John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh .] The promise of God to Israel being fulfilled, the land of Canaan being for the most part subdued, the war at an end, and rest had on all sides from their enemies, and the land divided among the nine tribes and an half, and they settled in the quiet possession of their lots; Joshua sent for the two tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, who had, at their own request, their portion allotted them on the other side Jordan, and who came over that river with him to assist their brethren in their wars with the Canaanites, and addressed them in the following respectable manner.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - Joshua dismisses the tribes with good counsel. Those who have the commandment have it in vain, unless they do the commandment; and it will not be done aright unless we take diligent heed. In particular to love the Lord our God, as the best of beings, and the best of friends and as far as that principle rules in the heart, there will be constan care and endeavour to walk in his ways, even those that are narrow an up-hill. In every instance to keep his commandments. At all times, an in all conditions, with purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord, an to serve him and his kingdom among men, with all our heart, and with all our soul. This good counsel is given to all; may God give us grac to take it!
Original Hebrew אז227 יקרא7121 יהושׁע3091 לראובני7206 ולגדי1425 ולחצי2677 מטה4294 מנשׁה׃4519
