1 And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old [and] stricken in age.
2 And Joshua called for all Israel, [and] for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old [and] stricken in age:
3 And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto all these nations because of you; for the LORD your God [is] he that hath fought for you.
4 Behold, I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea westward.
5 And the LORD your God, he shall expel them from before you, and drive them from out of your sight; and ye shall possess their land, as the LORD your God hath promised unto you.
6 Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom [to] the right hand or [to] the left;
7 That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear [by them], neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:
8 But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.
9 For the LORD hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but [as for] you, no man hath been able to stand before you unto this day.
10 One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he [it is] that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.
11 Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God.
12 Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, [even] these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you:
13 Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out [any of] these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.
14 And, behold, this day I [am] going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, [and] not one thing hath failed thereof.
15 Therefore it shall come to pass, [that] as all good things are come upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.
16 When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.
Summary of Joshua Chapter 23
In Joshua Chapter 23, Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, addresses the elders, leaders, judges, and officials of Israel as he approaches the end of his life. He emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God and adhering to the covenant made with Him. The chapter serves as a farewell address, reminding the Israelites of their responsibilities and the consequences of their actions.
Key Themes
- Faithfulness to God: Joshua urges the Israelites to remain steadfast in their loyalty to God, who has fulfilled His promises to them.
- Warning Against Idolatry: He warns them against intermingling with the remaining nations and adopting their practices, particularly idolatry.
- Consequences of Disobedience: Joshua highlights the consequences of turning away from God, including the potential loss of the land they have inherited.
- Remembrance of God’s Actions: The chapter emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s past deeds and how He has fought for Israel.
Detailed Analysis
1. Joshua’s Address to Israel (Verses 1-3)
Joshua calls for a gathering of the leaders of Israel and reminds them of the great things God has done for them. He emphasizes that he is old and nearing death, which sets the tone for a serious and reflective message.
2. The Call to Faithfulness (Verses 4-5)
Joshua reminds the Israelites of the land they have inherited and the victories they have achieved through God’s guidance. He encourages them to remember that it is God who has driven out the nations before them and that they must continue to rely on Him.
3. Warning Against Intermarriage and Idolatry (Verses 6-8)
Joshua warns the people to be strong and to keep the law of Moses. He specifically cautions against intermarriage with the remaining nations, as this could lead them away from God and into idolatry.
- Intermarriage is portrayed as a significant threat to their faith.
- Joshua stresses that associating with these nations could lead them to worship foreign gods.
4. The Consequences of Turning Away (Verses 9-13)
Joshua outlines the consequences of disobedience, stating that if they turn away from God, they will face dire repercussions. He emphasizes that God will no longer drive out their enemies and that they will become a snare to the Israelites.
- Loss of divine protection.
- Increased vulnerability to their enemies.
- Spiritual and physical decline.
5. The Certainty of God’s Promises (Verses 14-16)
Joshua concludes his address by reaffirming the faithfulness of God. He assures the people that every promise God has made has been fulfilled. This serves as a reminder of God’s unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel.
Conclusion
Joshua Chapter 23 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and the dangers of complacency. Joshua’s farewell address encapsulates the essence of Israel’s covenant relationship with God, urging the people to remain vigilant and committed to their faith as they continue to inhabit the land God has given them.
