Joshua 23:7

So you are not to associate with these nations that remain among you. You must not call on the names of their gods or swear by them, and you must not serve them or bow down to them.

Study Bible

So you are not to associate with these nations that remain among you.
This phrase reflects the Israelites' situation after entering the Promised Land. Despite their victories, some Canaanite nations remained. The command not to associate with these nations is rooted in the concern for spiritual purity and the danger of adopting pagan practices. Historically, the Canaanites were known for idolatry and practices contrary to the worship of Yahweh. This directive is consistent with earlier commands in Deuteronomy 7:2-4, emphasizing the need to avoid intermarriage and cultural assimilation that could lead to idolatry.

You must not call on the names of their gods or swear by them,
Invoking the names of foreign gods was more than a verbal act; it signified allegiance and acknowledgment of their power. In ancient Near Eastern culture, names held significant power and calling upon a deity's name was an act of worship and submission. This prohibition is a safeguard against syncretism, ensuring that the Israelites' worship remains exclusive to Yahweh. The command echoes the first two commandments in Exodus 20:3-7, which prohibit having other gods and misusing God's name.

and you must not serve them or bow down to them.
Service and bowing down are acts of worship and submission. In the ancient world, these actions were often part of religious rituals and ceremonies. The Israelites are warned against participating in such practices, which would signify a rejection of their covenant with Yahweh. This command is a reminder of the exclusive worship required by the covenant, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:13-15. The call to avoid idolatry is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, highlighting the constant temptation Israel faced and the need for vigilance in maintaining their distinct identity as God's chosen people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, who is delivering his farewell address to the Israelites, urging them to remain faithful to God.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who have settled in the Promised Land but are surrounded by pagan nations.

3. Canaanite Nations
The surrounding nations with whom the Israelites are warned not to associate, as they worship false gods.

4. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

5. Pagan Gods
The false deities worshiped by the Canaanite nations, which the Israelites are warned against.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness to God
The Israelites are reminded to remain faithful to God alone, avoiding any form of idolatry or syncretism.

Separation from Worldly Influences
Just as the Israelites were to avoid pagan practices, Christians today are called to be in the world but not of it, maintaining spiritual purity.

The Power of Names
Invoking the names of other gods signifies allegiance; Christians are to call upon the name of the Lord alone.

Covenant Loyalty
The Israelites' relationship with God was based on a covenant that required exclusive worship, a principle that applies to the New Covenant in Christ.

Guarding Against Compromise
The warning against serving or bowing to other gods serves as a reminder to guard against compromising one's faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joshua 23:7 reflect the importance of exclusive worship in the life of a believer?

2. In what ways can Christians today avoid "associating" with modern-day idols or false beliefs?

3. How does the command to not invoke the names of other gods apply to our speech and actions in contemporary society?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are not compromising our faith in a pluralistic world?

5. How do the warnings in Joshua 23:7 relate to the New Testament teachings on being separate from worldly influences?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 23:13
This verse also warns the Israelites not to mention the names of other gods, emphasizing the importance of exclusive worship of Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 6:14
Reinforces the command not to follow other gods, highlighting the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

1 Kings 18:21
Elijah challenges the Israelites to choose between Yahweh and Baal, illustrating the ongoing struggle against idolatry.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17
Paul advises Christians not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, echoing the call to separate from pagan influences.