Joshua 4:18-24
<03709> [the soles.]
<05423> [lifted up. Heb. plucked up. that the waters.]
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.
<03212> [and flowed. Heb. went.]
first month <02320 07223> [first month.]
Gilgal <01537> [Gilgal.]
That is, the place afterwards called Gilgal; for it is so called here by anticipation. It was about ten furlongs east from Jericho, and fifty west from the Jordan. See Josephus and Calmet.
Israelites .... children <01121> [When your.]
someday <04279> [in time to come. Heb. to-morrow.]
Lord ....................... Lord <03068> [as the Lord.]
The parents must take that occasion to tell their children of the drying up of the Red Sea forty years before: "As the Lord your God did to the Red Sea." It greatly magnifies later mercies to compare them with those before enjoyed; for, by making the comparison, it appears that God is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. Later blessings should also bring to remembrance former mercies, and revive thankfulness for them.
dried ....................... dried <03001> [which he dried.]
nations <05971> [all the people.]
power <02389> [that it is.]
obey <03372> [ye might.]
<03117> [for ever. Heb. all days.]
