Joshua has reached a very old age. He gathers the people and their leaders to convey his last message. He assures the Israelites that God will help them win against their enemies so long as they keep His commandments. However, if they emulate the Canaanites’ ways and worship their gods, they will suffer destruction. God has kept all of His promises. The people must now reciprocate. Joshua urges the Israelites to connect to the higher powers that brought them this far and remain unconditionally loyal to God.
“that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age… And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto all these nations because of you” (Joshua 23:1-3)
“but they shall be snares and traps unto you… until ye perish from off this good land” (Joshua 23:13)
“and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you” (Joshua 23:16)
Like faith, certainty is knowing, without a doubt, that we are creations of God and that all we experience is good.
