Ver. 7-11. That ye come not among these nations, &c.— "Hold no familiarity; make no marriages with these idolatrous nations: never make the least honourable mention of the name of their false gods in your conversation, nor cause any one to swear by those idols, nor serve them yourselves, by offering victims to them, or by addressing prayers and vows to them in secret; nor shall ye prostrate yourselves before them, or render them any public worship: in a word, let nothing be able to draw you from God, or turn you aside from the execution of those designs, for which that great God has rendered you invincible even unto this day. Acquit yourselves thus of your duty, and ye will certainly engage the Lord ever to grant you victory and success."
REFLECTIONS.—Joshua, now grown old, and having but a short time to live, is solicitous to improve it to the best purposes; his last words, it is to be presumed, would be heard with peculiar attention: wherefore, he summons those on whose carefulness and piety the well-being of the state chiefly depended, and whose examples must be most influential over the people; and thus addresses to them his discourse.
1. He reminds them of what God had done for them, to awaken a grateful return for such transcendant mercies. He had thrust out powerful nations, to make room for them; had given them success in every attack; neither city nor army ever was able to stand before them; and they were now in quiet possession of these valuable conquests. Note; We can never too frequently remember, nor too thankfully acknowledge, what great things God has done for us in our bodies or in our souls.
2. He assures them, that the same mercy and goodness was engaged to attend them in their future attempts; they had enough at present; but when they should be increased, the remaining Canaanites should fall as easy a prey as their neighbours; nor needed they the assembled forces of Israel; one tribe would be sufficient for any conquest, when one Israelite should chase a thousand. Note; It is God who giveth us the victory; though our spiritual enemies appear never so numerous or strong, if God fighteth for us, we must be more than conquerors.
3. Hereupon he exhorts them to courage and faithful obedience. They may confidently go forth under the blessing of Jehovah; only let them take care to secure his favour; and, in order thereunto, they must be, (1.) Obedient to God's commands, careful to observe his instituted ordinances, and faithful in their adherence to him: they had been so, and this was an argument for their perseverance; they had experienced the comfort of it. (2.) They must avoid all connexion with the Canaanites who were among them. Idolatry being their besetting sin, and the most provoking to God, they must keep at the greatest possible distance from it. Note;
They who would keep from evil must avoid temptation, especially in the case of their easily besetting sin.