Joshua 23:8

KJV

But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

But cleave {H1692} unto the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, as ye have done {H6213} unto this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but cling to ADONAI your God, as you have done to this day.

Berean Standard Bible

Instead, you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.

American Standard Version

but cleave unto Jehovah your God, as ye have done unto this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 23:8 serves as a pivotal exhortation within Joshua's farewell address to the leaders of Israel, encapsulating his dying charge for the nation to maintain unwavering and exclusive devotion to the LORD their God. It is a powerful call to covenant faithfulness, acknowledging their past obedience while simultaneously urging them to persevere in a deep, intimate, and steadfast commitment to God, thereby securing their continued blessing and prosperity in the land He had given them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Joshua's final, valedictory address to the assembled leaders of Israel, delivered as he approached the end of his life (cf. [Joshua 23:1-2](/joshua/23-1 "Joshua 23:1-2 - Joshua's Farewell Address")). Having successfully led the Israelites into the Promised Land and overseen the initial conquest and distribution of the territory, Joshua's speech serves as a covenant renewal ceremony, echoing the foundational principles established at Mount Sinai. He recounts God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, warns sternly against the dangers of idolatry, intermarriage with the remaining Canaanite nations, and any deviation from the LORD, which would inevitably lead to severe consequences and expulsion from the land (see [Joshua 23:12-13](/joshua/23-12 "Joshua 23:12-13 - Consequences of Disobedience")). The exhortation to "cleave unto the LORD" is the central positive command, providing the antidote to the warned-against apostasy and serving as the foundational principle for their continued blessing and prosperity in the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joshua's address takes place at a critical juncture in Israelite history—the transition from the period of conquest to the era of settlement and the subsequent period of the Judges. The Israelites were no longer a nomadic people in the wilderness but were now dwelling among the remnants of Canaanite culture, which was deeply entrenched in polytheism, idol worship, and various pagan practices. The temptation to assimilate and adopt the religious customs of their neighbors was immense, posing a constant threat to their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. In this environment, the command to "cleave" was not merely a spiritual platitude but a radical call for exclusive allegiance to one God in a polytheistic world, demanding a clear separation from the surrounding idolatry and a steadfast commitment to the covenant stipulations that defined their national and spiritual identity.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 23:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Deuteronomistic history. Foremost among these is the theme of **Covenant Loyalty and Faithfulness**. God had proven faithful to His covenant promises by bringing Israel into the land; now, Israel was called to reciprocate with unwavering loyalty. This verse also emphasizes **Exclusive Devotion to Yahweh**, a core tenet of Israelite faith articulated in the Shema (cf. [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love the LORD Your God")). It serves as a stark **Warning Against Apostasy and Idolatry**, highlighting the ever-present danger of spiritual compromise that would plague Israel throughout its history. Furthermore, the phrase "as ye have done unto this day" introduces the theme of **Perseverance in Obedience**, acknowledging past faithfulness while challenging them to maintain that same spirit of adherence to God's commands as an ongoing, continuous journey, not a static achievement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cleave (Hebrew, _dabaq'_):** This verb (דָּבַק) is central to the verse's meaning, conveying a profound sense of intimate attachment, clinging, sticking, or being joined to something. It is used elsewhere in the Old Testament to describe the unbreakable bond of marriage, as seen in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - A Man Shall Cleave to His Wife"), where a man is to "cleave unto his wife." When applied to one's relationship with God, _dabaq_ implies wholehearted commitment, unwavering loyalty, and an inseparable bond that transcends mere obedience to laws. It speaks to a deep, personal, spiritual, and relational devotion, signifying an active choice to remain intimately connected to God, resisting all temptations to drift away.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But cleave unto the LORD your God":** The introductory "But" (וְאַתֶּם, _wĕ'attem_, "and you") provides a strong contrast to the preceding warnings against intermarriage and idolatry (Joshua 23:7). It shifts from the negative injunctions to a positive command, emphasizing the alternative path of life and blessing. The imperative "cleave" (דָּבַק, _dabaq_) is a forceful call for Israel to maintain an intimate, exclusive, and unwavering bond with "the LORD your God" (יהוה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, _Yahweh Eloheikem_), highlighting the personal and covenantal nature of their relationship with the one true God. This is not a casual association but a deep, binding commitment of heart, mind, and soul.
* **"as ye have done unto this day":** This phrase serves as both a commendation and an exhortation. It acknowledges and affirms the faithfulness that the Israelites had demonstrated up to this point in their journey, particularly during the conquest and settlement under Joshua's leadership. This past obedience provides a foundation and a precedent for their future conduct. However, it is also a challenge, implying that their faithfulness must not wane but must continue consistently and actively into the future. It underscores that spiritual devotion is an ongoing process, requiring sustained effort and intentionality.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 23:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its crucial message. The primary device is **Exhortation**, as Joshua delivers a direct and earnest appeal to the people, urging them toward a specific course of action. This is coupled with **Covenant Language**, drawing upon the established relationship between God and Israel, where "cleaving" signifies upholding their side of the covenant agreement. There is also an element of **Commendation** in the phrase "as ye have done unto this day," which serves to affirm their past faithfulness and encourage its continuation. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Contrast** to the preceding warnings against idolatry and assimilation, presenting exclusive devotion to Yahweh as the vital alternative to spiritual compromise. The use of the verb "cleave" itself is a powerful **Metaphor**, drawing on the physical act of clinging to describe a profound spiritual and relational bond.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command to "cleave unto the LORD" is a timeless theological principle that resonates throughout Scripture. It speaks to the fundamental requirement for humanity to maintain an exclusive and devoted relationship with the one true God, rejecting all forms of idolatry and spiritual compromise. This deep attachment is not merely intellectual assent but a wholehearted commitment that influences every aspect of life, prioritizing God's will and presence above all else. It is the very essence of what it means to be God's people, reflecting the First Commandment's call to have no other gods before Him and to love Him with all one's heart, soul, and might. This spiritual "cleaving" is the source of true life, blessing, and security, echoing God's desire for an intimate, reciprocal relationship with His creation.

