This page gives you questions and answers for studying Joshua 23, the farewell speech Joshua gave to Israel’s leaders near the end of his life. It is written for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study, and each set of questions can be used on its own or in order. Leaders can read the notes in each answer to guide discussion without needing a separate summary.
Joshua 23 at a Glance
The chapter opens with Joshua, old and near the end of his life, calling together Israel’s elders, heads, judges, and officers. He reminds them that the LORD has given them rest from their enemies and has done the fighting on their behalf. He charges them to be firmly committed to the law of Moses, to avoid the gods of the surrounding nations, and to hold fast to the LORD.
The second half of the speech is a warning. If Israel mixes with the remaining nations and turns to their gods, the same nations God once drove out will become a snare to them, and the blessings already received could be lost. Joshua ends by pointing to the faithfulness God has shown so far, and to the same certainty that God’s judgment will follow disobedience.
Observation Questions
Use these questions at the start of the session to help the group look closely at what the text says before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask people to find the answer in the chapter itself, and read the relevant verses aloud before discussing.
Joshua 23:3
You have seen all that the LORD your God has done to all these nations because of you; for it is the LORD your God who has fought for you.
(WEB)
Read this verse early to set the tone of the chapter. It reminds the group that the success Israel has seen came from the LORD’s own action, which gives a foundation for everything Joshua goes on to say.
Joshua 23:6-8
6 “Therefore be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that you not turn away from it to the right hand or to the left; 7 that you not come 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 to them; 8 but hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.
(WEB)
This short range contains the core instructions of the speech. Reading it aloud allows the group to hear the commands in sequence and notice how Joshua moves from the law to the negative warnings and then to the call to hold fast.
Joshua 23:11
Take good heed therefore to yourselves, that you love the LORD your God.
(WEB)
Reading this verse by itself helps the group focus on the heart behind Joshua’s instructions. It is the hinge between the commands and the warnings, and it names love for God as the foundation of watchful faithfulness.
Joshua 23:14
“Behold, today I am going the way of all the earth. You know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you. All have happened to you. Not one thing has failed of it.
(WEB)
This verse gathers up the theme of God’s faithfulness to his word. Reading it aloud gives the group a moment to reflect on how Joshua grounds his final words in personal testimony and in confidence in God’s promises.
Joshua 23:16
When you disobey the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods, and bow down yourselves to them. Then the LORD’s anger will be kindled against you, and you will perish quickly from off the good land which he has given to you.”
(WEB)
Ending the reading with this verse brings the chapter’s warning to a clear close. It is worth reading slowly so the group can sit with the seriousness of covenant loyalty and the consequences Joshua describes.
Memory Verse for Joshua 23
Joshua 23:8
But hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.
(WEB)
This verse captures the central call of the chapter in one short sentence. Memorizing it helps the group carry Joshua’s charge into the week, reminding them to keep holding fast to the LORD in the ordinary moments of daily life.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that you have been faithful to your people from the days of Joshua until now. Thank you for every good promise you have kept, and for the reminder that you fight for us and go before us. Help us to hold fast to you, to love you with our whole hearts, and to guard our lives against the drift toward other loyalties. Give us courage to encourage one another in faithfulness, and humility to receive correction when we need it. Keep us close to you in the week ahead, and let our lives reflect the steady trust Joshua called Israel to live out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
