Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left (verse 6).
Message: An Exhortation to Faithfulness
Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components.
What the Lord is Saying: Joshua is older now, advanced in years, and he calls all of the leaders of Israel together to speak to them. He speaks of the Lord God and all that God has done for them - fighting for them. Land has been provided for you. Possess it, but also be a people that will "Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left (verse 6)." God has gave these people a lot. He provided them land and rescued them from dangers and in return, the people owe them their life to follow his words throughout their lives. He provides, we respond. People owe it to him.
He exhorts the people to not associate with the nations and their gods. They are not to serve them or bow down to them. And there is application today for me as well. We are to be a people about Him, loving God and serving Him. It seems like anything that is selfish or for me might be a god today. Entertainment at times I think can be a god, even watching basketball to no end or movies or listening to music. I guess I think of these as gods or idolatry if they start getting in the way of my relationship with God and serving him. The admonishment from Joshua was to not associate with them. But instead "you are to cling to the Lord your God." I like that word -- "cling." It gives an idea of hold on tight or grab a hold of. We cling because it says later, "the Lord your God is He who fights for you (verse 10)." And "love the Lord your God (v. 11)." Then Joshua gives a warning about clinging in the wrong sort of way. Do not go and cling to the nations, intermarry. When we do, the Lord is not near to us to fight for us.
It seems people simply expect God to bless them no matter what and think they can live their lives however they want. And yet God seems clear here that what we need is to cling to him and serve him. The anger of the Lord is mentioned so it is real and we need to watch out from this anger and stay clear from it.
Summary: Joshua tells the people as he is aging that they need to cling to the Lord and not serve other gods. God will keep fighting for us as we do this.
Promise: Let us continue trusting the Lord this day, and let us encourage the generations that follow us to do the same.
Prayer: O God, you are rich in mercy. You provide for me and bless me in ways I cannot fathom. I don't give you enough credit. Thank you for the setting this land before me and giving it to me. You have been faithful to me. Now, help me to be faithful to you and live in a way that honors you. Forgive me for my sins and getting angry so often. Keep me focused on You o God, relying on You God at all times. Keep me far from idolatry and going after things that are not about You. I want to live in a way that leaves no question as to my allegiance to You.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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