There are in this chapter certain [things pertaining] to the crossing of the Jordan, and to the approach to the promised land, [things] of preparation; and these [are] partly of the Leader himself, partly of the people. GOD excellently prepares the Leader himself — both by addressing [him] and by instructing [him] — namely in seven heads. The first is, that, since Moses departed from life, [Joshua should] now succeed him in [his] office in other respects, and now in the governing of the people, and — the office being imposed [on him] — act bravely and briskly, and begin to enter the promised land. For this those words (v. 2) mean: “Arise, and cross this Jordan.” The second, the land is shown [to be] taken-into-possession, whose boundaries are established, as will be explained below. The third is (v. 5) [that] divine aid will always be present. The fourth (vv. 6, 7, & 9), [that] Joshua be of a good and constant spirit. The fifth (same, v. 6), [that it is] future [that] Joshua will divide to his Israelites the inheritance in the promised land. The sixth, [that] Moses’s law is to be most studiously kept by him (v. 7; as also Deut. 3). The seventh and last, [that] the book of the same law is to be assiduously meditated, and had in the mouth (v. 8). — But why this book begins with the particle “And” [Et], I discussed [on] Judith ch. 1, quest. 1.
(col. 259)