SCRIPTURE: JOSHUA 23
BIBLE VERSES:
“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. Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have until now.’ ” (Joshua 23:6-8)
“But just as all the good things the Lord your God has promised you have come to you, so he will bring on you all the evil things he has threatened, until the Lord your God has destroyed you from this good land he has given you. 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 23:15-16)
JOSHUA’S FAREWELL TO THE LEADERS (vs. 1-16)
Joshua was old and well advanced in years. He summoned all Israelites – their elders, leaders, judges and officials – and gave these advices and warnings:
- Be very strong and be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses. (v. 6)
- Do not associate with theses pagan nations and serve their gods. (v. 7)
- Hold fast to the Lord your God. (v. 8)
- Be very careful to love the Lord your God. (v. 11)
- If you associate and intermarry with these nations, they will become snares and traps for you and thorns in your eyes. (v. 13)
- If you violate the covenant of the Lord, the Lord’s anger will burn against you and you will perish from the good land He had given you. (v. 15)
THOUGHTS:
Joshua was a gifted and great leader. When he was old, he gave a farewell address to the Israelites. He magnified the Lord and gave all the glory to God. He challenged the people to keep trusting in Him and warned them to obey completely so that blessings would continue.