Study 34: Joshua 23: 1-16

This study of Joshua 23 emphasizes the theme of God’s faithfulness to Israel and the importance of steadfastness in obedience to Him. As Joshua approaches the end of his life, he gathers the leaders of Israel to remind them of God's fulfilled promises and urges them to continue holding fast to God, avoiding compromise with surrounding nations. Joshua highlights the grace and mercy of God, who has granted Israel peace and victory, but also warns that turning away from God will lead to destruction. The study calls listeners to stay in "the pocket" of God's presence and power, following His lead to experience true peace and fulfillment.

Sermon Outline

• Sermon Study Outline: Joshua 23 – The Call to Remain in the Pocket of God’s Faithfulness

  1. Introduction and ContextTimestamp: 00:00 - 05:58

  • Key Point: Introduction to Joshua 23, reflecting on God's faithfulness throughout Israel's journey. Joshua is nearing the end of his life.

  • Scripture Reference: Joshua 23:1-2

  • Key Focus: The importance of staying close to God as Joshua gathers the elders and leaders of Israel to give final instructions.

  2. God's Grace and Mercy in the Old TestamentTimestamp: 06:00 - 08:59

  • Key Point: Understanding the grace and mercy of God throughout the Old Testament, reflecting on how His character is consistent with the New Testament.

  • Scripture Reference: Joshua 23:3-5

  • Key Focus: God fought for Israel, and His grace continues to protect and provide for His people.

  3. Experiencing God's Rest and PeaceTimestamp: 09:00 - 10:08

  • Key Point: Joshua’s leadership allowed Israel to experience a season of rest and peace after years of conflict.

  • Scripture Reference: Joshua 23:1

  • Key Focus: The role of God in bringing peace after faithful service, illustrating God’s mercy in allowing His people to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

  4. The Charge to Israel's LeadersTimestamp: 11:00 - 14:00

  • Key Point: Joshua calls Israel’s leaders to stay steadfast in their commitment to God and His commands.

  • Scripture Reference: Joshua 23:6

  • Key Focus: Joshua’s urgent plea to follow God’s law without turning aside to the right or left.

  5. The Danger of CompromiseTimestamp: 14:01 - 18:00

  • Key Point: Joshua warns against compromising with the surrounding nations that still remain, urging Israel not to intermarry or associate with them.

  • Scripture Reference: Joshua 23:12-13

  • Key Focus: The consequences of aligning with nations that worship other gods, which could lead Israel away from God's protection.

  6. God’s Power and ProtectionTimestamp: 18:01 - 19:30

  • Key Point: God's promise to continue driving out remaining nations as long as Israel remains faithful.

  • Scripture Reference: Joshua 23:9-10

  • Key Focus: The victory and strength that come from God’s hand, emphasizing that God will fight for them if they stay aligned with Him.

  7. Staying in the Pocket of God's InfluenceTimestamp: 19:31 - 23:00

  • Key Point: Using the metaphor of "staying in the pocket," the pastor explains how remaining close to God’s influence brings peace and protection.

  • Key Focus: Just as following a semi-truck’s draft pocket improves efficiency, staying close to God leads to smoother paths in life.

  8. The Warning of Turning AwayTimestamp: 23:01 - 26:00

  • Key Point: Joshua’s serious warning of the consequences Israel will face if they abandon God.

  • Scripture Reference: Joshua 23:15-16

  • Key Focus: God's faithfulness includes judgment. Turning away from God will lead to destruction and loss of blessings.

  9. Guarding Your HeartTimestamp: 26:01 - 37:30

  • Key Point: The importance of guarding one's heart from being led astray by sin and idols.

  • Scripture Reference: Proverbs 4:23-25

  • Key Focus: Encouragement to watch over one’s heart carefully, ensuring a firm grip on God and not being swayed by distractions or temptations.

  10. Conclusion and Plea for ObedienceTimestamp: 37:31 - End

  • Key Point: Joshua’s final plea echoes the heart of a father urging his children to remain faithful, knowing the devastation that awaits if they turn away.

  • Scripture Reference: Joshua 23:14-16

  • Key Focus: The pastor draws a parallel between Joshua’s words and the plea of Christ, asking believers to remain obedient to God’s will.

Scripture References

1. Joshua 23:1-2

   1. Timestamp: 00:00 - 05:58

   2. Context: This scripture introduces the setting of Joshua's final words to Israel. Joshua is old and near the end of his life, and he gathers Israel's leaders to instruct them. The passage highlights the importance of following God's commands as Joshua prepares to leave them.

2. Joshua 23:3-5

   1. Timestamp: 06:00 - 08:59

   2. Context: Joshua reminds Israel that God has fought for them and given them victory over their enemies. The pastor uses this passage to illustrate God’s grace and mercy in both the Old and New Testaments, showing how God's character remains consistent throughout scripture.

