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Ch. Joshua 23:1-16. Joshua’s first Farewell Address

1. had given rest] Comp. Joshua 21:43-44; Joshua 22:3-4.

waxed old] Comp. Joshua 13:1, “Now Joshua was old and stricken in years.”

stricken in age] Heb. come into days; “of ful eld age,” Wyclif.

2. called for all Israel] Where we are not told. But perhaps at Timnath-serah (Joshua 19:50), or possibly at Shiloh. On the occasion of his second farewell discourse the tribes were convened at Shechem (Joshua 24:1).

and for their elders] The word “and” is not found in the Hebrew. If any word is to be supplied, it should be “even” or “namely”. The terms elders, heads, judges and officers are explanatory.

I am old] He begins by reminding them of his own advance in years.

3. the Lord your God is he] See Exodus 14:14. Of his own merits and exploits the modest hero makes no mention.

4. these nations that remain] Joshua reminds them that not only the nations who had been actually conquered, but the remnants still unsubdued, were delivered into their power.

6. Be ye therefore very courageous] Joshua exhorts them to bravery and constancy in the same terms as he had been exhorted himself. See above, Joshua 1:7.

7. That ye come not among these nations] He especially warns them against all intercourse with the heathen nations, and, above all, against any participation in their idolatries.

make mention of the name of their gods] “To make mention of the names of the gods (Exodus 23:13), to swear by them, to serve them with offerings, and to bow down to them, i.e. call upon them in prayer, represent the four expressions of divine worship.” See Deuteronomy 6:13; Deuteronomy 10:20.

9. For the Lord] He again reminds them of the true Source of their strength, and to Whom they were indebted for their late victories.

10. One man of you] Comp. Leviticus 26:8; Jdg 3:31; Jdg 15:15; 2 Samuel 23:8.