Joshua 22:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Joshua 22:5
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.
Chapter Context
Joshua 22 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, obedience, judgment. Written during the conquest of Canaan (c. 1406-1375 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Canaan was fragmented into city-states with various tribal alliances and religious practices.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Joshua and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Joshua 22:5
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.
Analysis
Joshua's charge to Transjordan tribes—'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'—comprehensively summarizes covenant faithfulness. Love, walking, keeping, cleaving, serving—together these represent total devotion. The dual focus on heart and soul ensures internal reality matches external compliance.
Historical Context
This farewell charge to Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh occurred as they returned east of Jordan after fulfilling their commitment to help conquer Canaan (1:12-18). Their separation from the main tribes created concern about maintaining unity, addressed through altar construction (verses 10-34). Joshua's emphasis on covenant faithfulness shows that geographical distance shouldn't produce spiritual drift. The charge's language echoes Deuteronomy, maintaining Mosaic teaching's authority.
Reflection
- How do you maintain spiritual faithfulness when separated from regular fellowship and accountability?
- What comprehensive covenant obedience looks like practically in loving, walking, keeping, cleaving, and serving God?
Word Studies
- Love: אַהֲבָה / חֶסֶד (Ahavah / Chesed) H157 - Love / Loyal-love
Cross-References
- References God: Matthew 4:10, Acts 11:23, 27:23, Romans 1:9
- Love: Exodus 20:6, Deuteronomy 11:22, Matthew 22:37, Romans 8:28, 12:9
- Word: Exodus 15:26