◄ Joshua 23 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Joshua’s Charge to Leaders 1A long time after the LORD had given Israel rest from all the enemies around them, when Joshua was old and well along in years, 2he summoned all Israel, including its elders, leaders, judges, and officers. “I am old and well along in years,” he said, 3“and you have seen everything that the LORD your God has done to all these nations for your sake, because it was the LORD your God who fought for you. 4See, I have allotted as an inheritance to your tribes these remaining nations, including all the nations I have already cut off, from the Jordan westward to the Great Sea.a 5The LORD your God will push them out of your way and drive them out before you, so that you can take possession of their land, as the LORD your God promised you. 6Be very strong, then, so that you can keep and obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, not turning aside from it to the right or to the left. 7So you are not to associate with these nations that remain among you. You must not call on the names of their gods or swear by them, and you must not serve them or bow down to them. 8Instead, you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day. 9The LORD has driven out great and powerful nations before you, and to this day no one can stand against you. 10One of you can put a thousand to flight, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as He promised. 11Therefore watch yourselves carefully, that you love the LORD your God. 12For if you turn away and cling to the rest of these nations that remain among you, and if you intermarry and associate with them, 13know 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. 14Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know with all your heart and soul that not one of the good promises the LORD your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed. 15But just as every good thing the LORD your God promised you has come to pass, likewise the LORD will bring upon you the calamity He has threatened, until He has destroyed you from this good land He has given you. 16If you transgress the covenant of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from this good land He has given you.” Footnotes: 4 a That is, the Mediterranean Sea Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Joshua 23 Summary Joshua's Charge to Leaders Verses 1–5 – Joshua Reminds Israel of the LORD’s Victories Israel enjoys rest on every side. Joshua, now old, gathers the elders, heads, judges, and officers. He points to everything “the LORD your God has done to all these nations on your behalf” (v. 3) and reminds them that the remaining nations will also be driven out. The land already allotted is evidence of God’s certain promise (v. 4–5). Verses 6–8 – Call to Courageous Obedience “Be very strong to keep and do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses” (v. 6). Israel must not turn aside, mix with the nations, or invoke the names of their gods. Instead, they are to “cling to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day” (v. 8). Verses 9–11 – Assurance of God’s Continuing Power “For the LORD has driven out great and powerful nations before you” (v. 9). One Israelite can chase a thousand because “the LORD your God fights for you” (v. 10). Therefore, “take diligent heed to love the LORD your God” (v. 11). Verses 12–13 – Warning Against Alliances If Israel turns back, intermarrying with the nations and serving their gods, those nations “will become snares and traps for you… until you perish from this good land” (v. 13). Verses 14–16 – Joshua’s Testament and Final Warning Joshua is “about to go the way of all the earth” (v. 14). Every good word God promised has come true, and any disobedience will bring every word of judgment as well. If Israel breaks the covenant, “you will quickly perish from the good land He has given you” (v. 16). This chapter outlines the final address of Joshua, the leader of Israelites, who is now old. He urges the Israelites to remain obedient to God and warns them about the consequences of associating with other nations and their gods. Historical Setting • Date: Late Bronze Age, roughly the mid-14th century BC. • Location: Shiloh is now the worship center; tribes have settled in their allotted territories. • Political climate: Small, fortress-city states remain in Canaan, but major coalitions have been broken. Israel sits at a fragile moment: victories behind them, unfinished conquest ahead. • Joshua’s role: As Moses’ successor and commander, he now transitions from military leader to statesman, calling the leaders to own the task of covenant faithfulness. Archaeological Insights • Hazor’s burned layers and massive destruction (13th–14th century BC) align with Joshua 11 and bolster the historic timing of Israel’s campaigns. • The basalt altar discovered on Mount Ebal resembles the covenant altar described in Joshua 8; it corroborates a central worship site in Joshua’s era. • Treaty-style language in Joshua 23 mirrors Late Bronze Age vassal treaties unearthed at Hattusa. The pattern of recounting past benefits, stipulating loyalty, and warning of curses matches Joshua’s speech, supporting its ancient authenticity. • Findings at Shiloh (collared-rim jars, four-room houses) confirm Israelite occupation soon after entry, fitting the “rest” spoken of in verse 1. Key Truths and Themes 1. God’s faithfulness: “Not one word has failed of all the good things” (v. 14). 