3. Joshua 23:6

   1. Timestamp: 11:00 - 14:00

   2. Context: Joshua urges the Israelites to remain obedient to God's law and not to turn aside from it. The pastor emphasizes this as a charge to remain steadfast and faithful in their relationship with God, despite distractions and temptations from surrounding nations.

4. Joshua 23:12-13

   1. Timestamp: 14:01 - 18:00

   2. Context: Joshua warns Israel against forming alliances or intermarrying with the remaining nations that do not follow God. This passage is used to caution listeners about the dangers of compromising their faith and the negative influence of worldly associations.

5. Joshua 23:9-10

   1. Timestamp: 18:01 - 19:30

   2. Context: Joshua declares that God has driven out powerful nations before Israel, and one Israelite can put a thousand to flight because the Lord fights for them. The pastor uses this to reinforce the idea that God's strength and power are behind Israel’s success, and they must continue to rely on Him.

6. Proverbs 4:23-25

   1. Timestamp: 26:01 - 37:30

   2. Context: The passage urges guarding one's heart and staying on the path of righteousness. The pastor applies this to Joshua's charge to Israel, encouraging listeners to "stay in the pocket" of God's guidance and not stray from His will, comparing it to keeping one's spiritual life focused and pure.

7. Joshua 23:14-16

   1. Timestamp: 23:01 - 26:00, 37:31 - End

   2. Context: Joshua warns that just as God has fulfilled His promises, He will also bring calamity if Israel turns away. This passage is central to the sermon’s message, emphasizing the duality of God’s faithfulness: both in blessings for obedience and judgment for disobedience.

8. Philippians 4:6-7

   1. Timestamp: 41:05 - 42:00

   2. Context: The passage speaks of presenting one's requests to God with thanksgiving and receiving the peace of God. The pastor uses this to underline the importance of relying on God’s peace, guarding both hearts and minds by staying aligned with His will, which is compared to staying in the "pocket."

9. John 10:28-29 (Implied Reference)

   1. Timestamp: 50:00 - 54:00

   2. Context: Though not explicitly mentioned, the idea of being held securely by God, as Jesus describes His followers being in His hand, aligns with the pastor’s metaphor of "staying in the pocket." The security and protection of God’s care are emphasized through this metaphor.

10. Romans 8:31 (Implied Reference)

    1. Timestamp: 18:01 - 19:30

    2. Context: This scripture is implied when the pastor speaks about God's power and protection, noting that "if God is for us, who can be against us?" This reinforces Joshua's reminder that God is the driving force behind Israel’s success.

Word Study

1. 1. Ḥe·seḏ (חֶסֶד)

   • Meaning: Loving-kindness, steadfast love, mercy, grace

   • Context in Study: The theme of God’s mercy and steadfast love is present throughout the sermon, especially when the pastor discusses God’s grace in giving Israel rest and peace after their battles. This mirrors the ḥe·seḏ of God, His loyal love and mercy toward His people, which is evident both in their victories and in the periods of rest He grants them.

   • Key Insight: Ḥe·seḏ goes beyond human expressions of kindness. It is a covenantal love, a steadfast commitment that God shows toward Israel, despite their occasional disobedience. Joshua’s farewell speech urges Israel to remain faithful to God, just as God has shown ḥe·seḏ toward them.

   • Timestamp: 06:00 - 08:59

   2. Zakēn (זָקֵן)

   • Meaning: Old, advanced in years

   • Context in Study: The Hebrew word zakēn is used to describe Joshua in Joshua 23:1 when he was "old and well advanced in years." The pastor references this phrase during the discussion of Joshua’s age and the significance of his final message to Israel, showing that his long life is a reflection of God’s grace and the fulfillment of His promises.

   • Key Insight: The word zakēn goes beyond simply indicating age. In this context, it symbolizes wisdom and the weight of experience, reinforcing the urgency and depth of Joshua’s final words to Israel.

   • Timestamp: 12:46 - 13:28

   3. Dāḇaq (דָּבַק)

   • Meaning: To cling, adhere, hold fast

   • Context in Study: This word is used in Joshua 23:8, where Joshua commands Israel to "hold fast to the Lord your God." The pastor emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong connection with God, as seen in the instruction to cling to Him and not turn aside. The metaphor of staying in "the pocket" also reflects the idea of clinging closely to God.

   • Key Insight: Dāḇaq signifies an active, intentional holding on to something. In this case, it refers to Israel’s need to actively pursue God and maintain their devotion to Him. It stresses that faithfulness to God requires ongoing effort, not passive belief.

   • Timestamp: 35:03 - 36:08