Albert Barnes Commentary Joshua 23

This and the next chapter contain the last addresses of Joshua. These addresses were undoubtedly among the closing acts of Joshua’s life but were evidently given on different occasions and are of different character and scope.

In the first address, Joshua briefly reminds the princes of God's recent benefits toward them and their people, declares that God had fulfilled all His promises, and exhorts them to faithfulness toward God so that His mercies might not be withdrawn.

In the second address, he takes a wider range, recounting the gracious dealings of God with the nation from its very origin. On these grounds, he claims their sincere and entire service for God.

However, he grants them the option of withdrawing from the covenant if they so choose. When they still elect to abide by it, the covenant is solemnly renewed by the free consent of the whole people.

Joshua’s reproofs and warnings are in sum and substance identical with those with which Moses closed his career (Deuteronomy 31 and following).

Compare throughout the marginal references.

All Israel, and for their elders - Omit “and,” which is not in the Hebrew. The meaning is that Joshua summoned to him all Israel as represented by its elders, etc. (Deuteronomy 1:15). This gathering probably took place at the tabernacle at Shiloh.