Joshua 23:1

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 23:1

And it came to pass a long time after ,.... Or "after many days" F15 מימים רבים "post dies multos", Pagninus, Masius, Tigurine version; "exactis maltis diebus", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator. , that is, years: that the Lord had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about ; the greatest part of the land of Canaan was subdued, the whole divided by lot to the tribes of Israel, and they quietly settled in the respective portions assigned them, the Canaanites that... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 23:1

A long time after that the Lord had given rest - This is supposed to have been in the last or one hundred and tenth year of the life of Joshua, about thirteen or fourteen years after the conquest of Canaan, and seven after the division of the land among the tribes. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 23:1

Verse 1 Here we have a narrative of the solemn protestation which Joshua used towards the time of his death, that he might leave the pure worship of God surviving him. But although the peace and quiet which the Israelites obtained among the nations of Canaan is described as an excellent blessing from God, it is necessary to keep in mind what I formerly taught, that it was owing to their cowardice that they dwelt among their enemies, whom it would not have been difficult to rout and destroy. But... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 23:1

EXPOSITION JOSHUA 'S SOLEMN CHARGE .— Waxed old and stricken in age. Literally, was old, advanced in days (see Joshua 13:1 ). But this refers to a more advanced age still, when the patriarch felt his powers failing him, and desired, as far as his influence went, to preserve the Israelites in the path in which they had walked since their entrance into Canaan. Calvin has some good remarks on the "pious solicitude" shown by the aged warrior for those whom he had led in time... 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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Joshua 23:1

This and the next chapter contain the last addresses of Joshua. These addresses were no doubt among the closing acts of Joshua’s life, but were evidently given on different occasions, and are of different character and scope. In the former Joshua briefly reminds the princes of the recent benefits of God toward them and their people, declares that God had fulfilled all His promises, and exhorts to faithfulness on their side to God that so His mercies may not be withdrawn: in the latter he takes... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 23:1-2

Joshua 23:1-2. A long time after the Lord had given rest unto Israel That is, about fourteen years after the conquest of the country, and seven after the division of it among the tribes: see Joshua 11:23; Joshua 14:10. Joshua called Either to his own city, or rather to Shiloh, the usual place of such assemblies, where his words, being uttered before the Lord, were likely to have the more effect upon them. All Israel Not all the people in their own persons, but in their representatives,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Joshua 23:1-16

23:1-24:33 JOSHUA’S FAREWELLNothing is recorded of events that occurred between Joshua’s division of the land and his farewell addresses to the nation many years later. His life was now drawing to a close (see v. 14), and he called Israel’s leaders together to pass on some encouragement and warning (23:1-2). He assured them that God would continue to fight for his people till all the remaining Canaanites were destroyed, provided his people remained true to the covenant. They were to love God,... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Joshua 23:1

a long time after. Eight years. See App-50 . the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 . old and stricken in age. Aged 102. Compare Joshua 13:1 . Figure of speech, Pleonasm . App-6 . Hebrew. "old and advanced in (or come into) the days". read more

Group of Brands