Joshua 23:13

know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become for you a snare and a trap, a scourge in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you.

Study Bible

know for sure
The phrase "know for sure" emphasizes certainty and assurance. In Hebrew, the word used here is "yada," which means to know deeply or intimately. This is not a superficial understanding but a profound awareness that comes from experience and revelation. The Israelites are being called to recognize the consequences of their actions with absolute certainty, underscoring the seriousness of God's warning.

the LORD your God
This phrase is a reminder of the covenant relationship between the Israelites and Yahweh. "LORD" in Hebrew is "YHWH," the sacred name of God, signifying His eternal presence and faithfulness. "Your God" personalizes this relationship, indicating that the Israelites are His chosen people, bound by covenant to follow His commandments. This relationship is central to their identity and their success in the Promised Land.

will no longer drive out these nations before you
The phrase indicates a shift in divine action. Historically, God had been actively involved in the conquest of Canaan, driving out nations before Israel. The Hebrew word for "drive out" is "yarash," meaning to dispossess or expel. This cessation of divine intervention is a direct consequence of Israel's disobedience, highlighting the conditional nature of God's promises based on their faithfulness.

Instead, they will become snares and traps for you
"Snares and traps" are metaphors for the dangers and temptations that the remaining nations will pose. In Hebrew, "pach" (snare) and "moqesh" (trap) suggest hidden dangers that can capture or ensnare. This imagery warns of the spiritual and moral pitfalls that come from associating with these nations, leading Israel away from their covenant with God.

whips on your sides and thorns in your eyes
These vivid images convey pain and suffering. "Whips" (Hebrew: "shotet") symbolize oppression and harsh treatment, while "thorns" (Hebrew: "tsinnim") in the eyes suggest constant irritation and distress. This language underscores the severe consequences of Israel's failure to fully obey God's commands, leading to physical and spiritual anguish.

until you perish from this good land
The phrase "until you perish" is a stark warning of the ultimate consequence of disobedience: exile and destruction. The Hebrew word "abad" means to be lost or destroyed. "This good land" refers to the Promised Land, a gift from God described as "good" (Hebrew: "tov"), emphasizing its value and the tragedy of losing it due to unfaithfulness.

that the LORD your God has given you
This final phrase reiterates the divine origin of the land as a gift from God. The Hebrew word "natan" means to give, highlighting God's generosity and grace. The land is not earned but given, and its retention is contingent upon Israel's adherence to the covenant. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the conditional nature of His blessings.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of Israel who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is delivering his farewell address to the Israelites in this chapter.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who promised to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

3. The Nations
Refers to the Canaanite nations that inhabited the Promised Land before the Israelites. These nations were to be driven out by the Israelites as commanded by God.

4. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham. It is described as a "good land" given by God.

5. Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, who were chosen by God to be His people and to inherit the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The importance of complete obedience to God's instructions is highlighted. Partial obedience can lead to spiritual compromise and consequences.

The Danger of Compromise
Allowing influences contrary to God's will can lead to spiritual snares and traps, drawing believers away from their faith.

God's Faithfulness and Justice
God is faithful to His promises, but He is also just. Disobedience can lead to the withdrawal of His protection and blessings.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The Israelites' failure to fully obey God resulted in ongoing struggles and suffering. This serves as a warning to remain vigilant in faith.

The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance
Believers must remain vigilant in their spiritual walk, avoiding influences that can lead them away from God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joshua 23:13 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's commands?

2. In what ways can modern believers identify and avoid "snares and traps" in their spiritual lives?

3. How does the concept of "thorns in your eyes" relate to the idea of spiritual blindness or distraction?

4. What parallels can be drawn between the Israelites' experience in the Promised Land and the Christian journey of faith?

5. How can believers today ensure they are fully obedient to God's will, avoiding the pitfalls of compromise?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:16
This verse emphasizes the command to destroy the nations in the Promised Land to prevent them from becoming a snare to Israel.

Judges 2:3
This passage describes the consequences of Israel's failure to drive out the Canaanites, leading to their oppression and idolatry.

Numbers 33:55
Warns that if the Israelites do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those remaining will become irritants and thorns.

Psalm 106:34-36
Reflects on Israel's disobedience in not destroying the nations and how they became ensnared by their practices.