Joshua 23:8

8 1but you shall cling to the LORD your God just as you have done to this day.

Joshua 23:8 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 23:8

But cleave unto the Lord your God
To his word, worship, and ordinances; externally, by close adherence to them, and strict observation of them; and internally, by strong affection to him, hope, trust, and confidence in him, expectation of all good things from him, and constant application to him for help in all times of need, and a fixed dependence on him:

as ye have done unto this day;
that is, since they came into the land of Canaan, and had been under the government of Joshua; for otherwise, while in the wilderness, they frequently revolted from God, and murmured against him; and this is to be understood not of individuals, who doubtless were guilty of various failings and sins, but of the whole body, and with respect to any notorious offence, particularly idolatry, which they had not fallen into since they came into the land of Canaan, and had very lately shown great zeal against it; not only the tribes on this side, but those on the other side Jordan, as the preceding chapter largely relates.

Joshua 23:8 In-Context

6 Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left,
7 that you may not mix with these nations remaining among you or make mention of the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them,
8 but you shall cling to the LORD your God just as you have done to this day.
9 For the LORD has driven out before you great and strong nations. And as for you, no man has been able to stand before you to this day.
10 One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the LORD your God who fights for you, just as he promised you.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Joshua 22:5; Deuteronomy 10:20; Deuteronomy 11:22; Deuteronomy 13:4
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.