Josué 23
David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
Josué 23
Guzik points out that "Joshua begins his address by giving glory to God. It would have been easy for Joshua to focus on what he had done as a military leader, especially because it was impressive. But he is far more interested in glorifying God than talking about himself.
Josué 23
Guzik has an interesting comment on to the right hand or to the left - They must not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left, because Satan doesn’t care which extreme he gets us off to. Either legalism or licentiousness please him. John J Davis summarizes Joshua's charge in this chapter - Two principal requirements were laid before Israel with regard to future occupation of their territory. The first was unqualified obedience to the Word of God (vv. 1-6). As in the first chapter of this book, so we are again reminded of the authority of the written Word of God. The principles for godly activity were not to be found in the land of Canaan, but were clearly revealed in the book of the law of Moses (v. 6). The second qualification for prosperity of the land involved separation (vv. 7-16). That separation had both a negative and a positive aspect. Israel was to be separated from the gods of the land (v. 7; cf. Ex 23:13; Deut. 12:3). They were also to remain separate from the peoples of the nations (v. 7). The positive aspect of their separation is described in the eighth verse. They were separated not only from the world about them but unto their God. (Conquest and Crisis: Studies in Joshua,) Be...firm (02388)(chazaq) conveys the basic meaning of to be or become strong, to make strong or strengthen, in the Hiphil to take hold of or seize ("retain His anger" - Mic 7:18+), in the Hithpael to strengthen oneself (to take courage 1 Sa 30:6). To be courageous. To overpower. Chazaq describes strength - severity of a famine (a "strong" famine) (2 Ki 25:3, Jer 52:6), strength of humans to overpower (David and Goliath 1 Sa 17:50, cf 1 Sa 17:35 = seized;, Amnon and Tamar = 2 Sa 13:14), in a battle, to capture (2 Chr 8:3), Samson's last demonstration of supernatural strength he prays "please strengthen me" (Jdg 16:28). Used in the charge "Be strong and courageous" (Josh 1:6, 7, 9,18, Josh 10:25, "be firm" = Josh 23:6; "Be strong and courageous" = Dt 31:6-7, 23). Chazaq used 12 times in Ex 4-14 of hardening Pharaoh's heart (cf similar use in Josh 11:20). In a great passage in Da 11:32+ we read "“By smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength (chazaq) and take action." Chazaq used 8x in Joshua - Jos. 1:6; Jos. 1:7; Jos. 1:9; Jos. 1:18; Jos. 10:25; Jos. 11:20; Jos. 17:13; Jos. 23:6; Keep (careful, guard, kept, observe, watch) (08104) shamar conveys the basic idea = exercise great care over something. Thus it means to keep, watch, preserve, to guard, to be careful, to watch over, to watch carefully over, be circumspect, to be on one’s guard. Hedge about as with thorns - the word the Hebrews used for a shepherd’s keeping watch over a flock of sheep. Conveyed the idea of protection as in Ps 121:7-8+ (used 3 times!) In the great Aaronic blessing Nu 6:24+. The first use of shamar in Ge 2:15 is instructive as Adam was placed in the garden (a perfect environment) and was commanded to "keep" it which in the Septuagint is translated with phulasso (which is used to translate many of the OT uses of shamar and is used here in Joshua 23:6) which means to guard like a military sentinel would at his post, to keep from escaping, be on guard from being lost or perishing (2Ti 1:14). Clearly Adam did not do a good job at "keeping" the garden safe from intruders! And because of this failure he was cast out of the garden and angels stationed to "guard (Lxx = phulasso) the way to the tree of life" so that he would not eat of it (Ge 3:24+). Hedge keeps outsiders out and insiders in! After Cain murdered Abel he answered God "Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Ge 4:9) Keep the Law (shamar torah) = 8x in OT: 1Chr 22:12 Ps 119:44, 55, 136 Pr 28:4, 29:18 Jer 16:1 Eze 44:24 Translated in NASB a few times as a noun: bodyguard, doorkeeper, gate keeper, guardsman, sentries, watchman, watchmen. Sidlow Baxter - Chapters 23-24 - The Farewell of Joshua. Finally, we have the parting counsels of the now aged Joshua. We must not linger over the touching scene. The faithful leader's words unveil the concern of his heart for the privileged nation. For some years now, Israel had been enjoying the rest and plenty of Canaan. What of the future? All depended on whether or not Israel would continue faithful to the covenant. Joshua's words do not conceal his apprehensiveness. Seven times he refers to the idolatrous nations still left in Canaan. He knew the snare they would be to Israel; and he therefore prescribed three safeguards. First, there must be brave adherence to God's word (Josh 23:6). Second, there must be a vigilantly continued separation from the Canaanite nations (Josh 23:7). And, there must be a cleaving to the Lord with real and fervent love (Josh 23:8-11). This is the gist of these closing chapters; and these are the three indispensable conditions (just as truly today as in Joshua's day) for a continuing in the experience of the "fulness of blessing." There must be (1) a living close to fthe word of God; (2) a consistent separation from all known wrong; (3) a cleaving to God with the best love of the heart. Truly, in the words of 1 John 5:3, "His commandments are not grievous," and they who fulfil them find indeed a Canaan of spiritual, blessing, of peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, of heavenly fellowship and treasure, which this world can neither give nor take away. In these last two chapters, then, the emphasis is upon the need and the way of continuance. Thus, in this third part of the Book of Joshua, we have: Joshua 13-19. Partition of Canaan - faith rewarded. Joshua 20. The Cities of Refuge - faith protected. Joshua 21. The Levite's portion - faith preserved. Joshua 22. The Altar of Witness - faith unifying. Joshua 23-24. Farewell of Joshua - faith continuing. