Joshua 23:1-8 | The Way of Scripture

Joshua 23:1-8

What must remain steady as Joshua’s leadership comes to an end?

Berean Standard Bible

1 A long time after the LORD had given Israel rest from all the enemies around them, when Joshua was old and well along in years, 2 he 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. 4 See, 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. 5 The 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. 6 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. 7 So 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. 8 Instead, you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.

What is the context?

After a long period of rest, the aging Joshua summons Israel and its leaders. He reminds them that the Lord fought for them and that the inheritance includes both territory already taken and nations still remaining.

The charge repeats the book’s opening emphasis: be strong to keep the law of Moses without turning aside. Leadership and settlement do not free the people from obedience to the Lord’s instruction.

The warning about the remaining nations specifically names their gods: Israel must not invoke, swear by, serve, or bow to them. Instead it must hold fast to the Lord. The issue is covenant loyalty within this setting, not a claim that a modern ethnic population has lesser human worth.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley explains holding fast as faithful obedience, affection, and worship. He also proposes a location, festival occasion, and interval for the speech, but those details are not given in this chapter. Its stated setting is Joshua’s old age after the Lord has given rest, and its central charge is continued allegiance to Him.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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