John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. Now after the death of Moses , etc.] Or “and after” f8 ; the book begins as if something went before, it is connected with; and indeed it seems to be the last chapter of the book of Deuteronomy, which treats of the death of Moses; and Joshua being the penman of ( Deuteronomy 34:5-12), as say the Talmudists f9 , and of this book, as has been seen, having wrote them, he goes on with the history of his own affairs in strict connection with that account, beginning where that ended; namely, at the death of Moses, whose character here given is the servant of the Lord ; and a faithful one he was in all things belonging to it, and in whatsoever was enjoined him by the Lord, (see Deuteronomy 34:5); and it came to pass that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun , Moses’s minister ; either in a dream, or vision, or by an articulate voice out of the sanctuary: of Joshua’s descent and relation, (see Exodus 33:11); and of his office under Moses, not as a menial servant, but a minister of state, (see Exodus 24:13); saying ; as follows.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-4 - Joshua had attended upon Moses. He who was called to honour, had bee long used to business. Our Lord Jesus took upon him the form of servant. Joshua was trained up under command. Those are fittest to rule, who have learned to obey. The removal of useful men shoul quicken survivors to be the more diligent in doing good. Arise, go ove Jordan. At this place and at this time the banks were overflowed Joshua had no bridge or boats, and yet he must believe that God, havin ordered the people over, would open a way.
Original Hebrew ויהי1961 אחרי310 מות4194 משׁה4872 עבד5650 יהוה3068 ויאמר559 יהוה3068 אל413 יהושׁע3091 בן1121 נון5126 משׁרת8334 משׁה4872 לאמר׃559
