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Book of Joshua - Chapter 23 - Verse 13

23:13
Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

Meaning

This verse from the Bible, specifically from the book of Joshua, serves as a warning to the Israelites. It conveys the idea that if the Israelites do not remain faithful to the Lord and continue to follow His commandments, the consequences will be dire. The mention of the nations not being driven out by God anymore signifies that the Israelites will have to face the repercussions of their actions themselves. These nations that were supposed to be defeated and driven out will now become snares, traps, scourges, and thorns to the Israelites. This means that instead of being a blessing, these nations will become obstacles and sources of trouble for the Israelites. The verse highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God in order to maintain His favor and protection. Failure to do so will result in losing the blessings of the promised land and facing destruction. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of straying away from God's path.

Theological Overview

This verse from the book of Joshua highlights the consequences of the Israelites failing to completely drive out the nations that inhabited the Promised Land. The theological interpretation of this passage emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. By allowing these nations to remain, the Israelites opened themselves up to temptation and sin, symbolized by the "snares and traps" that the inhabitants would become. Additionally, the mention of "scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes" serves as a vivid warning of the suffering and difficulties that would come upon the Israelites if they strayed from God's path. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of wholehearted devotion to God and the dangers of compromising with sin. It serves as a cautionary tale for believers today, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God's promises, lest they face similar consequences.

American Standard Version

know for a certainty that Jehovah your God will no more drive these nations from out of your sight; but they shall be a snare and a trap unto you, and a scourge in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which Jehovah your God hath given you.
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