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 23 Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do. See observations on Joshua 1:7–9. Joshua 23:6-8 Dr. Woodrow Kroll - Pass It Along Joshua 23:6-8 - Therefore be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, lest you turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left, and lest you go among these nations, these who remain among you. You shall not make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause anyone to swear by them; you shall not serve them nor bow down to them, but you shall hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day. Pass It Along - Sometimes we wonder why God allows certain things to happen to us. "Why did God allow my child to die?" "Why was I stricken with cancer?" "Why do I have to face such a struggle with finances?" There's no one answer that fits every situation. But sometimes God allows us to undergo certain experiences so we can pass along the things we learn to those following us. As he assumed the leadership of Israel, Joshua faced times of great fear and uncertainty. In the midst of those difficulties, God encouraged him with the exhortation, "only be strong and very courageous" (Joshua 1:7). Furthermore, the Lord commanded him, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth … that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it" (Joshua 1:8). Joshua had learned a great deal from the hardships he suffered and, as he approached the latter years of his life, he shared this wisdom with the ones who would be leaders after he was gone. As God's people, we have a responsibility to pass on to the younger generation those truths God has taught us. Some call this "mentoring." The apostle Paul exhorted both Timothy and Titus to encourage the older generation to be teachers and encouragers of those who are younger (see notes 2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 2:3; 2:4; 2:5). Don't waste the wisdom God has shared with you. Sometimes younger people don't seem to want to listen, so be creative in your mentoring. Learn to pass on truth in the form of stories or even write them in a notebook. Don't let the truths God has taught you go to waste. If God considers it a lesson worth learning, we must consider it worth sharing. Joshua 23:7 so that you will not associate with these nations, these which remain among you, or mention the name of their gods, or make anyone swear by them, or serve them, or bow down to them. KJV Joshua 23:7 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: NET Joshua 23:7 or associate with these nations that remain near you. You must not invoke or make solemn declarations by the names of their gods! You must not worship or bow down to them! BGT Joshua 23:7 ὅπως μὴ εἰσέλθητε εἰς τὰ ἔθνη τὰ καταλελειμμένα ταῦτα καὶ τὰ ὀνόματα τῶν θεῶν αὐτῶν οὐκ ὀνομασθήσεται ἐν ὑμῖν οὐδὲ μὴ προσκυνήσητε αὐτοῖς οὐδὲ μὴ λατρεύσητε αὐτοῖς NLT Joshua 23:7 Make sure you do not associate with the other people still remaining in the land. Do not even mention the names of their gods, much less swear by them or serve them or worship them. ESV Joshua 23:7 that you may not mix with these nations remaining among you or make mention of the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them, NIV Joshua 23:7 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. YLT Joshua 23:7 so as not to go in among these nations, these who are left with you; and of the name of their gods ye do not make mention, nor do ye swear, nor do ye serve them, nor do ye bow yourselves to them; LXE Joshua 23:7 that ye go not in among these nations that are left; and the names of their gods shall not be named among you, neither shall ye serve them, neither shall ye bow down to them. CSB Joshua 23:7 and so that you do not associate with these nations remaining among you. Do not call on the names of their gods or make an oath to them; do not worship them or bow down to them. NKJ Joshua 23:7 "and lest you go among these nations, these who remain among you. You shall not make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause anyone to swear by them; you shall not serve them nor bow down to them, NRS Joshua 23:7 so that you may not be mixed with these nations left here among you, or make mention of the names of their gods, or swear by them, or serve them, or bow yourselves down to them, You will not associate:Jos 23:12 Ex 23:33 De 7:2-3 Pr 4:14 1Co 15:33 2Co 6:14-17 Eph 5:11 neither: Ex 23:13 Nu 32:38 Ps 16:4 Ho 2:17 to swear: Jer 5:7 Zep 1:5 Related Passages: Exodus 23:13+ “Now concerning everything which I have said to you, be on your guard; and do not mention the name of other gods, nor let them be heard from your mouth. Exodus 23:33+ “They shall not live in your land, because they will make you sin against Me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.” Exodus 20:5; “You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, Judges 2:19 But it came about when the judge died, that they would turn back and act more corruptly than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them and bow down to them; they did not abandon their practices or their stubborn ways. Deuteronomy 7:2-3+ and when the LORD your God delivers them before you and you defeat them, then you shall utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them and show no favor to them. 3“Furthermore, you shall not intermarry with them; you shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor shall you take their daughters for your sons. Proverbs 4:14+ Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed in the way of evil men. 1 Corinthians 15:33+ Do not be deceived (STOP BEING DECEIVED! - present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey): “Bad company corrupts (present tense - continually corrupts) good morals.” Numbers 32:38+ and Nebo and Baal-meon–their names being changed–and Sibmah, and they gave other names to the cities which they built. Psalm 16:4 