Old Testament
Joshua 23:13
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then know for certain that the LORD your God will no longer drive these nations out ahead of you. Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, scourges in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you disappear from this good land the LORD your God has given you.
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Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.
What Joshua 23:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua warns the Israelites that if they do not remain faithful to God, He will stop driving out the remaining nations from the land. Instead of being conquerors, these nations will become a source of trouble for them, acting as traps and causing suffering. The imagery of snares, scourges, and thorns illustrates the pain and difficulty that will arise from associating with these nations. Joshua emphasizes that their disobedience could lead to their downfall, resulting in them losing the good land that God has given them. This serves as a serious reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of staying true to His commands. The Israelites are called to remember their covenant with God and the blessings that come from obedience, as neglecting this can lead to dire consequences.
How to apply Joshua 23:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to remain faithful to our commitments to God. It reminds us that straying from His path can lead to negative consequences in our lives. We should actively seek to avoid influences that lead us away from our faith and focus on living according to God's will.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: Joshua's Farewell (Joshua 23:1–16)
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Joshua
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Joshua 23:13
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At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 23:13 mean?
Joshua 23:13 warns the Israelites that if they do not stay faithful to God, He will stop helping them drive out the remaining nations. Instead, these nations will become sources of trouble, causing them pain and leading to their downfall.
What is the significance of snares and traps in Joshua 23:13?
The snares and traps in Joshua 23:13 symbolize the dangers and difficulties that will arise from associating with the nations God has not driven out. They represent the consequences of disobedience and the suffering that can come from turning away from God's commands.
How does Joshua 23:13 relate to faithfulness to God?
Joshua 23:13 emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God. It highlights that straying from His path can lead to negative outcomes, reminding believers of the need to uphold their commitments to God.
What warning does Joshua 23:13 give about idolatry?
Joshua 23:13 warns that if the Israelites engage with the remaining nations, they may fall into idolatry, which will lead to their suffering. The verse serves as a caution against the influences that can draw them away from their covenant with God.
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