Josué 4

Josué 4

Maclaren wrote, “The one point made prominent is the instantaneous rush back to the impatient torrent as soon as the curb was taken off. Like some horse rejoicing to be free, the tawny flood pours down, and soon everything looks ‘as aforetime’ except for the new rock, piled by human hands, round which the water chafed” Davis comments that "The Jordan has been dammed since by collapse of banks or local earthquake. This happened in 1267, 1906, and 1927, the first for some ten hours, the last for over twenty-one hours. Whether Yahweh used secondary causes, such as the caving in of high banks upstream, we cannot tell." (Focus on the Bible Commentary – Joshua: No Falling Words) Treasury of Scripture Knowledge - As soon as the priests and the ark were come up out of Jordan, the waters of the river, which had stood on a heap, flowed down according to their natural and usual course, and again soon filled the channel. This make it abundantly evident, that the miraculous change which had been given to the river was not from any secret natural cause, but solely by the power of God, and for the sake of his chosen people; for when Israel's host had passed through, and the token of his presence was removed, immediately the waters went forward again: so that if it be asked, "What aileth thee, O Jordan, that thou wast driven back?" it must be answered, it was in obedience to the God of Israel, and in kindness to the Israel of God. Irving Jensen has an excellent comment every Christian should ponder - The Christian’s quest for the secret of victorious living is aided much by the experience of Israel crossing the Jordan. The major obstacle of the Christian’s entrance into the rest-land of a victorious, abiding life is that which appears to be the impossible factor in his life. But the bigger the obstacle the greater the manifestation of God’s might. God requires faith in the face of the obstacle, but He will always go before. According to the measure that one follows God’s leadership, he will personally experience His might. And just as Joshua was God’s representative leader, walking with his people and bringing them over, so Jesus, the Captain of our faith, invites the Christian to warm, intimate fellowship and sure, loving guidance by obeying His simple call, “Follow me.” (Rest-Land Won Everyman's Bible Commentaries) Joseph Parker - Reading of this passage of the river we find one great omission. The omission was purposed. There was no way of retreat provided. The river did not stand back until the Israelites saw what they could do with Jericho; no sooner were they over than the river came down as before, and Israel was locked up to his work. Thus God brings us into face-to-face conflicts; thus divine providence drives us into close quarters with the enemy. It is supposable that a host advancing to conquer a walled and ancient city might have had to bear the pressure of some sudden terror and might have desired to retire; but the river was rolling on to the Dead Sea, and there was no promise made that it should be cut in two again for the accommodation of timid or cowardly men. Some of us must be forced up to our work. We do not know what is in us or what we can do until there is no escape—battle, or death; battle, or victory. Let us bless God, I would again say, that we are sometimes scourged up to our work. To retreat is to be drowned: to advance is to achieve at least possible victory. There must be no going back again. We are bound to this holy work—taking the devil's citadel. There can be no reconstruction as to the terms of service and loyalty. We are committed to the overthrow of this city or kingdom, this evil or corruption, as the case may be. If we do not advance we shall be slain; if we try to run away we shall be drowned. "Quit you like men." Better fight and die honourably than run away and be as drowned dogs in the sullen stream. We are men who are committed, and cannot go back. (Joshua 2 Commentary) F B