Joshua - Chapter 23

Joshua 23.1 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. Joshua 23.2 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: Joshua 23.3 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. Joshua 23.4 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. Joshua 23.5 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. Joshua 23.6 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; Joshua 23.7 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: Joshua 23.8 But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day. Joshua 23.9 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. Joshua 23.10 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. Joshua 23.11 Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God. Joshua 23.12 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: Joshua 23.13 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. Joshua 23.14 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. Joshua 23.15 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. Joshua 23.16 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.

Joshua : Chapter 23

Joshua's Farewell Address

Chapter 23 of the book of Joshua presents Joshua's poignant farewell address to the leaders of Israel. This pivotal moment raises essential questions about the legacy we leave to future generations. Through his final exhortations, Joshua emphasizes faithfulness to God and the serious consequences of disobedience. This chapter addresses fundamental themes such as leadership, commitment to God's covenant, and the importance of remaining faithful to God.

Joshua 23 also warns us of the dangers of cultural assimilation and outside influences that could lead people away from their faith. Let's consider five key biblical passages that shed light on these crucial themes of warning.

1. Deuteronomy 7:1-2

"When the Lord your God brings you into the land you are going to possess, and drives out many nations before you (...) when the Lord your God delivers them into your hands, and you conquer them, then you shall utterly destroy them. Do not make a treaty with them or show them mercy." This commandment from Deuteronomy is reiterated by Joshua in his speech, emphasizing the importance of remaining firm in the faith.

2. Exodus 23:33

"Do not allow them to dwell in your land, lest they tempt you to sin against me, for you will surely fall into the worship of their gods, and it will become a snare for you." This warning is also echoed in Joshua's speech, which warns against mingling with the peoples of the land.

3. Deuteronomy 28:1

"If you faithfully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth." This promise of blessing for obedience is forcefully reiterated by Joshua in his final speech.

4. 1 Kings 8:56

"Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to his people Israel, as he promised. Not one of all the good promises he made through his servant Moses has remained unfulfilled." This verse reflects the theme of God's faithfulness in fulfilling his promises, a central point Joshua emphasizes in his speech.

5. Hebrews 10:23

"Let us hold fast our confession, for he who promised is faithful." This New Testament verse echoes the theme of divine faithfulness, emphasized by Joshua in his final words.

Through these passages, we are invited to reflect on our own commitment to God and to consider the consequences of our choices. Joshua's speech remains a powerful call to faithfulness and vigilance in our walk with God.