Joshua’s Farewell: Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve

Executive Summary ✨

Joshua 23, Joshua’s Farewell: Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve, presents a poignant moment in Israel’s history. As an aged leader, Joshua gathers the elders and leaders to remind them of God’s faithfulness in delivering them from their enemies and establishing them in the Promised Land. He urges them to remain steadfast in their covenant with God, warning against the dangers of idolatry and intermingling with the remaining Canaanite nations. Joshua’s exhortation is a call to unwavering obedience, emphasizing that their future blessings and security depend entirely on their fidelity to God. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder to all believers that the spiritual battles are ongoing, and vigilance in maintaining our faith is crucial for enduring blessings. He reminds them that God has done great things for them, but obedience is vital to keep His blessings in their lives. This address serves as a potent warning and a loving encouragement.

As Joshua neared the end of his days, he called together the leadership of Israel for one last crucial address. This moment, captured in Joshua 23, serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding the snares of idolatry and worldly influence. This chapter provides lessons that resonate just as powerfully today as they did millennia ago. As believers, we must heed Joshua’s warning and Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve, reaffirming our commitment to Christ in all aspects of our lives.

Commentary Sections 📖

Joshua 23:1-2

“And it came to pass a long time after that the Lord had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age. And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age.” (KJV)

“Καὶ ἐγένετο μετὰ πολλὰς ἡμέρας ἀνέπαυσεν κύριος ὁ θεὸς ὑμῶν τὸν Ισραηλ ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν ἐχθρῶν αὐτῶν τῶν κύκλῳ καὶ Ιησοῦς ἐγήρασεν καὶ προέβη ἡμέραις καὶ ἐκάλεσεν Ιησοῦς πάντα τὸν Ισραηλ τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους αὐτῶν καὶ τοὺς ἀρχηγούς αὐτῶν καὶ τοὺς κριτὰς αὐτῶν καὶ τοὺς γραμματεῖς αὐτῶν καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτούς ἐγὼ γέγηρα καὶ προέβηκα ἡμέραις.” (Septuagint)

After a considerable period of peace and prosperity, Joshua, now advanced in years, recognizes the need to address the nation’s leaders. This signifies a critical juncture: the generation that witnessed God’s miraculous deliverance is passing, and the new generation must be reminded of their covenantal obligations. The phrase “rest from all their enemies” underscores God’s faithfulness, but also hints at the temptation to become complacent. In our own lives, seasons of peace can breed spiritual lethargy; we must remain vigilant and active in our faith, lest we drift away from God’s commands. We need to use these times to grow and strengthen our relationship with the Lord, recognizing that spiritual growth is continuous and demands perseverance, and we can find many domain names for these types of ministries online.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius, in *De Incarnatione*, emphasizes the constant battle against spiritual enemies. Just as Israel had to continually fight for their land, we must strive against the temptations that surround us. The peace that God provides is not an end in itself, but an opportunity to grow in holiness and prepare for greater challenges. This requires continuous spiritual warfare and a commitment to living a life pleasing to God.

Joshua 23:3-5

“And ye have seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto all these nations because of you; for the Lord your God is he that hath fought for you. Behold, I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea westward. And the Lord your God, he shall expel them from before you, and drive them from out of your sight; and ye shall possess their land, as the Lord your God hath promised unto you.” (KJV)

Joshua reminds the leaders of the tangible evidence of God’s intervention. “Ye have seen” is a powerful statement emphasizing the importance of experiential faith. The phrase “the Lord your God is he that hath fought for you” highlights the fact that their victories were not due to their own strength, but God’s divine power. Dividing the land “by lot” underscores God’s sovereignty and impartial provision. He did not arbitrarily choose favorites, but rather allocated land according to His divine will, showing justice and fairness. God promised to expel the remaining nations, but their cooperation was still required. This highlights the balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. We, too, must actively participate in our salvation, trusting that God will complete the work He has begun in us. This collaboration between God and man reflects the synergy of grace and effort in the journey of sanctification.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on John, frequently emphasizes the synergy between divine grace and human effort in the pursuit of holiness. God provides the means and the power, but we must willingly and actively participate in the process.

Joshua 23:6-8

“Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left; That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them: But cleave unto the Lord your God, as ye have done unto this day.” (KJV)

Joshua’s exhortation calls for unwavering obedience and resolute commitment to God’s law. The phrase “be ye therefore very courageous” underscores the difficulty and the necessity of adhering to God’s commands. To cleave unto the Lord means to be intimately connected with Him. This closeness involves not only obedience but also love and devotion. Joshua is warning them to avoid any compromise with the Canaanites’ idolatry. The temptations of pagan practices are ever-present, requiring a firm resolve not to be influenced by the culture around them. For us today, it means resisting the allure of materialism, hedonism, and other values that contradict the teachings of Christ. We must constantly be vigilant to protect our spiritual integrity. This is very important for those of us who are called to ministry as teachers or speakers because of the responsibility we have in teaching only truth to those who are listening to us.

Patristic Insight: St. Basil the Great, in his writings on the Holy Spirit, highlights the importance of steadfastness in faith. He explains that unwavering commitment to God is crucial for receiving and maintaining the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Joshua 23:9-10

“For the Lord hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but as for you, no man hath been able to stand before you unto this day. One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the Lord your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.” (KJV)

Joshua reminds them of the past victories, emphasizing that their strength lies not in their own might, but in God’s power. “One man of you shall chase a thousand” is an incredible testimony to God’s power. This is a hyperbole illustrating the disproportionate impact of faith-filled individuals. It highlights the potential influence a single person can have when empowered by God. The promise that God fights for them underscores the idea that their success is rooted in divine action, not human ability. It affirms that God is actively involved in their lives, working on their behalf. In our lives, we may face daunting challenges that seem insurmountable, but with God’s presence and guidance, we can overcome any obstacle. Recognizing that God fights for us empowers us to approach life with confidence and courage, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles.

