Joshua 23:16
When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.
Joshua 23:16 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse serves as a warning to the people of Israel about the consequences of breaking the covenant with the LORD. By turning away from God and worshipping other gods, they are betraying the very foundation of their relationship with Him. The anger of the LORD is kindled against them, leading to their swift destruction and removal from the promised land. The verse highlights the importance of loyalty and obedience to God, emphasizing that their disobedience will result in severe punishment. It serves as a reminder of the significance of staying true to the covenant and the repercussions of straying from the path set by the LORD. Ultimately, this verse conveys the message that faithfulness and devotion to God are essential for the preservation of His blessings and protection over His people.
Theological Overview
According to theological interpretation, this verse from Deuteronomy reveals the seriousness of breaking the covenant with the Lord. The covenant between God and the Israelites was a sacred agreement, with the stipulation that they worship Him alone and not turn to other gods. The concept of worshiping other gods was considered a grave sin in the eyes of the Lord. The Bible often uses the analogy of spiritual adultery to describe the act of turning away from God to false idols. The consequence of such betrayal is swift and severe, as expressed in the verse, where the anger of the Lord is said to be kindled, leading to the destruction of the people and their exile from the promised land. This verse serves as a warning against idolatry and a call to remain faithful to the one true God.
Joshua 23:16 in other translations
American Standard Version
When ye transgress the covenant of Jehovah your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods, and bow down yourselves to them; then will the anger of Jehovah be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.
World English Bible
when you disobey the covenant of Yahweh your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods, and bow down yourselves to them. Then Yahweh’s anger will be kindled against you, and you will perish quickly from off the good land which he has given to you.”
Douay-Rheims
When you shall have transgressed the covenant of the Lord your God, which he hath made with you, and shall have served strange gods, and adored them: then shall the indignation of the Lord rise up quickly and speedily against you, and you shall be taken away from this excellent land, which he hath delivered to you.
Geneva Bible (1599)
When ye shall transgresse the couenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and shall goe and serue other gods, and bowe your selues to them, then shall the wrath of the Lord waxe hote against you, and ye shall perish quickely out of the good lande which he hath giuen you.