Matthew Henry on Deuteronomy 3:21–end
Here is I. The encouragement which Moses gave to Joshua, who was to succeed him in the government, Deu 3:21, Deu 3:22. He commanded him not to fear. This those that are aged and experienced in the service of God should do all they can to strengthen the hands of those that are young, and setting out in religion. Two things he would have him consider for his encouragement: - 1. What God has done. Joshua had seen what a total defeat God had given by the forces of Israel to these two kings, and thence he might easily infer, so shall the Lord do to all the rest of the kingdoms upon which we are to make war. He must not only infer thence that thus the Lord can do with them all, for his arm is not…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 3:16
from Gilead--that is, not the mountainous region, but the town Ramoth-gilead,
even unto the river Arnon half the valley--The word "valley" signifies a wady, either filled with water or dry, as the Arnon is in summer, and thus the proper rendering of the passage will be--"even to the half or middle of the river Arnon" (compare Jos 12:2). This prudent arrangement of the boundaries was evidently made to prevent all disputes between the adjacent tribes about the exclusive right to the water.
John Gill on Deuteronomy 3:23
And I besought the Lord at that time,.... When he was told he should die, and Joshua should succeed him; or when the two kings were slain, and their kingdoms conquered; this being the beginning, pledge, and earnest of what God had promised to do for the people of Israel; Moses was very desirous of living to see the work completed, and therefore sought the Lord by prayer and supplication:
saying; as follows.
John Calvin on Deuteronomy 3:21–end
Deuteronomy 3:21-29
21. And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the Lord do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest.
21. Ipsi quoque Josua praecepi eo tempore, dicendo, Oculi tui viderunt quaecunque fecit Jehova Deus vester duobus regibus: sic facturus est Jehova omnibus regnis ad quae tu pergis.
22. Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God he shall fight for you.
22. Ne timeatis eos, quia Jehova Deus vester ipse est qui pugnat pro vobis.
23. And I besought the Lord at that time, saying,
23. Rogaveram autem Jehovam tempore illo, dicendo:
24. O Lord God, thou hast begun to show thy se…
