Joshua 23:13 NIV

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 23:13

Know for a certainty that the Lord your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you ,.... Or, "knowing ye shall know" F18 ידוע תדעו "sciendo scietis", Montanus; "sciendo scitote", Pagninus, Vatablus. ; or "know ye"; this may be taken for granted, or the fullest proof, and clearest demonstration, and strongest assurance will be given of it, that in case of such bad conduct, and disobedience to the will of God, no more of the nations of the Canaanites will be... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 23:13

They shall be snares - לפח lephach , a net or gin, set by the artful fowler to catch heedless birds. And traps - מוקש mokesh , any snare, toil, or trap, placed on the ground to catch the unwary traveler or wild beast by the foot. Scourges in your sides , and thorns in your eyes - Nothing can be conceived more vexatious and distressing than a continual goad in the side, or thorn in the eye. They will drive you into obedience to their false gods, and put... 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 23:13

Snares and traps. Perhaps, rather, nets and snares. The LXX ; where our translation has snare, has παγίς , and for traps has incorrectly σκάνδαλα . The snare or pach was evidently ( Amos 3:5 ) laid upon the earth; but there is no evidence for Gesenius' idea that the mokesh which follows, there as here, means the stick of the trap, which when displaced involved the bird in the net. As the primary signification of this latter word, which is akin to קֶשֶׁת a bow, seems to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 23:12-13

Joshua 23:12-13. If ye in any wise go back From God, and from his worship and service. They shall be snares and traps to you By your converse with them, you will be drawn by degrees into their errors, and impieties, and brutish lusts. Thorns in your eyes When they have seduced, and thereby weakened you, then they will molest and vex you, no less than a severe scourge doth a man’s sides which are lashed by it, or than a small thorn doth the eye when it is got within it. Till ye perish ... 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 23:13

any of these. Some codices, with four early printed editions, read "all these". they shall be. Compare Exodus 23:33 , Numbers 33:55 .Deuteronomy 7:16 . read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Joshua 23:12-13

Ver. 12, 13. Else if ye do in any wise go back, &c.— "But if, on the contrary, ye are capable of starting aside from God, and of giving way in any manner to idolatry; if ye cleave unto these nations, and communicate with them in their errors; if ye enter into any alliances, or mix yourselves with them by the tie of marriage; know, most assuredly, that from thenceforward the Lord will cease to drive out these nations, and to give you their inheritance; nay, they shall be snares and traps in... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Joshua 23:1-13

1. A reminder of past blessings 23:1-13Joshua reminded the Israelites of God’s faithfulness in fighting for them and giving them victory over their enemies, as He had promised, if they kept His covenant with them. Joshua urged the people to remain loyal and promised that God would then drive out the Canaanites that still remained in the land (Joshua 23:4-7; Joshua 23:12-13)."Joshua passed on to Israel the secret of success and prosperity that the Lord had given him at the beginning of the... read more