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.

JOSHUA 23:13KJV
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Joshua 23:13 (KJV)

What does Joshua 23:13 mean?

Joshua 23:13 warns the Israelites that if they turn away from God and mix with the remaining nations in the land, God will no longer help drive those nations out. Instead, these nations will become a source of trouble and pain for Israel, eventually leading to their loss of the land God gave them.

In this verse, Joshua is speaking to the leaders of Israel near the end of his life, reminding them of the consequences of disobedience. The language is vivid, describing the nations as snares, traps, scourges, and thorns—images that show the real dangers and suffering that will come if Israel does not remain faithful to God. This warning is part of Joshua’s farewell speech, urging the people to stay true to their covenant.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 23:13

  • "Snares" (מוֹקֵשִׁים, moqeshim) and "traps" (מֽוֹקְשִׁים, moqeshim): Both words refer to hidden dangers that can catch someone unexpectedly, emphasizing that the nations will be a constant threat if Israel does not obey.
  • "Scourges" (שֹׁטֵטִים, shoteṭim): This word means whips or lashes, painting a picture of ongoing pain and harassment, not just a one-time problem.
  • "Thorns" (צְנִינִים, tzeninim): The word for "thorns" in the eyes is a strong image of irritation and suffering, showing that the consequences will be both persistent and deeply felt.

Why Joshua 23:13 matters

  • Joshua 23:13 makes it clear that God’s promise to help Israel depended on their faithfulness, not just on their national identity or past victories.
  • The verse uses strong, physical images to show that disobedience would bring real, ongoing hardship, not just spiritual or symbolic consequences.
  • This warning ties directly to the rest of Joshua’s farewell speech, highlighting the seriousness of the covenant and the reality of the choices Israel faced as they settled in the land.