13 About forty thousand men, ready and armed for war passed over before Yahweh to battle, to the plains of Jericho.
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
The plains of Jericho, consisting of the higher terrace of the Jordan valley, are almost seven miles broad. The mountains of Judaea here recede somewhat from the river, and leave a level and fertile space, which, at the time of Joshua's invasion, was principally occupied by a forest of palms. Hence, the name "city of palms," Deuteronomy 34:3.
About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the (f) LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
(f) That is, before the Ark.
About forty thousand prepared for war,.... Accoutred with proper armour to defend themselves, and their brethren, and annoy their enemies: this is to be understood of such a number of the above mentioned tribes; otherwise the number of all Israel that went over Jordan, even armed or fighting men, besides women and children, were five hundred thousand or more. Now though the number of men fit for war, of these tribes, were an hundred thirty thousand, who were all, according to the original agreement, under obligation to go with their brethren over Jordan into Canaan's land, and continue with them until it was subdued, and they had rest in it; yet Joshua took no more than about forty thousand of them, who we may suppose were select men, and fit for his purpose; the rest were left to look after their flocks, their families, and their lands: these
passed over before the Lord unto battle; over Jordan, before the ark of the Lord, as that stood in Jordan, bore by the priests there, being ready to engage in battle whenever it was necessary: and they went on with their brethren
to the plains of Jericho; to a place afterwards called Gilgal; see Joshua 4:19. The Septuagint version is, to the city Jericho.
to the plains of Jericho--That part of the Arabah or Ghor, on the west, is about seven miles broad from the Jordan to the mountain entrance at Wady-Kelt. Though now desert, this valley was in ancient times richly covered with wood. An immense palm forest, seven miles long, surrounded Jericho.
Before the Lord - Either, before the ark, or, in the presence of God who observed whether they would keep their covenant made with their brethren, or not.
*More commentary available at chapter level.