Patristic Insight: St. Augustine, in *Confessions*, reflects on his personal experience of God’s power in transforming his life. He realized that his own efforts were insufficient, but God’s grace enabled him to overcome sin and embrace faith.

Joshua 23:11-13

“Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the Lord your God. Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you: Know for a certainty that the Lord your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the Lord your God hath given you.” (KJV)

Joshua emphasizes the importance of loving God as the foundation of obedience. This love is not merely an emotion, but a commitment to following His commands and seeking His will. The warning against intermarriage highlights the danger of cultural and spiritual compromise. Intermarriage with the Canaanites would lead to the assimilation of pagan practices and the corruption of their faith. Compromising with the world’s values can lead to the erosion of our faith. Like Israel, we must be careful not to be enticed by the attractions of the world that lead us away from Christ. The consequence of disobedience is the loss of God’s protection and the eventual destruction of the nation. This serves as a solemn warning that the blessings of God are contingent upon faithfulness.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies on Ephesians, warns against the allure of worldly pleasures and the danger of compromising our faith for temporary gratification. He encourages believers to set their minds on eternal realities and to resist the temptations that lead to spiritual decay.

Joshua 23:14-16

“And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof. Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all good things are come upon you, which the Lord your God promised you; so shall the Lord bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the Lord your God hath given you. When ye have transgressed the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.” (KJV)

Joshua acknowledges his impending death, reminding them of the certainty of God’s promises – both blessings and curses. The phrase “I am going the way of all the earth” is a euphemism for death, underscoring the universal reality of mortality. Joshua is using his imminent departure to emphasize the urgency of his message. Their personal experience confirms that God’s promises are trustworthy. They have seen the fulfillment of His blessings, which should motivate them to obey His commands. The certainty of future curses is contingent upon their disobedience. Just as God has been faithful to His promises of blessing, He will be faithful to His warnings of judgment. This serves as a serious deterrent against unfaithfulness. We are called to live in light of the promises of God, knowing that His love and blessings are available to us when we follow His ways. Understanding the consequences of disobedience, we are inspired to pursue lives of integrity and faithfulness, reflecting the character of Christ in all our actions.

Patristic Insight: St. Gregory of Nyssa, in *On the Soul and the Resurrection*, reflects on the importance of living in light of eternity. He argues that a proper understanding of our mortality should lead us to prioritize spiritual values and to live lives of virtue and holiness.

Subtopic Sections 💡

Here are some key reflections and teachings from Joshua 23:

• Remember God’s Faithfulness: Constantly reflect on God’s past interventions in your life as a source of encouragement and strength.
• Obedience is Paramount: Prioritize obedience to God’s commandments above all else, recognizing that it is the pathway to lasting blessings.
• Avoid Compromise: Guard against the subtle influences of the world that can lead you away from Christ. Be vigilant in protecting your spiritual integrity.
• Love God with All Your Heart: Cultivate a deep and personal love for God, allowing it to motivate your obedience and actions.
• Live in Light of Eternity: Acknowledge the fleeting nature of earthly life and prioritize eternal values, seeking to glorify God in all that you do.
• Trust in God’s Promises: Embrace the assurance that God will fulfill His promises to those who remain faithful to Him.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Joshua 23:

• Q: What is the main theme of Joshua 23?
  A: The primary theme is the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding idolatry and compromise with the surrounding nations. It emphasizes that Israel’s continued prosperity and security depend entirely on their obedience to God’s commands.
• Q: Why did Joshua gather the leaders together at the end of his life?
  A: Joshua gathered the leaders to remind them of God’s faithfulness, warn them against the dangers of idolatry, and urge them to remain steadfast in their covenant with God. This was a final exhortation to ensure the future well-being of Israel.
• Q: What does it mean to “cleave unto the Lord”?
  A: To “cleave unto the Lord” means to be intimately connected with Him, demonstrating love, devotion, and unwavering obedience to His commands. It involves a deep and personal relationship with God that influences every aspect of life.
• Q: What is the significance of Joshua’s warning against intermarriage with the Canaanites?
  A: Joshua’s warning highlights the danger of cultural and spiritual compromise. Intermarriage with the Canaanites would lead to the assimilation of pagan practices and the corruption of Israel’s faith, ultimately leading to their downfall.

Conclusion ✨

Joshua 23, Joshua’s Farewell: Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve, is a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of faithfulness in our relationship with God. Joshua’s heartfelt plea to the leaders of Israel transcends time, urging us to examine our own lives and ensure that we are fully committed to serving God alone. It serves as a cautionary tale against the subtle allure of compromise and the dangers of forgetting God’s past faithfulness. By heeding Joshua’s wisdom, we can cultivate a steadfast faith that endures through all trials and leads us to the abundant blessings God has promised. Just as Israel had to constantly reaffirm their commitment to God, we too must continually choose to follow Him, allowing His love and guidance to shape our lives and transform us into reflections of His glory.

Tags

Faithfulness, Obedience, Idolatry, Covenant, Joshua, Old Testament, Coptic Orthodox, Spiritual Warfare, Promised Land, Leadership

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Explore Joshua 23, Joshua’s Farewell: Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve. Deep Coptic Orthodox commentary on faithfulness, obedience, and avoiding idolatry.