Joshua 22:5

But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul."

Study Bible

But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you:
This phrase emphasizes the importance of adherence to the Mosaic Law, which was central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The law given through Moses included moral, ceremonial, and civil instructions that were meant to set Israel apart as God's chosen people. The call to be "very careful" underscores the seriousness with which the Israelites were to approach their covenant obligations. This reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience as a demonstration of faith and commitment to God.

to love the LORD your God,
Loving God is a foundational commandment in the Hebrew Scriptures, encapsulated in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), which Jesus later affirmed as the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). This love is not merely emotional but involves a deep commitment and loyalty to God, reflecting His covenantal love for His people. It is a call to prioritize God above all else, aligning one's heart and actions with His will.

to walk in all His ways,
Walking in God's ways implies living a life that reflects His character and commands. It suggests a daily, ongoing relationship with God, characterized by righteousness, justice, and mercy. This phrase echoes the call to holiness found throughout Scripture, where believers are urged to imitate God's attributes (Leviticus 19:2, 1 Peter 1:16). It also points to the journey of faith, where one's life path is directed by divine guidance.

to keep His commandments,
Keeping God's commandments involves both knowing and doing what God has instructed. This obedience is a tangible expression of love for God (John 14:15). The commandments serve as a guide for living in a way that pleases God and benefits the community. This phrase highlights the continuity of God's moral expectations from the Old Testament to the New Testament, where Jesus fulfills and deepens the understanding of the law (Matthew 5:17-20).

to hold fast to Him,
Holding fast to God suggests a steadfast, unwavering commitment, especially in the face of challenges or temptations. It conveys the idea of clinging to God as one's source of strength and security. This phrase is reminiscent of the covenantal language used throughout the Bible, where God promises to be faithful to His people, and they are called to remain faithful to Him (Deuteronomy 10:20, Hebrews 10:23).

and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Serving God with all one's heart and soul indicates total devotion and dedication. It involves not only external actions but also internal attitudes and motivations. This comprehensive service is a response to God's love and grace, reflecting the holistic nature of worship that encompasses every aspect of life. The call to serve God wholeheartedly is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to offer themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is giving a charge to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

2. Moses
The servant of the LORD who received the Law from God and led the Israelites out of Egypt. His teachings and commandments are referenced as the standard to follow.

3. Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh
These tribes were given land on the east side of the Jordan River and are being reminded by Joshua to remain faithful to God's commandments.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who delivered them from Egypt and gave them the Law through Moses.

5. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The tribes are settling in this land and are being reminded to remain faithful to God.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commandments
The call to "keep the commandment and the law" emphasizes the importance of obedience as a demonstration of faithfulness to God.

Love as the Foundation
Loving the LORD your God is foundational to all other commandments. Our actions and obedience should stem from a genuine love for God.

Walking in God's Ways
Walking in God's ways involves a daily commitment to live according to His principles and teachings.

Holding Fast to God
To "hold fast" implies a steadfast commitment and loyalty to God, especially in times of trial or temptation.

Serving with Heart and Soul
Serving God with all your heart and soul requires total devotion and dedication, reflecting a life fully surrendered to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joshua 22:5 reflect the overall message of the covenant relationship between God and Israel?

2. In what ways can we apply the command to "love the LORD your God" in our daily lives today?

3. How does the concept of "holding fast" to God challenge us in our current cultural context?

4. What are some practical ways to "walk in all His ways" in our modern world?

5. How do the teachings in Joshua 22:5 connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about love and obedience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 6:5
This verse emphasizes loving God with all your heart, soul, and strength, which is echoed in Joshua 22:5.

John 14:15
Jesus speaks about the connection between love and obedience, similar to the call in Joshua 22:5 to love God and keep His commandments.

Psalm 119:1-2
These verses highlight the blessing of walking in the law of the LORD and seeking Him with all one's heart, paralleling the exhortation in Joshua 22:5.