“Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left.”
Context:Joshua 23 records Joshua’s farewell address to the Israelites, delivered near the end of his life. He reminds them of God’s faithfulness and urges them to continue obeying the law of Moses as they prepare to settle in the Promised Land.
Courageous obedience:Joshua encourages the people to be “very courageous” in keeping and doing all that is written in the book of the law of Moses. This emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Obedience requires courage because it often involves standing against societal norms, personal desires, or pressures from others.
The book of the law of Moses:The book of the law of Moses refers to the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), which contain the laws and instructions given by God to Moses for the Israelites. It serves as a guide for the people to live in accordance with God’s will.
Complete obedience:Joshua emphasizes the need for complete obedience, stating that the people should not turn aside to the right or left from what is written in the book of the law. This implies that they should not compromise or deviate from God’s commands but remain steadfast in their commitment to follow His instructions.
Application to our lives:Although the specific context of Joshua 23:6 pertains to the Israelites entering the Promised Land, there are lessons we can draw from it today. As believers, we are called to be courageous in obeying God’s commands and instructions found throughout the Bible. It requires strength and determination to live according to God’s standards in a world that may oppose or disregard them.
Importance of God’s Word:The verse highlights the significance of God’s Word as the ultimate authority for believers. It serves as a guide for righteous living and helps us align our lives with God’s will. Regular study and meditation on the Scriptures enable us to understand His commands and apply them in our daily lives.
Avoiding compromise:The instruction not to turn aside to the right or left emphasizes the need to avoid compromise and remain faithful to God’s Word. It cautions against adding or subtracting from His commands or being swayed by worldly influences. This reminds us to maintain unwavering loyalty to God’s truth and not to be led astray by the temptations or philosophies of the world.
In conclusion, Joshua 23:6 encourages believers to be courageous in obeying all that is written in God’s Word. It emphasizes the importance of complete obedience and the avoidance of compromise. By staying true to God’s commands and remaining steadfast in our faith, we can experience the blessings and fulfilment that come from walking in His ways.
