Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

23:1 A long time afterward. Specificity is not possible, but probably more than a quarter century has elapsed since Israel first crossed the Jordan into the land--assuming that Joshua was similar in age to Caleb at the beginning of the conquest (who was nearing 80; see note on 11:16-20), and in view of Joshua's age of 110 at death (24:29). had given rest. The reference in Heb. 4:8 does not deny this, but rather clarifies the truth that life in the earthly Promised Land does not automatically bring one to participate in God's own "rest."

23:4-5 I have allotted . . . those nations that remain. Joshua has obeyed the mandate he received in 13:1-7 (see 23:6). With respect to these remaining peoples, Joshua reminds Israel's leaders of the Lord's promise to drive them out ("dispossess"; cf. 13:6) and their responsibility to possess their land (cf. 13:1).

23:6 Joshua charges the leaders who are to succeed him to be very strong, just as he had been charged three times in 1:5-9. Here he highlights only the central, key point: their greatest duty and challenge is to live and lead according to all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses (cf. 1:7-8).

23:7-8 The key question facing the generation following Joshua is whom they will serve: the gods of the nations remaining or the true God of Israel (cf. v. 16). Allegiance to the gods of other nations continued to be the primary threat Israel faced while living among (mix with) the nations (cf. Ps. 106:34-36).

23:15-16 The same God who is true to his word in keeping his promises of blessing will be true to fulfill his threats (all the evil things, v. 15) if Israel breaks covenant with him and decides to serve other gods. Key Mosaic expositions of blessings and curses are found in Lev. 26:14-46 and Deut. 28:15-68.