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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 23:1-10

As to the date of this edict of Joshua, I. No mention at all is made of the place where this general assembly was held; some think it was at Timnath-serah, Joshua's own city, where he lived, and whence, being old, he could not well remove. But it does not appear that he took so much state upon him; therefore it is more probable this meeting was at Shiloh, where the tabernacle of meeting was, and to which place, perhaps, all the males that could had now come up to worship before the Lord, at... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 23:11-16

Here, I. Joshua directs them what to do, that they might persevere in religion, Josh. 23:11. Would we cleave to the Lord, and not forsake him, 1. We must always stand upon our guard, for many a precious soul is lost and ruined through carelessness: ?Take heed therefore, take good heed to yourselves, to your souls (so the word is), that the inward man be kept clean from the pollutions of sin, and closely employed in the service of God.? God has given us precious souls with this charge, ?Take... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 23:10

One man of you shall chase a thousand ,.... Here Kimchi and Ben Melech observe, that the future tense is put for the past, and that the sense is, one of them had chased a thousand in their war with the Canaanites; but Abarbinel disapproves of this observation, and thinks it refers to time to come, what they should be able to do if they cleaved unto the Lord; this was fulfilled in Samson, Judges 15:15 ; such a promise was made, Leviticus 26:8 , for the Lord your God he it is that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 23:11

Take good heed therefore unto yourselves ,.... To be upon their guard, and to be watchful, were very necessary to them, that they might not be ensnared by the Canaanites, and drawn aside by them into idolatry, and so apostatize from the Lord and his worship, since their temptations would be many: that ye love the Lord your God ; which would the most strongly influence and engage them to serve and worship the Lord, and obey his commands, and be the best preservative against idolatry and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 23:10

One man of you shall chase a thousand - Do not remain inactive on the supposition that you must be much more numerous before you can drive out your enemies, for it is the Lord that shall drive out nations great and strong; and under his direction and influence one of you shall chase a thousand. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 23:11

Take good heed - unto yourselves that ye love the Lord - לנפשתיכם lenaphshotheychem , Take heed To Your Souls, literally; but נפש nephesh and nefs , both in Hebrew and Arabic, signify the whole self, as well as soul and life; both soul and body must be joined in this work, for it is written, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 23:1-16

The last words of the aged servant of God. The influence gained by a long and successful life is immense. It was so in Joshua's case, for it outlasted his life, and continued as long as any of his former colleagues and companions in arms were alive. It was only when a fresh generation arose who knew him not, save by the report of the younger men, such as Othniel, that Israel declined from the true path. Joshua's last charge, therefore, is full of interest and profit. I. HOW A LONG... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 23:10

One man of you shall chase a thousand. A quotation from the song of Moses ( Deuteronomy 32:30 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 23:10

Victory assured through the help of God. I. VICTORY IS ASSURED . II. THE SECRET OF VICTORY IS THE HELP OF GOD . Israel must be brave and faithful, and must labour and fight. Yet victory is not secured by these means alone. Joshua points to the true ground of assurance: "The Lord your God, He it is that fighteth for you." How does God fight for us? (a) God so overrules events that they shall minister to the victory of His people; His complete government of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 23:11

Take good heed to yourselves. This is quoted from Deuteronomy 4:15 , word for word. The Hebrew is, take heed exceedingly to your souls; but the meaning is either "as you value your lives" (Gesenius), or "with all your soul" (Keil). The former appears preferable. A third interpretation, however, "guard your souls diligently," is suggested by a comparison of Deuteronomy 4:9 , Deuteronomy 4:15 . read more

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