Joshua 23:1-16
Q.1. Was the conquest complete? What made this address to the leaders of Israel so important? Why had Israel prevailed over their enemies? What was the thrust of Joshua’s challenge to the tribes? – (Josh.23:1-8)
Joshua was old, and though – … the Lord had given rest to Israel from all their enemies on every side … the conquest was still incomplete (Josh.23:1 c.f. Josh.23:4-5). As with Moses before him, Joshua had much wisdom and experience to pass on. He was afraid that Israel would allow their enemies to live in their lands, once he died. He called together the leaders of the tribes, for his parting words of warning and encouragement (Josh.23:2). The reason that Israel was relatively secure, was because – … the Lord your God is He who has been fighting for you (Josh.23:3). Joshua apportioned out the lands which the tribes were yet to completely clear. He encouraged them to believe that God would give them success and do all that He had promised (Josh.23:4-5 c.f. Josh.18:1-10). Joshua then challenged the tribes to drive out their enemies and not associate with them, lest they turn to their gods – but you are to cling to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day (Josh.23:8 c.f. Josh.23:7). They were to be people of the Book – Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left (Josh.23:6 c.f. Rev.22:18-19).
Q.2. What made the conquest remarkable? On what basis would the nation prevail? What warning did Joshua give to the tribal leaders? Had God kept His promises to them as His people? – (Josh.23:9-16)
The people of Israel were not to forget the miracle of the conquest thus far – 9 For the Lord has driven out great and strong nations from before you; and as for you, no man has stood before you to this day. 10 One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, just as He promised you (Josh.23:9-10). God had been true – … and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the Lord your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed (Josh.23:14). In response, they were to – take diligent heed to yourselves to love the Lord your God (Josh.23:11). What did this love look like? They belonged to God, so – should not compromise by associating or intermarrying with these nations lest … they will be a snare and a trap to you … until you perish from off this good land which the Lord your God has given you (Josh.23:12-13). He warned them that God would equally keep His promises to remove them from the land, should they break the Covenant (Josh.23:16)