2. Obedience brings continued inheritance; compromise threatens it. 3. Separation: Israel’s distinct identity is preserved by avoiding intermarriage and idolatry. 4. Leadership transition: A godly leader points people to God, not himself. 5. Covenant cause-and-effect: Blessing for loyalty, discipline for betrayal—echoes of Deuteronomy 28. Connections to Other Scriptures • Deuteronomy 31:7–8 – Moses gives Joshua similar encouragement before his death. • 1 Kings 2:1–4 – David’s charge to Solomon parallels Joshua’s final words. • Psalm 44:2–3 – The land was gained “not by their own sword… but by Your right hand,” recalling Joshua 23:3. • Hebrews 4:1–11 – The “rest” Israel enjoyed foreshadows the greater rest found in Christ. • John 15:4 – “Abide in Me” mirrors “cling to the LORD” (v. 8). • 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 – Call to be separate from idols aligns with Joshua’s warning against alliances. • Revelation 22:6 – “These words are faithful and true” echoes Joshua’s insistence that God’s promises never fail. Practical Application for Today • Past victories build present courage: Remembering God’s previous help fuels confidence for unfinished tasks. • Obedience is active: “Be very strong to keep and do” (v. 6) moves obedience from theory to practice—daily choices, speech, alliances, media intake. • Beware subtle compromise: Intermarriage in Joshua’s context = slow drift. Modern parallels include business partnerships or close bonds that nudge believers toward values contrary to God’s Word. • Love and loyalty go together: Verse 11 ties affection (“love the LORD”) to attentiveness (“take diligent heed”). Love flourishes by deliberate actions—prayer, worship, fellowship. • End-of-life influence: Joshua models how to finish well—affirm God’s faithfulness, charge the next generation, leave the spotlight on the LORD. Leadership Lessons from Joshua 1. Gather key influencers (v. 2). Leadership multiplies through teams. 2. Root every charge in what God has already done (v. 3–5). 3. Give clear, simple directives—“cling,” “do not turn,” “love.” 4. Set warnings as guardrails, not threats. Joshua’s aim is preservation, not intimidation. 5. Accept personal mortality; commit the mission to successors (v. 14). Israel’s Ongoing Mission Although the land was divided, pockets of resistance remained. Joshua’s address passes the mantle: each tribe must finish clearing its territory. The speech thus bridges the victorious narrative of Joshua with the more uneven account of Judges. Modern Faith Community Parallels • Churches often experience initial growth (entry into the land) yet stall when comfortable (rest in the land). Joshua 23 urges ongoing mission. • Cultural assimilation remains a real trap. Quiet neglect of distinct Christian identity leads to diluting witness, just as intermarriage threatened Israel. • The reliability of God’s Word is a bedrock apologetic: fulfilled promises in Israel’s history become reasons for confidence in all remaining promises of Scripture. Promises and Warnings in Balance Joshua’s message is not gloomy; it is balanced. Every fulfilled promise proves God’s goodness; every warned consequence proves His justice. The chapter presents a realistic, hope-filled call: stay close to the LORD, and the blessings already tasted will continue and deepen. Connections to Additional Scriptures Deuteronomy 6:5-7 Emphasizes the importance of loving God wholeheartedly and teaching His commands to future generations. 1 Kings 2:2-3 David's charge to Solomon mirrors Joshua's call to obedience and faithfulness. Hebrews 10:23 Encourages believers to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for God is faithful. Teaching Points Joshua's Leadership and Legacy Joshua, now old and advanced in years, calls the leaders of Israel to remind them of God's faithfulness and the victories He has granted them. You have seen all that the LORD your God has done to all these nations for your sake, for it is the LORD your God who has fought for you (Joshua 23:3). Call to Obedience Joshua urges the Israelites to remain steadfast in their obedience to God's law. Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left (Joshua 23:6). Warning Against Idolatry Joshua warns against associating with the remaining nations and their gods, emphasizing the danger of idolatry. If you turn away and ally yourselves with the survivors of these nations that remain among you... they will become snares and traps for you (Joshua 23:12-13). God's Faithfulness and Justice Joshua reminds the people of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and warns of the consequences of disobedience. But just as every good word which the LORD your God has spoken to you has come to pass, so the LORD will bring upon you every bad thing (Joshua 23:15). Practical Applications Reflect on God's Faithfulness Take time to remember and recount the ways God has been faithful in your life, just as Joshua reminded the Israelites of God's past victories. Commit to Obedience Evaluate areas in your life where you may be tempted to stray from God's commands and make a renewed commitment to follow His Word. Guard Against Idolatry Identify any modern-day idols that may be competing for your devotion and take steps to remove them from your life. Consider Your Legacy Think about the spiritual legacy you are leaving for future generations and how you can influence others to remain faithful to God. People 1. Joshua The central figure in this chapter, Joshua is the leader of Israel who succeeded Moses. He is delivering a farewell speech to the leaders of Israel, reminding them of God's faithfulness and urging them to remain obedient to the covenant. The name "Joshua" (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, Yehoshua) in Hebrew means "The LORD is salvation." 