about forty thousand ready armed for war passed over before Yahweh to battle, to the plains of Jericho.
      II. The two tribes and a half led the van, Joshua 4:12; Joshua 4:13. So they had promised when they had their lot given them on that side Jordan, Numbers 32:27. And Joshua had lately reminded them of their promise, Joshua 1:12-15; Joshua 1:12-15. It was fit that those who had the first settlement should be the first in the encounter of difficulties, the rather because they had not the incumbrance of families with them as the other tribes had, and they were all chose men, and fit for service, ready armed. It was a good providence that they had so strong a body to lead them on, and would be an encouragement to the rest. And the two tribes had no reason to complain: the post of danger is the post of honour.