The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied; I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood, Nor will I take their names upon my lips. Hosea 2:17 “For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, So that they will be mentioned by their names no more. Romans 12:2+ And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. CALL FOR SEPARATION So that - Important purpose clause - gives the purpose for staying on the road of obedience and not deviating to the right or the left. You will not associate (mixed) with these nations, these which remain (sha'ar/sa'ar) among you - NLT = "Make sure you do not associate with the other people still remaining in the land." Associate in the Septuagint is eiserchomai and means to go in among and to begin to experience, to share in something or to enjoy something. Bush - That ye have no familiar intercourse, nor form intimate connexions with them; which could not be done without contracting some measure of the defilement which their idolatries and iniquities had brought upon them. ‘Evil communications corrupt good manners.’ (1 Corinthians 15:33+) The prohibition, as appears from Joshua 23:12, is pointed especially at intermarriages with their heathen neighbors. (Notes) THOUGHT - If we are to experience victory over our mortal enemies, the world, the flesh and the devil, and enjoy close communion and fellowship with the Most High God, we too must separate from the world, James writing "keep oneself unstained by the world." (James 1:27+) This principle is emphasized by Paul writing to the Corinthians (who were surrounded by a culture immersed in idolatry and immorality - sounds like America doesn't it?) 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, 7:1 (see commentary)... Do not be bound (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. 17 “Therefore, COME OUT (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE (aorist imperative),” says the Lord. “AND DO NOT TOUCH (present imperative with a negative) WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you. 18“ And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty. (2Co 7:1+) THEREFORE, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. TSK - Have no civil or social contacts with them, as these will infallibly lead to spiritual affinities, in consequence of which, ye will make honourable "mention of the name of their gods," "swear by them" "and serve" them in their abominable rites; and "bow yourselves unto them," as your creators and preservers. (ED: AS ISRAEL DID AT SINAI - SEE "This is your god..." = Ex 32:4+). All this will follow by simply coming among them. He who walks in the counsel of the ungodly, will soon stand in the way of sinners, and sit in the seat of scorners (Ps 1:1+). DON'T EVEN MENTION THEIR GOD'S NAMES! or mention the name of their gods or make anyone swear (shaba) by them - NLT = "Make sure you do not associate with the other people still remaining in the land. Do not even mention the names of their gods, much less swear by them or serve them or worship them." Mention (zakar = to remember) is more literally "cause to be remembered." So it would be potentially deceptive and ensnaring to remember their names, for this might stir up the fallen flesh to follow up the thoughts (mention, memory) with acts or action. As a man thinks within himself, so he is (Pr 23:7). Paul gives a very similar exhortation to followers of Christ who like Israel, need to possess all that the Lord has promised us in Christ... Do not participate (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) (cf "not associate...") in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak (cf "mention the name...") of the things which are done by them in secret.(Ephesians 5:11-12+) Bush on swear by them - To swear by any god was virtually to acknowledge him as a witness and avenger in the case of the violation of contracts, and so in effect a suitable object of religious worship. It is implied that they were not to make any covenants with idolaters, because in confirming their covenants they would swear by their idols. ‘Let no Israelite be a party to any transaction which should involve such a consequence. Neither swear by them yourselves, nor cause others by your procurement to do it.’ By neglecting these slighter occasions of idolatry they might be imperceptibly betrayed into it, and led along by degrees, till they had finally reached its highest step (ED: SIN IS A SLIPPERY SLOPE!), which was serving false gods, and bowing down to them, in direct transgression of the letter of the second commandment (Ex 20:3) (Notes) Or serve (abad; NET - worship) them, or bow down (shachah) to them - The Septuagint is particularly strong here using proskuneo for bow down and latreuo for serve (thus the NET rendering of "worship") with a double negative (ou me) preceding both the verbs thus signifying absolutely do not do this! This reminds one of the 3 Hebrew boys who refused to bow down to the image Nebuchadnezzar set up (see Daniel 3:13-18+). Guzik comments that "An old Mafia saying says something to the effect of, “Keep your friends close, but your enemies even closer” but this is exactly what Christians are not to do. The normal Christian, by and large, is not called to become en expert in the cults or in heresy, but to become an expert in Jesus Christ—to hold fast to Him. Bow down (07812)(shachah) means primarily to bow down, to prostrate oneself, to crouch, to fall down, to humbly beseech, to do reverence, to worship as before a king or a superior and thus paying homage (Gen. 43:28).Bowing down in worship to Yahweh (Ge 24:26). In the Psalms shachah describes all the earth bowing down in worship to God as a response to His great power (Ps. 66:4); or bowing down in worship and kneeling before the Lord (Ps. 95:6) because God Alone deserves this worship. Joseph in a prophecy described the sheaves of his brothers and parents bowing down to his sheaf (Ge 37:7). Joshua instructed the people of Israel not to associate with the nations remaining around them and not to bow down to or serve any of their gods. He instructed Israel to hold fast to the true God, Yahweh (Josh. 23:7). In Zephaniah, when Yahweh destroys all the gods of the land, the nations on every shore will worship Him (Zeph. 2:11). Septuagint often uses proskuneo for bow down or worship. Shachah in Joshua - Jos. 5:14; Jos. 23:7; Jos. 23:16; GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 23 Neither make mention of the name of their gods. Or, Heb. תזכירו tozkirū, cause to be remembered. Instead of showing the least respect to their idols, they were to endeavor, on the contrary, to bury the remembrance of them in perpetual oblivion; let their very names be forgotten. So David says of false gods, Ps. 16:4, Their "names will I not take up into my lips." On the same principle, God says, Hos. 2:16-17, ‘At that day thou shalt call me Ishi; and shall call me no more Baali. For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name.’ Though Baali and Ishi signify the same thing, yet as the former was the appropriated name of idols, he would have it no longer employed, even in reference to himself. The habitual mention of the names of idols would go gradually to diminish the abhorrence in which they were bound to hold them, and eventually to introduce the custom of swearing by them in common discourse. This would infallibly tend to the general prevalence, if not to the formal establishment of idolatrous practices among them. In like manner it may be seriously questioned, whether the paintings, statues, and poems, which abound in Christian countries, replete with allusions to the detestable heathen mythology, have not a most pernicious effect in lessening a just abhorrence of the Greek and Roman idolatry, and thus subserving the cause of scepticism, infidelity, and vice. Joshua 23:8 "But you are to cling to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day. Jos 22:5 De 4:4 10:20 11:22 13:4 Ac 11:23 Related Passages: Deuteronomy 10:20 “You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name. Deuteronomy 11:22 “For if you are careful to keep all this commandment which I am commanding you to do, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and hold fast to Him, Deuteronomy 13:4 “You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him. Deuteronomy 30:20 by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.” SEPARATE FOR IDOLS CLING TO GOD But - In football some say the best defense is a good offense. Cling to God. The hymn writer says it this way Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full in his wonderful face And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of his glory and grace you are to cling (dabaq - be loyal) to the LORD your God - Joshua's point is that if Israel will continue to dedicate themselves to Yahweh as they have done (Josh 23:8,11), then their past successes (Josh 23:9,10) will continue (cf. 2Sa 12:8). Cling is used three times in Joshua's words of farewell, signifying that this is an important attitude/action for Israel (Jos. 22:5; Jos. 23:8; Jos. 23:12) It is interesting that sometimes today we speak negatively of a clingy person. But God wants clingy people! The idea is we are to be like little children who tend to stay very close to the mother for sustenance, protection, etc. As you have done to this day - They had made a good beginning, obeying the Lord's command to conquer the land. Now Joshua is calling for perseverance of the practice of obedience. Facts of the Matter - Newell Hillis - Devotional from February 7: Clinging To The Lord Your God " You are to cling to the Lord your God." – These were Joshua's parting words to wayward Israel, just before his death. ( Joshua 23:8) CLING: " To hold fast to something, as by grasping, sticking, embracing, or winding around". As a wet raincoat would CLING to your back.As a person on the verge of death would CLING to life. "To remain attached in thought or practice". " To follow close after, pursue hard; to resist separation". Jesus put it this way: " If anyone wants to follow in my footsteps, he must give up all right to himself… and keep close behind me." (Luke 9:23a+ – Phillips) CLINGING conveys the sense of desperation: That there is no other viable option. QUESTION: ARE YOU CLINGING TO CHRIST? Or to: Your bank account? Your reputation? Your capabilities? SELF SUFFICIENCY is the arrogant assumption that I can go it alone… without God. CLINGING is the humble acknowledgment that I must be intimately connected to God for life to make sense and to be worth living. In Joshua's admonition to CLING to God he gives this warning: " If you ever go back and CLING to the rest of these nations (i.e. the world and its values)… (they) shall be to you as: A snare and a trap… A whip on your sides… Thorns in your eyes… until you perish from off this good land which the Lord your God has given you." (Joshua 23:12) QUESTIONS: Are you CLINGING to Christ? Or do you have it so together that you can go it alone? If so, are you willing to pay the price of independence? Rod Mattoon - How do we cleave to the Lord? C—CONFESS your sin to Him. L—LOVE THE LORD E—EXAMINE yourself, your attitudes and actions daily. A—APPLY the Word of God in your life and be AVAILABLE to Him. V—VOICE your prayers to the Lord. E—EXPLORE God’s Word daily. Cling (hold fast, cleave) (1692) dabaq means to stick to, adhere to, cling to, join with, stay with, stay in close proximity to and which yields the noun form for "glue". Dabaq describes something that sticks or clings to something else (Ezek 29:4 and Ezekiel’s tongue to roof of his mouth Ezek. 3:26). It is interesting that one of the most concentrated uses of "dabaq" in the OT is found in this short story of Ruth (Ru 1:14, 2:8, 2:21, 23-see notes Ru 1:14; 2:8; 21; 23) -- Ruth 2:8 "stay here with my maids"; Ruth 2:21 "‘You should stay close to my servants"; Ruth 2:23 "So she stayed close by the maids of Boaz"; A derivative word debeq means “soldering.” All of these meanings are great illustrations of what our relationship should be like with our Lord. We are to abhor that which is evil and cleave to that which is good (Romans 12:9). Dabaq