2. The LORD (Yahweh) Referred to throughout the chapter as the God of Israel, Yahweh is the one who has given Israel victory over their enemies and land to inherit. Joshua emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to Yahweh and not turning to other gods. 3. The Nations While not named individually, the "nations" refer to the surrounding peoples and tribes that Israel has encountered and often battled against in the Promised Land. Joshua warns the Israelites not to associate with these nations or adopt their practices. Places 1. Jordan River The Jordan River is mentioned as a boundary for the land that the Israelites have conquered. It is a significant geographical feature in the region, serving as a natural border. In Hebrew, "Jordan" (יַרְדֵּן, Yarden) means "descend" or "flow down," reflecting the river's course from the mountains to the Dead Sea. 2. Canaan While not explicitly named in Joshua 23, the land of Canaan is implied as the territory that the Israelites have taken possession of. Canaan is the ancient name for the region that includes modern-day Israel and surrounding areas. The Hebrew root for Canaan (כְּנַעַן, Kena'an) is associated with "humble" or "subdue," reflecting the Israelites' conquest of the land. 3. Nations that Remain Joshua refers to the "nations that remain" among the Israelites, which implies the surrounding territories and peoples that have not been fully driven out. These nations are part of the broader region of Canaan and its neighboring areas. Events 1. Joshua Summons Israel's Leaders Joshua, now old and advanced in years, calls together all Israel's elders, leaders, judges, and officers. He reminds them of the LORD's faithfulness and the victories He has given them over their enemies. This gathering underscores the importance of leadership and guidance in maintaining the covenant with God. 2. Reminder of the LORD's Faithfulness Joshua recounts how the LORD has fought for Israel, as promised. He emphasizes that the LORD has driven out great and powerful nations before them, and no one has been able to withstand them. This serves as a reminder of God's power and the fulfillment of His promises. 3. Exhortation to Obey the Law of Moses Joshua urges the people to be very strong and careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses. He warns them not to turn aside to the right or to the left, highlighting the importance of adherence to God's commandments as a foundation for their continued success and blessing. 4. Warning Against Idolatry and Intermarriage Joshua cautions the Israelites not to associate with the remaining nations among them or invoke the names of their gods. He specifically warns against intermarriage with these nations, as it could lead to idolatry and turning away from the LORD. This reflects the Hebrew root idea of "separation" (קדש, qadosh) for holiness. 5. Promise of Continued Victory Joshua reassures the Israelites that the LORD will continue to drive out the remaining nations if they remain faithful. He reminds them that one man of Israel can put a thousand to flight because the LORD fights for them, as He promised. This promise is contingent upon their faithfulness to God. 6. Consequences of Disobedience Joshua warns that if the Israelites turn away and ally themselves with the remaining nations, the LORD will no longer drive out these nations. Instead, they will become snares and traps, whips on their backs, and thorns in their eyes until they perish from the good land given to them. This warning emphasizes the serious consequences of disobedience. 7. Joshua's Impending Death Joshua acknowledges that he is about to die, as all people do. He reminds the Israelites that not one of the good promises the LORD made to them has failed. This acknowledgment serves as a final testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of maintaining the covenant. 8. Final Warning and Covenant Renewal Joshua concludes with a stern warning that if the Israelites violate the covenant by serving other gods, the LORD's anger will burn against them, and they will quickly perish from the good land. This final warning underscores the gravity of covenant faithfulness and the dire consequences of apostasy. Lessons from Joshua 23 1. Remember the Lord's Faithfulness Joshua 23 reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness. Joshua begins by recounting how the Lord has fought for Israel, saying, "The LORD your God has fought for you" (Joshua 23:3). This is a powerful reminder to reflect on God's past faithfulness in our own lives. Just as He was with Israel, He is with us today, guiding and providing for us in every situation. 