's commandment and man's faithfulness. I. GOD'S COMMANDMENT IS ENDURING. The commandment to Moses is transmitted to Joshua. God's will is changeless. What is right is right eternally. We must not regard God's laws as…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Joshua 11:16All that land. Rather, "all this land ;" the land, that is, which has been spoken of in all the previous narrative. It must not be pressed to mean the utter destruction of all the Canaanites, and the undisturbed possess…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Joshua 11:17The Mount Halak. The smooth mountain. Literally," monte glabro," Vulg.; λεῖον, Symmachus. This may either be interpreted "the mountain bare of foliage," as opposed to Seir, the hairy or wooded mountain, as Masius and R…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Joshua 11:18A long time. Hebrew, many days. The campaign in southern Israel lasted for weeks, perhaps even months. But the campaign in northern Palestine must have lasted longer. The vast host which gathered at the waters of Merom…Joseph S. Exell and contributors