NOTES for Jos 23:1-16

Having grown old, Joshua sums things up before all the people and gives fundamental instructions. The principal rules by which the Israelites must be guided are faithfulness to God, observance of the law of Moses and separation from the pagans. Joshua understands that the people’s faithfulness to these principles is more than a familiar ritual or pious custom: it is the meaning and foundation of the people’s very existence.

What the Lord has given, He can also take away because of unfaithfulness. But the people will have only themselves to blame: punishment is the consequence of their own transgressions. Whoever wants to live like the pagans will fall into pagan slavery; whoever turns away from the Lord will not be able to rely on Him in a difficult hour.