often refers to physical things sticking to each other, especially parts of the body as described vividly by Job who said "My bone clings to my skin and my flesh, and I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth" (Job 19:20, cf one's tongue "stuck to their palate" Job 29:10). King Hezekiah heeded this instruction and "clung to the LORD; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the LORD had commanded Moses." and the result of his clinging was that "Jehovah was with him; wherever he went he prospered." (2Ki 18:6 18:7, cf : Ps 63:8) A vivid picture of the meaning of dabaq is found in David's declaration "I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me." (Ps 101:3), picturing the power of sin to entrap the sinner. (Spurgeon on Ps 101:3) Positive clinging and negative clinging: Deuteronomy 10:20 “You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name. Deuteronomy 11:22 “For if you are careful to keep all this commandment which I am commanding you to do, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and hold fast to Him, Deuteronomy 13:4 “You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him. Deuteronomy 13:17 “Nothing from that which is put under the ban shall cling to your hand, in order that the LORD may turn from His burning anger and show mercy to you, and have compassion on you and make you increase, just as He has sworn to your fathers, Deuteronomy 28:21 “The LORD will make the pestilence cling to you until He has consumed you from the land where you are entering to possess it. Deuteronomy 28:60 “He will bring back on you all the diseases of Egypt of which you were afraid, and they will cling to you. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.” GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 23 Cleave unto the Lord your God, &c. Delight in him, depend upon him, devote yourselves to his glory, and continue to do so unto the end, as you have done unto this day; ever since arriving in Canaan. For since that time, though there might have been many things more or less amiss among them, yet the nation at large had behaved much better than they did in the wilderness, and had not been guilty of any open or gross apostasy from God, but had followed him with exemplary fidelity. Joshua 23:9 "For the LORD has driven out great and strong nations from before you; and as for you, no man has stood before you to this day. KJV Joshua 23:9 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. NET Joshua 23:9 "The LORD drove out from before you great and mighty nations; no one has been able to resist you to this very day. BGT Joshua 23:9 καὶ ἐξωλέθρευσεν αὐτοὺς κύριος ἀπὸ προσώπου ὑμῶν ἔθνη μεγάλα καὶ ἰσχυρά καὶ ὑμῖν οὐθεὶς ἀντέστη κατενώπιον ὑμῶν ἕως τῆς ἡμέρας ταύτης NLT Joshua 23:9 "For the LORD has driven out great and powerful nations for you, and no one has yet been able to defeat you. ESV Joshua 23:9 For the LORD has driven out before you great and strong nations. And as for you, no man has been able to stand before you to this day. NIV Joshua 23:9 "The LORD has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. YLT Joshua 23:9 And Jehovah is dispossessing from before you nations great and mighty; as for you, none hath stood in your presence till this day; LXE Joshua 23:9 And the Lord shall destroy them before you, even great and strong nations; and no one has stood before us until this day. CSB Joshua 23:9 "The LORD has driven out great and powerful nations before you, and no one is able to stand against you to this day. NKJ Joshua 23:9 "For the LORD has driven out from before you great and strong nations; but as for you, no one has been able to stand against you to this day. NRS Joshua 23:9 For the LORD has driven out before you great and strong nations; and as for you, no one has been able to withstand you to this day. NAB Joshua 23:9 At your approach the LORD has driven out large and strong nations, and to this day no one has withstood you. NJB Joshua 23:9 Yahweh has dispossessed great and powerful nations before you, and no one so far has been able to resist you. For the Lord: Jos 23:5 21:43,44 De 11:23 no man: Jos 1:5,8,9 15:14 Related Passages: Joshua 3:10 Joshua said, “By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will assuredly dispossess from before you the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Hivite, the Perizzite, the Girgashite, the Amorite, and the Jebusite. Joshua 13:6 “All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon as far as Misrephoth-maim, all the Sidonians, I will drive them out from before the sons of Israel; only allot it to Israel for an inheritance as I have commanded you. Numbers 33:52; 55 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their figured stones, and destroy all their molten images and demolish all their high places ....‘But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come about that those whom you let remain of them will become as pricks in your eyes and as thorns in your sides, and they will trouble you in the land in which you live. Deuteronomy 4:38 driving out from before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in and to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is today. Deuteronomy 9:1 “Hear, O Israel! You are crossing over the Jordan today to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, great cities fortified to heaven, Deuteronomy 11:23 then the LORD will drive out all these nations from before you, and you will dispossess nations greater and mightier than you. For Term of explanation. Explaining why they should cling to the Lord and persevere in devotion (and obedience) to Yahweh. The LORD has driven out great and strong nations from before you; and as for you, no man has stood before you to this day - These were truths that were indisputable. These where truths which should serve as the foundation for their future obedience. If God had been for them in the past in such clear, powerful ways, He would continue. Some see this passage as pointing to the future, which does flow well into Joshua 23:10.
