The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Joshua 23

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Nevi'im — the Prophets

Joshua chapter 23 — part of the Nevi'im — the Prophets in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “And it came to pass after many days, when HaShem had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, and Joshua was old and…” — the complete text of all 16 verses is below, free to read online.

1And it came to pass after many days, when HaShem had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, and Joshua was old and well stricken in years;

2that Joshua called for all Israel, for their elders and for their heads, and for their judges and for their officers, and said unto them: 'I am old and well stricken in years.

3And ye have seen all that HaShem your G-d hath done unto all these nations because of you; for HaShem your G-d, He it is that hath fought for you.

4Behold, I have allotted unto you for an inheritance, according to your tribes, these nations that remain, from the Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun.

5And HaShem your G-d, He shall thrust them out from before you, and drive them from out of your sight; and ye shall possess their land, as HaShem your G-d spoke unto you.

6Therefore be ye very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;

7that 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 worship them;

8but cleave unto HaShem your G-d, as ye have done unto this day;

9wherefore HaShem hath driven out from before you great nations and mighty; but as for you, no man hath stood against you unto this day.

10One man of you hath chased a thousand; for HaShem your G-d, He it is that fought for you, as He spoke unto you.

11Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love HaShem your G-d.

12Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you;

13know for a certainty that HaShem your G-d will no more drive these nations from out of your sight; but they shall be a snare and a trap unto you, and a scourge in your sides, and pricks in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which HaShem your G-d hath given you.

14And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth; consider ye therefore in all your heart and in all your soul, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which HaShem your G-d spoke concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, not one thing hath failed thereof.

15And it shall come to pass, that as all the good things are come upon you of which HaShem your G-d spoke unto you, so shall HaShem bring upon you all the evil things, until He have destroyed you from off this good land which HaShem your G-d hath given you.

16When ye transgress the covenant of HaShem your G-d, which He commanded you, and go and serve other gods, and worship them; then shall the anger of HaShem be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which He hath given unto you.'

16 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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