2. Obey God's Commands Joshua emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's law. He instructs, "Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses" (Joshua 23:6). Obedience is not just about following rules; it's about aligning our lives with God's perfect will, which leads to true freedom and fulfillment. 3. Avoid Compromise with the World Joshua warns against mingling with the remaining nations and adopting their practices. He cautions, "Do not associate with these nations that remain among you" (Joshua 23:7). This serves as a reminder to guard our hearts against worldly influences that can lead us away from God's path. 4. Cling to the Lord Joshua encourages the Israelites to hold fast to the Lord, saying, "You are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now" (Joshua 23:8). In a world full of distractions, clinging to God means prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else, ensuring that He remains the center of our lives. 5. Recognize God's Power Joshua reminds the people of God's mighty power, stating, "The LORD has driven out great and powerful nations before you" (Joshua 23:9). Acknowledging God's power in our lives helps us to trust Him more deeply, knowing that He is capable of overcoming any obstacle we face. 6. Trust in God's Promises Joshua reassures the Israelites that not one of God's promises has failed, declaring, "Not one word has failed of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you" (Joshua 23:14). This is a comforting truth for us today, as we can trust that God's promises are sure and steadfast. 7. Be Aware of Consequences Joshua warns of the consequences of turning away from God, saying, "If you turn away and ally yourselves with the survivors of these nations... the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you" (Joshua 23:12-13). This serves as a sobering reminder that our choices have consequences, and staying true to God is vital. 8. Love the Lord Your God Joshua calls the people to love God wholeheartedly, urging them to "love the LORD your God" (Joshua 23:11). Love for God is the foundation of our faith, motivating us to live lives that honor Him and reflect His love to others. 9. Stay Committed to God's Covenant Joshua emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the covenant with God. He warns, "If you violate the covenant of the LORD your God... you will quickly perish from the good land" (Joshua 23:16). Commitment to God's covenant means living in a way that honors our relationship with Him and upholds His standards. 10. Reflect on God's Goodness Finally, Joshua encourages the Israelites to reflect on all the good things God has done for them. He reminds them, "Every good thing the LORD your God promised you has come to pass" (Joshua 23:15). Taking time to reflect on God's goodness fills us with gratitude and strengthens our faith, reminding us of His constant presence and provision in our lives. Topics 1. Joshua's Farewell Address to Israel Joshua, now old and advanced in years, gathers all Israel, including their leaders, to deliver a farewell address. He reminds them of the LORD's faithfulness and the victories He has given them. ^"A long time later, after the LORD had given Israel rest from all their enemies around them, Joshua was old and well along in years."^ (Joshua 23:1) 2. Reminder of God's Faithfulness Joshua emphasizes the LORD's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel, urging them to remember how God fought for them. ^"You have seen for yourselves everything that the LORD your God has done to all these nations on your account, for it was the LORD your God who fought for you."^ (Joshua 23:3) 3. Call to Obedience and Separation Joshua instructs the Israelites to remain obedient to the Law of Moses and to separate themselves from the remaining nations and their gods. The Hebrew root for "obey" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies listening with the intent to act. ^"Be very strong, then, so that you can keep and obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, not turning aside from it to the right or to the left."^ (Joshua 23:6) 4. Warning Against Idolatry A stern warning is given against associating with the remaining nations and adopting their idolatrous practices, which would lead to Israel's downfall. ^"If you turn away and ally yourselves with the remnant of these nations that remain among you, and if you intermarry and associate with them, then you may be sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you."^ (Joshua 23:12-13) 5. Consequences of Disobedience Joshua outlines the dire consequences of disobedience, including the loss of the land and the LORD's anger. The Hebrew word for "anger" (אַף, aph) often conveys a sense of intense displeasure. ^"If you violate the covenant of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, the LORD’s anger will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from the good land He has given you."^ (Joshua 23:16) Themes 1. Faithfulness of God Joshua reminds the Israelites of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. He emphasizes that "not one word has failed of all the good things the LORD your God promised concerning you" (Joshua 23:14). The Hebrew root for "failed" (נָפַל, naphal) conveys the idea of falling or being unfulfilled, highlighting God's reliability. 