What is the meaning of Joshua 23:5? The LORD your God Joshua immediately centers attention on the covenant God who personally owns and shepherds His people. • “The LORD” (Yahweh) is the same One who declared, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14), underscoring His self-existence and reliability. • He is “your God,” not a distant deity but the One who claimed Israel as “My treasured possession” (Exodus 19:5). • Covenant language reminds the hearers that every promise that follows rests on God’s unchanging character (Deuteronomy 7:9). will push them out of your way God Himself undertakes the removal of obstacles—namely, the remaining Canaanite nations. • Exodus 23:27–28 describes how He would “send My terror before you” and “drive out the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites.” • Deuteronomy 7:22 explains that He would do this “little by little,” ensuring Israel’s safety and readiness. • The phrase reassures believers that challenges are neither random nor insurmountable; the Lord actively clears the path. and drive them out before you The language intensifies: not only are enemies pushed aside, they are driven out in Israel’s sight. • Deuteronomy 31:3 affirms, “The LORD your God Himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you.” • Joshua 24:12 recalls how God sent “the hornet” ahead, so victory was unmistakably His work. • The picture is of God leading the charge, with His people following in obedience—a partnership where the outcome is guaranteed by divine power. so that you can take possession of their land The goal of God’s action is Israel’s inheritance. • Genesis 12:7 began the promise: “To your offspring I will give this land.” • Deuteronomy 1:8 urges, “See, I have placed the land before you; go in and possess it.” • Joshua 1:3 reiterates that every place the sole of their foot treads has been given to them. Possession is presented not as conquest for conquest’s sake but as fulfillment of God’s gracious gift. as the LORD your God promised you The entire verse rests on divine faithfulness. • Genesis 15:18 records the covenant oath that set the geographical boundaries. • Exodus 33:1 shows God reminding Moses of the sworn pledge. • 1 Kings 8:56 later praises God because “not one word has failed of all His good promise.” • The promise spans generations, reassuring readers that God’s timeline may vary, but His word never falters. summary Joshua 23:5 assures Israel that the same covenant-keeping Lord who called them out of Egypt will personally remove every obstacle, lead the advance, and hand them the land He swore to give their forefathers. Victory, inheritance, and security all flow from His unchanging promise and active presence. |
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