Josué 23
Guzik - Continuing in God’s love will mean that they keep themselves separate from the ungodly influences around them; they must keep themselves unspotted from the world (James 1:27). P G Matthew - —Joshua 23:12–13 In both the Old and New Testaments, God commands his people to separate themselves from the pagan world. We are not to conform to the pattern of this world, for we are the light of the world. So in Joshua 23, Joshua told the people, “Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them.” That would be idolatry. God had left some of the nations in the land to test his people, to see whether they would demonstrate their love for him by serving and worshiping him only. In verses 12–13, Joshua went on to issue a strong warning to the Israelites, a divine threat of covenant sanctions that the people would, in fact, experience in subsequent years. Consider, for example, the case of King Solomon. He rejected the biblical mandate to be separate and holy; instead, he became fascinated with pagan women. What was the outcome? His kingdom was torn in two. We must be careful not to associate with paganism, whether the outright paganism of the world, or the more subtle variety found in many of today’s evangelical churches, where the emphasis is on entertainment and affluence rather than the word of God. In Numbers 23:9, we find Balaam, though himself a pagan, declaring this truth about God’s people: “I see a people who live apart and do not consider themselves one of the nations.” This is divine separation. Christians are to be in the world but not of the world. In 2 Corinthians 6:14–18, the apostle Paul exhorts the church, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.” This applies to unbelievers in the world as well as unbelievers in the church. Then he asks, “For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?” What is the expected answer? Nothing! “What fellowship can light have with darkness?” None! “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” In all generations, God’s people are to be separate, holy unto their covenant Lord. “Be ye holy, for I am holy,” says the Lord. Joshua 23:13 know with certainty that the LORD your God will not continue to drive these nations out from before you; but they will be a snare and a trap to you, and a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land which the LORD your God has given you. KJV Joshua 23:13 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. NET Joshua 23:13 know for certain that the LORD our God will no longer drive out these nations from before you. They will trap and ensnare you; they will be a whip that tears your sides and thorns that blind your eyes until you disappear from this good land the LORD your God gave you. BGT Joshua 23:13 γινώσκετε ὅτι οὐ μὴ προσθῇ κύριος τοῦ ἐξολεθρεῦσαι τὰ ἔθνη ταῦτα ἀπὸ προσώπου ὑμῶν καὶ ἔσονται ὑμῖν εἰς παγίδας καὶ εἰς σκάνδαλα καὶ εἰς ἥλους ἐν ταῖς πτέρναις ὑμῶν καὶ εἰς βολίδας ἐν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς ὑμῶν ἕως ἂν ἀπόλησθε ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς τῆς ἀγαθῆς ταύτης ἣν ἔδωκεν ὑμῖν κύριος ὁ θεὸς ὑμῶν NLT Joshua 23:13 then know for certain that the LORD your God will no longer drive them out of your land. Instead, they will be a snare and a trap to you, a whip for your backs and thorny brambles in your eyes, and you will vanish from this good land the LORD your God has given you. ESV Joshua 23:13 know for certain that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you, but they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good ground that the LORD your God has given you. NIV Joshua 23:13 then you may be sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land, which the LORD your God has given you. YLT Joshua 23:13 know certainly that Jehovah your God is not continuing to dispossess these nations from before you, and they have been to you for a gin, and for a snare, and for a scourge, in your sides, and for thorns in your eyes, till ye perish from off this good ground which Jehovah your God hath given to you. LXE Joshua 23:13 know that the Lord will no more destroy these nations from before you; and they will be to you snares and stumbling-blocks, and nails in your heels, and darts in your eyes, until ye be destroyed from off this good land, which the Lord your God has given you. CSB Joshua 23:13 know for certain that the LORD your God will not continue to drive these nations out before you. They will become a snare and a trap for you, a scourge for your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you disappear from this good land the LORD your God has given you. NKJ Joshua 23:13 "know for certain that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations from before you. But they shall be snares and traps to you, and scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land which the LORD your God has given you. NRS Joshua 23:13 know assuredly that the LORD your God will not continue to drive out these nations before you; but they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a scourge on your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you. NAB Joshua 23:13 know for certain that the LORD, your God, will no longer drive these nations out of your way. Instead they will be a snare and a trap for you, a scourge for your sides and thorns for your eyes, until you perish from this good land which the LORD, your God, has given you. NJB Joshua 23:13 then know for certain that Yahweh your God will stop dispossessing these nations before you, and for you they will be a snare, a pitfall, thorns in your sides and thistles in your eyes, until you vanish from this fine country given you by Yahweh your God. will: Ex 23:33 Nu 33:55 De 7:16 Jdg 2:2-3 Ps 106:35-39 snares: De 7:16 Jdg 2:3 1Ki 11:4 Ps 69:22 2Ti 2:26 perish: Lev 26:31-35 De 4:26 28:63-68 29:28 30:18 2Ki 17:22,23 2Ki 25:21,26 Lu 21:24 Related Passages: Psalms 106:35-39 (NOTE THE VERBS IN BOLD) But they mingled with the nations And learned their practices, 36 And served their idols, Which became a snare to them. 37 They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons, 38 And shed innocent blood, The blood of their sons and their daughters, Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; And the land was polluted with the blood. 39 Thus they became unclean in their practices, And played the harlot in their deeds. Exodus 23:33 “They shall not live in your land, because they will make you sin against Me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.” Exodus 34:12 “Watch yourself that you make no covenant with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, or it will become a snare in your midst. Deuteronomy 7:16 “You shall consume all the peoples whom the LORD your God will deliver to you; your eye shall not pity them, nor shall you serve their gods, for that would be a snare to you. Numbers 33:55 But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come about that those whom you let remain of them will become as pricks in your eyes and as thorns in your sides, and they will trouble you in the land in which you live. Judges 2:1-3 Now the Angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim. And he said, “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land which I have sworn to your fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you, 2 and as for you, you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed Me; what is this you have done?“Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out before you; but they will become as thorns in your sides and their gods will be a snare to you.’” Deuteronomy 4:26 (THIS STRONG WARNING WAS GIVEN TO THE SECOND GENERATION - SAME GROUP JOSHUA IS ADDRESSING SOME 25 YEARS LATER) I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that you will surely perish quickly from the land where you are going over the Jordan to possess it. You shall not live long on it, but will be utterly destroyed. Deuteronomy 7:4 “For they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods; then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you and He will quickly destroy you. A Snare...A Trap THE RESULT OF TURNING AWAY TORTURE AND DEFEAT Know with certainty that the LORD (Jehovah) your God will not continue to drive these nations out from before you - Know with certainty means beyond a shadow of a doubt! In Hebrew for emphasis words were repeated and so in this case yada is repeated - yada, yada. How different is God's yada, yada from the worlds "Yada, yada," which describes boring or empty talk often used interjectionally especially in recounting words regarded as too dull or predictable to be worth repeating. God's yada, yada are words worth repeating so that the divine promises of the ever faithful God are not forgotten! The effect of clinging, intermarrying and associating with the idol worshiping peoples would bring about a loss of God's power to enable Israel to continue to drive out the pagans and ironically would incur the use of God's power to drive the people of Israel off the good land!. THOUGHT - Compare the loss of God's power to "drive out" the enemies of our soul when we sin and grieve or quench the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30, 1Th 5:19). If you are not experiencing victory over the the world, the flesh and the devil, then it is not because God does not have the power to defeat these strong foes, but because you have blunted His power through unconfessed, unrepentant sins.
Josué 23
Guzik - What today is only an “innocent Canaanite” in our lives may become a torture and a snare tomorrow. These ungodly influences never advertise themselves as instruments of torture; they present themselves as wonderful things—but we must see past all this. Redpath - “How often we see that the temptation we have pampered and encouraged and indulged in has become a scourge and a thorn in our side. The compromising Christian is not a happy man. Let the enemy remain in a Christian life, let him have one foothold, and he soon becomes a scourge.” But - Term of contrast. This usually marks a "change of direction," and in this context a striking change from victory to defeat - a chilling prediction which came to fruition in the book of Judges! They will be a snare (pach/pah; Lxx-pagis) and a trap (moqesh; Lxx- skandalon) to you, and a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes - Note the vivid frightening picture - snare...trap...whip...thorns! Disobedience would bring painful suffering! This sounds miserable and it is meant to sound miserable as a warning! So even before they would perish off the good land, they would be inflicted with misery in their lives. The best description of this misery is the entire book of Judges which lasted for about 300 years (25% of Israel's history in the OT)! THOUGHT - There are Christians that are tormented with immoral thoughts, lusts and habits, sins that they should not be involved with (but ponder the solemn charge by Paul in 2Co 13:5+). Why? because of repeated disobedience. God meets you at your point of obedience. The chief source of failure in our life is tolerance of incomplete obedience to God's whole counsel (which is really 100% disobedience!). Are there enemies in your land? Are there enemies that you have permitted to remain in your land? If there are, then you (AND I) need to kill them! See Ro 8:13+ and Col 3:5+. Thus the way of sin is down-hill, and those who have fellowship with sinners, cannot avoid having fellowship with sin. -- Matthew Henry Until - This is an important expression of time and means up to the point in time or the event mentioned, in this case Israel perishing off of the good land (phrase found only 3x in Josh - Josh 23:13, 15, 16). You perish (abad) from off this good (pleasant) land which the LORD your God has given you - Yes, God had graciously given Israel the land, but Israel could lose the blessing. The condition for continued enjoyment of the blessings of the LORD was (AND STILL IS) obedience to His holy Word. The Hebrew for perish (abad) is translated in the Septuagint with apollumi which means ruined or destroyed. Historically Israel was exiled from off this good land. THOUGHT - Beware! Do not confuse God's patience in your life (especially with your poor choices) with His approval (of your choices)! Beware of demanding your own way (your "rights"), because eventually God may give your "YOUR" way (rather than "HIS" way), and with YOUR way will come all of its painful consequences. Read and ponder Jesus' warning to the Church at Ephesus (Revelation 2:4-5+) and Paul's warning to the Corinthians (1Cor 9:24-27+), so that you might repent and return (cf Acts 3:19+).
Josué 23
Guzik - Joshua requires that every man probe deep within, and see if there is every a time in his lives when he could rightly accuse God of unfaithfulness to us.
Josué 23
Guzik - Joshua merely repeats the principle of blessing for obedience and cursing for disobedience that was a specific part of Israel’s covenant with God (Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28). He emphasizes that God will be just as faithful to judge as He had been to bless. We relate to God under a different covenant, a new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:6–7), by which Jesus has redeemed us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:10–14). Therefore, in Jesus we no longer can experience God’s “faithfulness to curse us” as Israel knew it. Yet we do experience God’s faithfulness to correct us as a loving Father (Hebrews 12:7), and we do experience a lack of appropriated blessing if we do not abide in Jesus. Until - Expression of time. Marks the coming to fruition of the threats from Yahweh. He has destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God has given you - This prophecy was fulfilled about 800 years later, when Babylon carried Judah and Benjamin into exile in 605, 597 and 586 BC. (2Ki 24,25). QUESTION - What are the blessings God promised Israel for obedience? ANSWER - God promised many blessings to Israel in the book of Deuteronomy if they would obey His commands. Many important blessings are listed together in Deuteronomy 28:1–14. They include the following: 1. Prominence above other nations: “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth” (Deuteronomy 28:1). 2. Successful cities and farming: “You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country” (Deuteronomy 28:3). 3. Blessings of children, food, and livestock: “The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks” (Deuteronomy 28:4). 4. Protection and power against enemies: “The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven” (Deuteronomy 28:7). 5. Bountiful harvest of food: “The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you” (Deuteronomy 28:8). 6. Set apart as God’s holy people: “The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the Lord your God and walk in obedience to him” (Deuteronomy 28:9). 7. Feared by other nations: “Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will fear you” (Deuteronomy 28:10). 8. Prosperity regarding family, food, and farm livestock: “The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity—in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground—in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you” (Deuteronomy 28:11). 9. Appropriate rain and favorable blessing upon their work, including freedom from debt: “The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none” (Deuteronomy 28:12). 