Joshua 23:7

KJV

That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear [by them], neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:

KJV (with Strong's)

That ye come {H935} not among these nations {H1471}, these that remain {H7604} among you; neither make mention {H2142} of the name {H8034} of their gods {H430}, nor cause to swear {H7650} by them, neither serve {H5647} them, nor bow {H7812} yourselves unto them:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then you won't become like those nations remaining among you. Don't even mention the name of their gods, let alone have people swear by them, serve them or worship them;

Berean Standard Bible

So you are not to associate with these nations that remain among you. You must not call on the names of their gods or swear by them, and you must not serve them or bow down to them.

American Standard Version

that ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow down yourselves unto them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 23:7 encapsulates a critical warning from Joshua to the Israelites, delivered as part of his final address before his death. This verse specifically prohibits any form of assimilation with the remaining pagan nations in the land of Canaan, detailing a progression of forbidden actions: from merely mentioning the names of their gods to swearing by them, serving them, and ultimately bowing down in worship. It serves as a stern admonition against spiritual compromise and idolatry, emphasizing the absolute necessity for Israel to maintain its distinct identity and exclusive devotion to Yahweh, the one true God, thereby preserving their covenant relationship and ensuring their continued blessing in the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 23 forms the first part of Joshua's farewell address to the leaders and people of Israel, delivered sometime after the major military campaigns of conquest (chapters [Joshua 1-12](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1-12 - Conquest of Canaan")) and the tribal land allotments (chapters [Joshua 13-22](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-22 - Division of the Land")). This address, followed by a second, more formal covenant renewal ceremony in [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem"), marks a pivotal transition in Israel's history from conquest to settlement. Joshua, now old and near death, passionately urges the people to remain faithful to the covenant, reminding them of God's past faithfulness and warning them against the dangers of disobedience, particularly the pervasive threat of idolatry and assimilation with the remaining Canaanite populations. This verse is a direct command within this urgent exhortation, highlighting the specific actions that would lead to spiritual apostasy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Joshua's address, while the major strongholds of Canaan had been subdued, many pockets of indigenous populations still remained within the tribal territories (cf. [Judges 1](/judges/1 "Judges 1 - Israel Fails to Drive Out Inhabitants")). These nations practiced polytheistic religions, often involving fertility cults, child sacrifice, and various forms of divination, which were anathema to Yahweh's commands. The cultural landscape was one of constant temptation for Israel to adopt the practices and deities of their neighbors, especially given the agricultural nature of Canaanite worship (e.g., Baal as the storm god providing rain). Joshua's warning in [Joshua 23:7](/joshua/23-7 "Joshua 23:7 - Warning Against Idolatry") directly addresses this ever-present danger of syncretism and assimilation, which would inevitably lead to a breach of their covenant with Yahweh, who had explicitly forbidden the worship of other gods (cf. [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as Israel's continued enjoyment of the land was contingent upon their loyalty to Yahweh, as outlined in the Mosaic Covenant. The prohibitions against interaction with pagan gods underscore the theme of **Exclusive Worship of Yahweh**, demanding an undivided heart and allegiance to the one true God, rejecting all forms of polytheism and syncretism. This leads directly to the theme of **Separation and Purity**, where Israel is called to be a distinct people, set apart from the nations around them, not merely geographically but spiritually and morally. The warnings against specific acts of idolatry highlight the insidious nature of **Spiritual Compromise**, demonstrating how seemingly minor acknowledgments of other gods can lead to full-blown apostasy. These themes collectively serve as a prophetic warning, foreshadowing Israel's struggles with idolatry throughout the period of the Judges and the monarchy, as documented in books like [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - Cycles of Disobedience") and [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings - Kingship and Apostasy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nations (Hebrew, _goyim'_):** This term refers to the non-Israelite peoples, specifically the Canaanite inhabitants who remained in the land despite the conquest. In a broader biblical sense, *goyim* often denotes Gentiles or non-covenant peoples, emphasizing their distinct spiritual and cultural identity from Israel, the covenant people of God. Here, it highlights the external threat of pagan influence.
* **Serve (Hebrew, _'abad'_):** This verb signifies active devotion, spiritual labor, or allegiance. It implies more than mere passive acknowledgment; it points to a commitment of one's life, energy, and resources to a deity. When applied to false gods, it describes the active participation in their rituals and the adoption of their worldview, which is a direct affront to the exclusive worship of Yahweh.
* **Bow yourselves (Hebrew, _shachah'_):** This term describes the physical act of prostration or bowing down, a universal gesture of reverence, submission, and worship. In the context of ancient Near Eastern religions, it was the ultimate outward expression of homage and adoration towards a god. To "bow yourselves" to other gods was the clearest and most unequivocal act of idolatry, signifying a transfer of ultimate loyalty from Yahweh to a false deity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you;":** This initial clause sets the foundational command for separation. It's not merely a prohibition against physical mingling, but a deeper warning against cultural and spiritual assimilation. The presence of "these that remain among you" underscores the ongoing temptation and the necessity of vigilance, as the threat was internal as well as external. Israel was to maintain its distinct identity and not adopt the customs, values, or religious practices of the pagan inhabitants.
* **"neither make mention of the name of their gods,":** This prohibition addresses the most subtle form of acknowledging false deities. "Making mention" implies speaking of them, invoking them, or even casually referring to them in a way that gives them legitimacy or honor. It’s a command against verbal recognition, preventing the normalization or trivialization of pagan worship, which could easily lead to deeper compromise.
* **"nor cause to swear [by them],":** This refers to the act of making an oath or covenant using the name of a pagan god as a witness or guarantor. To swear by a god is to acknowledge its power, authority, and existence. For Israel, this was a direct violation of the First Commandment, which mandates exclusive allegiance to Yahweh, and a grave act of disloyalty, as it would imply that these false gods held some form of divine power or oversight.
* **"neither serve them,":** This clause moves beyond verbal or oath-based acknowledgment to active engagement in the worship and practices associated with false gods. "Serving" implies devotion, obedience, and participation in their rituals, sacrifices, or cultic activities. This is a clear command against active idolatry, where one's actions demonstrate allegiance to a deity other than Yahweh.
* **"nor bow yourselves unto them:":** This final prohibition represents the ultimate act of idolatry and apostasy. As discussed in the key word analysis, "bowing yourselves" is the physical manifestation of worship, reverence, and submission. It is the complete and public surrender of allegiance to a false god, signifying the abandonment of Yahweh and His covenant. The progression from mentioning to swearing, serving, and finally bowing illustrates an escalating descent into spiritual infidelity.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 23:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Prohibitive Parallelism**, where a series of negative commands ("neither... nor... neither... nor...") are listed, each building upon the previous one to emphasize a comprehensive rejection of idolatry. This creates a strong, rhythmic cadence that underscores the absolute nature of the prohibition. Furthermore, there is a clear **Gradation** or **Climax** in the forbidden actions, moving from the subtle (making mention of names) to the more overt (swearing by them), then to active participation (serving them), and finally to the ultimate act of worship (bowing down). This escalating series of prohibitions highlights the insidious progression of spiritual compromise, demonstrating how seemingly minor deviations can lead to complete apostasy. The verse also functions as a direct **Exhortation** and **Warning**, characteristic of Joshua's farewell address, using imperative language to impress upon the people the gravity of their choice and the consequences of disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua's stern warning in [Joshua 23:7](/joshua/23-7 "Joshua 23:7 - Warning Against Idolatry") is deeply rooted in the foundational theological principles of the Mosaic Covenant, particularly the First and Second Commandments. The exclusive worship of Yahweh and the absolute prohibition of idolatry were central to Israel's identity as God's chosen people. This verse underscores the concept of God's holiness and His demand for an undivided heart from His covenant partners. The danger of assimilation with pagan nations was not merely cultural but existential, threatening to corrupt Israel's unique relationship with God and negate their purpose as a light to the nations. The history of Israel, from the wilderness wanderings to the Babylonian exile, tragically illustrates the consequences of failing to heed this warning, as repeated cycles of idolatry led to divine judgment and national suffering. This enduring principle of spiritual separation and exclusive devotion to God remains a timeless theological truth for all believers.

