John Calvin Commentary Joshua 1:10

"Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying," — Joshua 1:10 (ASV)

Then Joshua commanded, and so on. It may be doubted whether this proclamation was made after the spies were sent, and consequently, upon their return.

Indeed, I not only consider it probable but am fully convinced that he decided to move his camp only after their report provided him with the information he needed. It would have been absurd haste to rush along an unknown path when he considered it necessary to be informed about many matters before entering hostile territory.

Nor is it unusual to disregard chronological order and later insert what was previously omitted. The second chapter must therefore be regarded as a kind of inserted parenthesis, explaining more fully to the reader what had occurred before Joshua finally commanded the people to gather their supplies.

After all necessary matters had been determined, he saw it was high time to proceed and issued a proclamation, ordering the people to prepare for the campaign. With the utmost confidence, he declares that they will pass over the Jordan after three days. He never would have dared to do this without the Spirit's guidance.

No one had attempted the ford, nor did there seem to be any hope that it could be done. There was no way to cross either by a bridge or by boats, and it would have been very easy for the enemy to prevent their passage.

Therefore, the only option remaining was for God to transport them miraculously. Joshua hoped for this not randomly, nor on his own initiative, but as something divinely revealed to him.

The people's faith was also evident in their prompt obedience. For, considering the great difficulties they faced, they never would have obeyed so readily if they had not entrusted their concerns to God. It cannot be doubted that He inspired them with this eagerness to remove all obstacles that might delay the fulfillment of the promise.