10. Leadership among other people and nations: “The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom” (Deuteronomy 28:13). In the original Hebrew of this passage, the blessings are arranged in a chiastic pattern with many of the themes repeating. The concepts of prosperity, success, and God’s favor predominate as themes of God’s people living in the Promised Land. These blessings were conditional, as are the curses in the next set of verses.GotQuestions.org QUESTION - What are the curses God promised Israel for disobedience? ANSWER - In Deuteronomy 28, God provides a list of blessings for obedience in verses 1–14 followed by a list of curses for disobedience in verses 15–68. While the entire list of verses will not be repeated here, the following concepts stand out as curses upon God’s people, Israel, for when they disobeyed His laws: 1. Curses upon city and field: “You will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country” (Deuteronomy 28:16). 2. Curses upon food: “Your basket and your kneading trough will be cursed” (Deuteronomy 28:17). 3. Curses upon having children and upon livestock: “The fruit of your womb will be cursed, and the crops of your land, and the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks” (Deuteronomy 28:18). 4. Curses during travel and at all times: “You will be cursed when you come in and cursed when you go out” (Deuteronomy 28:19). In verses 15–20, the word for “curse” is used seven times, and those curses are explained throughout the remainder of the chapter. The ultimate devastation for continued disobedience was that God’s people would be removed from the land and scattered among the nations of the earth. Verse 64 notes that God’s people would become like the pagans and serve other gods: “Then the Lord will scatter you among all nations, from one end of the earth to the other. There you will worship other gods—gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your ancestors have known.” The ultimate disgrace is given in the final verse of the chapter: “The Lord will send you back in ships to Egypt on a journey I said you should never make again. There you will offer yourselves for sale to your enemies as male and female slaves, but no one will buy you” (Deuteronomy 28:68). In contrast to these curses were the blessings God promised for obedience. The opening words of the chapter note, “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth” (Deuteronomy 28:1). God offered the Israelites both blessings and curses based on their response to His Law. While Christians today follow Christ rather than the Law, it is important to note that God calls all His children to faithfully follow His Word. The rewards He promises us today are eternal, heavenly rewards given to those who serve Him faithfully. Those who trust in Christ will spend eternity in the Lord’s presence, the most important blessing of all.GotQuestions.org Joshua 23:16 "When you transgress the covenant of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and you will perish quickly from off the good land which He has given you." NET Joshua 23:16 If you violate the covenantal laws of the LORD your God which he commanded you to keep, and follow, worship, and bow down to other gods, the LORD will be very angry with you and you will disappear quickly from the good land which he gave to you." BGT Joshua 23:16 ἐν τῷ παραβῆναι ὑμᾶς τὴν διαθήκην κυρίου τοῦ θεοῦ ὑμῶν ἣν ἐνετείλατο ὑμῖν καὶ πορευθέντες λατρεύσητε θεοῖς ἑτέροις καὶ προσκυνήσητε αὐτοῖς NLT Joshua 23:16 If you break the covenant of the LORD your God by worshiping and serving other gods, his anger will burn against you, and you will quickly vanish from the good land he has given you." ESV Joshua 23:16 if you transgress the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them. Then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you, and you shall perish quickly from off the good land that he has given to you." NIV Joshua 23:16 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." YLT Joshua 23:16 in your transgressing the covenant of Jehovah your God which He commanded you, and ye have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them, then hath the anger of Jehovah burned against you, and ye have perished hastily from off the good land which He hath given to you.' LXE Joshua 23:16 when ye transgress the covenant of the Lord our God, which he has charged us, and go and serve other gods, and bow down to them. CSB Joshua 23:16 If you break the covenant of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, and go and worship other gods, and bow down to them, the LORD's anger will burn against you, and you will quickly disappear from this good land He has given you." then: 2Ki 24:20 perish: Jos 23:13 Related Passage: Joshua 7:1 But the sons of Israel acted unfaithfully in regard to the things under the ban, for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, took some of the things under the ban, therefore the anger of the LORD burned against the sons of Israel. A CONDITIONAL WARNING PROMISE When you transgress the covenant of the LORD your God, which He commanded you - Most versions translate this as "IF" not "WHEN," which emphasizes the conditional nature of promise. And go and serve (NET, NLT, CSB = "worship"; Lxx - latreuo = perform religious rites as part of worship) other gods and bow down (shachah) to them - Joshua is in effect predicting that Israel will not heed his exhortation in Joshua 23:6-7! Note that this tragic end is a progression and does not happen overnight but over time when one begins to drift or backslide and continues to sin and fails to confess and repent - here's the progression = Transgress...go...serve (worship)...bow down...anger of the LORD will burn. THOUGHT - The idols would become their masters! Sin (Heb 3:13b+, Ro 6:12-13+) is supernaturally powerful and fallen flesh will inevitably fall if it fails to continually depend on the strength of the LORD (the Spirit - Gal 5:16+) to obey His good laws and commandments. Then - This word marks the fulfillment of the condition. The pattern is when...then. (cf Hos 8:7, Gal 6:7-8+) It marks a sad progression in the narrative of God's Chosen People who were to be a holy nation, holy unto the LORD! The anger of the LORD will burn (charah) against you - Moses describes God's anger in Ps 90:11 asking "Who understands the power of Your anger And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You?" Israel would fail to give God the fear (reverential awe) due Him and would suffer the consequences. THOUGHT - Do you (I) truly fear the LORD? You (I) should. It for your (MY) spiritual welfare and blessing!