* [Deuteronomy 7:2-5](/deuteronomy/7-2 "God's Command to Destroy Idols")
* [Deuteronomy 6:14](/deuteronomy/6-14 "Do Not Go After Other Gods")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4 "The Folly of Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 23:7 speaks powerfully to believers today, even though we do not face literal Canaanite nations. The core principle—the imperative to maintain spiritual purity and exclusive devotion to God—remains profoundly relevant. In a world saturated with diverse ideologies, philosophies, and cultural pressures, we are constantly tempted to compromise our faith, blend biblical truth with worldly values (syncretism), or give our allegiance to anything that competes with God for supremacy in our lives. This verse calls us to a radical commitment: to guard our minds against ungodly influences, to purify our language from anything that dishonors God or gives credence to false spiritualities, and to ensure that our actions, worship, and ultimate allegiance are directed solely towards the one true God. It challenges us to be distinct in our faith, not conforming to the patterns of this world but being transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we may truly live as Christ's ambassadors, reflecting His holiness and truth in every sphere of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might I be "making mention of the name of their gods" (i.e., giving undue attention or legitimacy to worldly ideologies that contradict God's truth)?**
* **What modern "gods" (e.g., success, materialism, self-worship, social media approval) might I be tempted to "serve" or "bow down to" in my daily life, consciously or unconsciously?**
* **How can I proactively cultivate a more exclusive and undivided devotion to God in my thoughts, words, and actions this week?**
* **What boundaries do I need to establish or reinforce in my life to prevent spiritual assimilation with ungodly cultural norms?**

### FAQ
**Why was Israel commanded to be so separate from the nations, even to the point of not mentioning their gods?**

Answer: Israel's strict separation was not an act of xenophobia but a theological necessity rooted in God's holiness and His unique covenant with them. Yahweh is the one true God, and His nature is utterly distinct from the false, often immoral, deities of the Canaanites. To "make mention of the name of their gods," "swear by them," "serve them," or "bow yourselves unto them" would be to acknowledge the existence or power of these false gods, thereby diminishing the singularity and supremacy of Yahweh. This would also lead to syncretism, blending the pure worship of God with pagan practices, which was an abomination to God and would inevitably corrupt Israel's moral and spiritual fabric. God's ultimate desire was for Israel to be a holy nation, a kingdom of priests, and a distinct people through whom His glory and truth would be revealed to the world (cf. [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Priestly Kingdom")). Their separation was crucial for preserving their unique identity and fulfilling their divine mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 23:7, with its stark warnings against idolatry and assimilation, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant's call for believers to live in exclusive devotion to God through Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's physical separation from pagan nations foreshadows the spiritual separation required of New Testament believers from the "world system" that stands opposed to God. Jesus himself taught that "No one can serve two masters" ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")), echoing the demand for undivided allegiance. The "gods" we are warned against today are often not carved idols but abstract concepts like materialism, self-worship, power, or pleasure, which compete for our ultimate loyalty. Paul exhorts believers to "flee from idolatry" ([1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")) and to "put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry" ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things")). In Christ, we are called to a new covenant faithfulness, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of purity and devotion. Our worship is no longer tied to a physical land or temple but is "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), directed solely to the Father through the Son. The ultimate fulfillment lies in the believer's union with Christ, where our identity is found in Him alone, enabling us to "lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - Looking to Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.