Procopius of Gaza

In his own words on Joshua

• Joshua 4:14

  "In that day the Lord exalted Joshua." The Lord exalted Joshua, for as he increased in age his strength became obvious [for all to see]. They rightly feared the son of Nun with a lawful fear as is fitting for service. And we rightly revere our Jesus with holy fear who stands by us for all eternity.

  COMMENTARY ON JOSHUA 4.14

• Joshua 4:18

  After they had crossed over the Jordan, the waters returned to their place and overflowed all its banks as before. For the mystical Jordan also increases when the full number of the faithful enters in. Accordingly, we read, "Lift up your eyes and see that the fields are ripe for the harvest," and again, "The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few." But he does not simply say "harvest" but "wheat," according to what they have in the Septuagint. For this is a symbol of nourishment.

  COMMENTARY ON JOSHUA 4.18

• Joshua 16:10

  "And the Canaanites have lived in the midst of Ephraim to this very day." But Ephraim is interpreted as "fruitful." Therefore, although it is fruitful, it is not able to eject the Canaanite (who is of a different and cursed seed) from its territory until this day. But we can also say this concerning the church. Taken another way, there is no soul who is able to remain pure in this present life seeking peace alone without sinning until he sees Christ, the peace of God and the one who [dwells] throughout all those who bear fruit. For no one is clean from sordidness, from strange or alien thinking [on his own]. And so, just as the Jebusites and Canaanites are always found in Jerusalem, it is also necessary to suffer for the casting out of these, but only those who call upon God are able to do so.

  COMMENTARY ON JOSHUA 16.10