Joshua’s speech in 23:1–16 is often referred to as his farewell speech, as it takes place a long time after the Lord has given Israel rest from the attacks of her enemies, when Joshua has already become very old (23:1). In fact, Joshua himself suggests that it will not be long before he will pass away (23:14). So, gathering the leaders together as representatives of all Israel, Joshua charges them to remain faithful to the Lord and warns them of the dire consequences of disobedience.

Joshua first reminds the people of how the Lord has fought for them against their enemies, and how he will continue to dispossess their enemies for them until they have taken full possession of the land. The fact that the inheritance the tribes received also includes land still occupied by the nations is its…