Joshua 23:5

The LORD your God will push them out of your way and drive them out before you, so that you can take possession of their land, as the LORD your God promised you.

Study Bible

The LORD your God
This phrase emphasizes the covenant relationship between the Israelites and Yahweh. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, signifying His eternal presence and faithfulness. "Your God" underscores the personal and communal relationship, reminding the Israelites of their unique identity as God's chosen people. This relationship is foundational, as it is God who initiates and sustains the covenant, providing assurance and guidance.

will drive them out before you
The phrase "will drive them out" reflects God's active role in the conquest of Canaan. The Hebrew verb "yarash" implies a forceful removal, indicating divine intervention in the Israelites' battles. Historically, this reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan (Genesis 15:18-21). It reassures the Israelites that their success is not by their might but by God's power, encouraging them to trust in His sovereignty.

and push them out before you
The repetition of action in "push them out" reinforces the certainty of God's promise. The Hebrew verb "nadach" suggests a scattering or expulsion, emphasizing the thoroughness of God's deliverance. This phrase serves as a reminder of God's past faithfulness in delivering Israel from Egypt and His continued commitment to their future. It inspires confidence in God's ability to overcome obstacles and fulfill His promises.

and you will take possession of their land
"Take possession" translates the Hebrew "yarash," which means to inherit or occupy. This phrase signifies the transfer of ownership from the Canaanites to the Israelites, fulfilling God's covenant promise. It highlights the concept of divine inheritance, where the land is a gift from God, not merely a conquest. This inheritance is both a privilege and a responsibility, calling the Israelites to live according to God's laws in the land He has given them.

as the LORD your God promised you
This concluding phrase anchors the entire verse in the faithfulness of God's promises. The Hebrew word "dabar" for "promised" conveys the idea of a spoken word or decree, emphasizing the reliability and authority of God's word. Historically, this promise dates back to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and its fulfillment is a testament to God's unchanging nature. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's promises are sure and trustworthy, encouraging believers to live in faith and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, who is delivering his farewell address to the Israelites, reminding them of God's promises and their responsibilities.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who has promised to drive out the nations before Israel and give them the land.

3. The Nations
The various Canaanite tribes and peoples inhabiting the Promised Land, whom God has promised to drive out before Israel.

4. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants as an inheritance.

5. The Israelites
The people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are called to take possession of the land promised to them.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
God is faithful to fulfill His promises, as seen in His commitment to drive out the nations before Israel. Believers can trust in God's promises today, knowing He is unchanging.

Divine Initiative and Human Responsibility
While God promises to drive out the nations, Israel is called to take possession of the land. This balance of divine initiative and human responsibility is a model for Christian living, where believers rely on God's power while actively pursuing His will.

The Importance of Obedience
Joshua's reminder to Israel underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands. For Christians, obedience is a response to God's grace and a pathway to experiencing His blessings.

Spiritual Warfare and Victory
The physical battles Israel faced are a type of the spiritual battles Christians encounter. Victory comes through reliance on God's strength and adherence to His Word.

Inheritance and Rest
The Promised Land symbolizes the inheritance and rest believers have in Christ. Christians are called to live in the reality of this spiritual inheritance, experiencing peace and rest in Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joshua 23:5 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can this encourage us in our personal walk with God?

2. In what ways does the balance of divine initiative and human responsibility in Joshua 23:5 apply to our spiritual lives today?

3. How can we ensure that we are obedient to God's commands in our daily lives, as Joshua urged the Israelites?

4. What parallels can we draw between the physical battles Israel faced and the spiritual battles we encounter as Christians?

5. How does the concept of inheritance and rest in the Promised Land relate to our spiritual inheritance and rest in Christ, as described in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:1-2
This passage outlines God's command to Israel to conquer and utterly destroy the nations in the Promised Land, emphasizing the divine initiative in driving out these nations.

Exodus 23:27-30
God promises to send His terror ahead of Israel to drive out the inhabitants of the land gradually, ensuring that the land is not left desolate.

Psalm 44:2-3
The psalmist reflects on how God drove out the nations and planted Israel, attributing their success to God's power, not their own strength.

Hebrews 4:8-11
This New Testament passage speaks of a greater rest that remains for the people of God, drawing a parallel to the rest Joshua provided in the Promised Land.