2. Call to Obedience Joshua urges the Israelites to "be very strong" and to "keep and do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses" (Joshua 23:6). The emphasis on obedience reflects the Hebrew concept of שָׁמַר (shamar), meaning to guard or keep, underscoring the importance of adhering to God's commandments. 3. Warning Against Idolatry Joshua warns the Israelites not to "associate with these nations" or "invoke the names of their gods" (Joshua 23:7). The Hebrew word for "associate" (בּוֹא, bo) implies entering into relationships or alliances, cautioning against the influence of pagan practices. 4. Covenant Loyalty The theme of covenant loyalty is central, as Joshua calls the people to "cling to the LORD your God" (Joshua 23:8). The Hebrew word דָּבַק (dabaq) means to cleave or adhere closely, illustrating the intimate and committed relationship expected between Israel and God. 5. Consequences of Disobedience Joshua outlines the consequences of turning away from God, stating that "the LORD will no longer drive out these nations" and they will become "a snare and a trap" (Joshua 23:13). The Hebrew term מוֹקֵשׁ (moqesh) for "snare" conveys the idea of entrapment, warning of the dangers of disobedience. 6. Leadership Transition Joshua's farewell address marks a transition in leadership, as he acknowledges his own mortality: "I am about to go the way of all the earth" (Joshua 23:14). This reflects the Hebrew understanding of life’s temporality and the need for continued faithfulness beyond individual leaders. 7. Divine Justice Joshua emphasizes that just as God has fulfilled His promises for good, He will also bring about the promised consequences for disobedience: "the LORD will bring upon you all the evil things" (Joshua 23:15). The Hebrew root רָעָה (ra'ah) for "evil" indicates calamity or distress as a result of divine justice. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God's Faithfulness Praise God for His unwavering faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises in your life. Strength to Obey Ask God for the strength and courage to obey His commands and to walk in His ways without compromise. Protection from Idolatry Pray for discernment to recognize and resist any form of idolatry in your life. Legacy of Faith Seek God's guidance in leaving a legacy of faithfulness and obedience for future generations. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Joshua 23:9, what archaeological evidence supports or contradicts the claim that large nations were driven out swiftly by the Israelites? 2. How does Joshua 23:5’s promise of complete conquest align with later biblical texts showing ongoing battles and incomplete occupation of Canaan? 3. If Joshua 23 emphasizes exclusive worship of Yahweh, why do historical records suggest continued syncretism and idolatry among the Israelites? 4. Does Joshua 23:7’s directive to avoid pagan nations conflict with biblical accounts of alliances Israel made in subsequent books? 5. How does Joshua 23:14’s statement that all God’s promises were fulfilled reconcile with later prophetic books that foresee unfulfilled promises? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What can you learn from Joshua's commitment to reminding the Israelites of God's deeds for them? 2. How does Joshua's guidance reflect the importance of remaining faithful to God amidst temptations? 3. What does the promise of inheritance signify for the Israelites, and how can we apply this to our lives? 4. What dangers do the Israelites face if they associate with other nations and their gods? How can this be related to modern-day challenges of maintaining Christian faith in a diverse society? 5. How does Joshua's statement "One of you can put a thousand to flight" inspire you in your daily battles? 6. In what ways can disobedience to God's commandments become a 'snare and a trap' for us today? 7. Reflect on the relationship between God's promises and obedience using examples from this passage. 8. How does Joshua's final reminder apply to our understanding of God's blessings and warnings? 9. How does the concept of 'perishing from the good land' resonate with the idea of losing blessings due to disobedience? 10. How can we ensure that we hold fast to God in the face of modern societal pressures? 11. Why does Joshua emphasize the danger of 'intermarrying and associating' with foreign nations? 12. How would you apply Joshua's call for strength and obedience in your daily life? 13. How does the concept of God fighting for His people inspire you in your personal struggles? 14. How does this chapter emphasize the importance of collective obedience in a community of faith? 15. What do you understand by the statement "the LORD your God fights for you"? 16. How does the principle of God's unfailing promises affect your personal faith and commitment? 17. What strategies can you adopt to ensure you don't turn away from God's commands in your life? 18. What measures can you take to resist the temptation of other 'gods' in the contemporary world? 19. Reflect on a time when you felt God's promise come true in your life. 20. How can you actively remind yourself and others of God's fulfilled promises and imminent warnings in your day-to-day life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions