John Calvin Commentary Joshua 24:4

"And I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it: and Jacob and his children went down into Egypt." — Joshua 24:4 (ASV)

But Jacob and his children went down, etc. After mentioning the rejection of Esau, he proceeds to state how Jacob went down into Egypt. Though he confines himself to a single expression, it is one that indicates the large, exuberant, and clear manifestation of the paternal favor of God.

It cannot be doubted that, although the sacred historian does not speak in lofty terms of each miracle performed, Joshua gave the people such a summary exposition of their deliverance as might suffice:

1. He points to the miracles performed in Egypt.
2. He celebrates the passage of the Red Sea, where God gave them the aid of his inestimable power.
3. He reminds them of the period during which they wandered in the desert.