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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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 23:6

Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses ,.... To observe which required spiritual strength, fortitude of mind, a holy courage, a firm and fixed resolution, and particularly to destroy the Canaanites required in that book, and to abstain from all communion and fellowship with them: that ye turn not aside therefrom, to the right hand or the left ; See Gill on Joshua 1:7 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 23:6

Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do , etc. - It requires no small courage to keep a sound creed in the midst of scoffers, and not less to maintain a godly practice among the profane and profligate. That is written in the book - By the word of God alone his followers are bound. Nothing is to be received as an article of faith which God has not spoken. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 23:6

Verse 6 6.Be you therefore very courageous, etc He now shows them the mode of conquering, — not to indulge gross security, as too often happens, as a substitute for genuine confidence. He affirms that God will be propitious to them, and promises that whatever they attempt will turn out prosperously, provided they are steadfast in obeying the Law. However confidently hypocrites may contemn and deride God, they would wish, however, to have him astricted to them; nay, they often, with no small... 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 23:6

Be ye therefore very courageous. The original is stronger, Be ye exceedingly courageous (see note on Joshua 1:6 ). That is written in the book of the law of Moses. A yet more distinct intimation that the words of Moses had been collected into a book at this early period, and that it was known as the Book of the Law of Moses. It seems incredible that such a book should have been invented at a time when the precepts it contained were lightly regarded, and should have been represented as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 23:6-8

Cleaving unto the Lord. I. THE DUTY . II. THE DANGER . Joshua saw that there was a danger that the people should cease to "cleave unto the Lord." This arose from various causes: III. THE MOTIVES FOR OVERCOMING THE DANGER AND FULFILLING THE DUTY . The great source of devotion is love to God. Joshua says, "Take good heed, therefore, unto yourselves, that ye love the Lord your God." We cannot cleave to the Lord out of a mere sense of duty. We must feel... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 23:6

Joshua 23:6. Be ye therefore very courageous For it would require great courage and resolution to execute all the commands of Moses, and particularly that of expelling and destroying the residue of the Canaanites. The right hand or the left That is, in one kind or other, by adding to the law, or diminishing from it. Which was the condition upon which God promised to continue them in the possession of the land. By this it is evident that the book of the law of Moses was extant in those... 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 23:6

the Book of the Law. See note on Exodus 17:14 , and App-47 . that ye turn not . Compare Deuteronomy 5:32 ; Deuteronomy 28:14 . read more

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