* [Deuteronomy 10:20](/deuteronomy/10-20 "Fear, Serve, and Cleave to the LORD")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "You Cannot Serve Two Masters")
* [1 John 2:15](/1_john/2-15 "Do Not Love the World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua's charge to "cleave unto the LORD" remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless call to active, wholehearted commitment in our relationship with God. In a world brimming with distractions, competing loyalties, and subtle forms of idolatry—whether the pursuit of wealth, power, pleasure, or even self-reliance—the command to "cleave" challenges us to intentionally prioritize God above all else. It means cultivating a deep, intimate bond with Him through consistent prayer, diligent study of His Word, and obedient living, allowing His truth to shape our desires and decisions. Just as Israel was called to persevere in their faithfulness, so too are we called to maintain our spiritual walk consistently, drawing strength from past experiences of God's faithfulness and striving daily to grow in our devotion, resisting any compromise that would dilute our allegiance to Him. This active "cleaving" is not a passive state but a dynamic, daily pursuit of intimacy with the One who is the source of all life and blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "idols" or competing loyalties in my life today that might prevent me from truly "cleaving" to the LORD?**
* **In what practical ways can I deepen my intimate connection with God daily, moving beyond mere religious activity?**
* **How does my past experience of God's faithfulness encourage and empower me to continue "cleaving" to Him in present challenges?**
* **What does it mean for me to "cleave" to God with my heart, mind, and actions in my specific context?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the word "cleave" in this verse?**

Answer: The word "cleave" (Hebrew: *dabaq*) is highly significant because it implies a deep, intimate, and inseparable attachment. It's not just about obedience to rules, but about a profound relational bond, much like the bond in marriage described in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - A Man Shall Cleave to His Wife"). When applied to God, it means to cling to Him with wholehearted devotion, loyalty, and an active choice to remain intimately connected, resisting any temptation to drift away or pursue other gods. It speaks to the exclusivity and depth of the covenant relationship God desires with His people.

**Why was this command particularly important for Israel at this time?**

Answer: This command was crucial because Israel was transitioning from conquest to settlement in the Promised Land. They were surrounded by Canaanite nations deeply entrenched in polytheistic and idolatrous practices. The danger of assimilation, intermarriage, and adopting foreign gods was immense. Joshua's exhortation to "cleave unto the LORD" was a vital warning against spiritual compromise and a call to maintain their unique identity as God's chosen people, whose sole allegiance was to Yahweh alone. Their continued blessing and presence in the land depended entirely on this exclusive devotion, as highlighted in [Deuteronomy 30:20](/deuteronomy/30-20 "Deuteronomy 30:20 - Love the LORD, Obey His Voice, and Cleave to Him").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The command to "cleave unto the LORD" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Joshua called Israel to cling to the God of the Old Covenant, believers in the New Covenant are called to "cleave" to God through His Son, Jesus, who is the full embodiment of God's presence and the means by which we enter into an intimate relationship with the Father. Jesus Himself invited His disciples to "abide in me, and I in you" (cf. [John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abiding in Christ")), using language that echoes the deep attachment of "cleaving." Our union with Christ, established by faith, means we are spiritually "joined" to Him, drawing our life, strength, and identity from Him (cf. [Colossians 2:6-7](/colossians/2-6-7 "Colossians 2:6-7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ")). He is the one to whom we look as the "author and perfecter of our faith" (cf. [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")), and by cleaving to Him, we receive the Holy Spirit who enables us to live out the wholehearted devotion that Joshua commanded. In Christ, the struggle against idolatry is met with the supremacy of God's Son, and the call to unwavering faithfulness is transformed into a joyful, Spirit-empowered walk with our living Lord.

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.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 10:20

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.

Joshua 22:5

But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deuteronomy 13:4

Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.

Acts 11:23

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

Deuteronomy 11:22

For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;

Deuteronomy 4:4

But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God [are] alive every one of you this day.