Joshua 22 5

Joshua 22:5 kjv

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.

Joshua 22:5 nkjv

But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul."

Joshua 22:5 niv

But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul."

Joshua 22:5 esv

Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul."

Joshua 22:5 nlt

But be very careful to obey all the commands and the instructions that Moses gave to you. Love the LORD your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul."

Joshua 22 verses

Joshua 22 5 Meaning

Joshua 22:5 encapsulates the enduring essence of the covenant relationship between the Israelites and the LORD, passed down from Moses. It serves as a fervent exhortation to the returning Transjordan tribes, reminding them of their fundamental obligation: to meticulously and consistently obey God's commands and law. This obedience stems from and is fueled by a profound and all-encompassing love for God, manifested by living according to His ways, diligently upholding His decrees, adhering steadfastly to Him, and serving Him wholeheartedly, both in spirit and action. It underscores that devotion to the LORD requires absolute and undivided commitment, impacting every facet of one's life.

Joshua 22 5 Context

Joshua chapter 22 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history following the conquest of Canaan. Joshua is dismissing the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh, who had faithfully assisted their brethren in securing the promised land for seven years. This verse is part of Joshua's concluding charge to these eastern tribes before they return to their inheritance across the Jordan River. It functions as a summary and potent reminder of the core tenets of the Mosaic covenant, emphasizing the absolute necessity of continued fidelity to God in a land soon to be their sole responsibility and prone to the influences of pagan cultures. The historical context involves the fledgling nation establishing itself in a new land, requiring foundational principles to prevent backsliding into idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. The words echo deeply entrenched Mosaic teachings from Deuteronomy, ensuring that the covenant with YHWH remains at the forefront of their communal and individual lives. This instruction is not merely ethical but deeply spiritual, vital for their continued existence and prosperity as God's chosen people.

Word Analysis

• Only: (Hebrew: רַק, raq) - This adverb emphasizes exclusivity and limitation. It signals that what follows is the sole requirement, allowing no alternatives or compromises. It underscores the singular allegiance owed to the LORD.
• take diligent heed: (Hebrew: שָׁמֹר לַעֲשׂוֹת, shamor la'asot) - Literally "to keep, to do." The repetition of the root shamar ("to keep" or "to guard") highlights the extreme emphasis on careful, watchful, and persistent observance. It denotes not a casual glance, but a diligent, watchful guarding of the instructions.
• to do: (Hebrew: לַעֲשׂוֹת, la'asot) - Signifies practical execution, putting the divine instruction into action. It's not just intellectual understanding or verbal affirmation, but behavioral conformity.
• the commandment and the law: (Hebrew: הַמִּצְוָה וְהַתּוֹרָה, ha-mitzvah ve-ha-torah) - "Commandment" (mitzvah) refers to a specific divine injunction, while "law" (torah) is broader, encompassing God's entire body of instruction, teaching, and revealed will. This phrase ensures the full scope of God's revelation is included.
• which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you: This phrase establishes the authority and divine origin of the commands. Moses, uniquely privileged to receive direct revelation from YHWH, acts as the indispensable conduit of the covenant. His role as "servant of the LORD" (`eved Yahweh) signifies faithfulness and divine commission, solidifying the binding nature of the torah.
• to love the LORD your God: (Hebrew: לְאַהֲבָה אֶת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, le'ahavah et Yahweh Eloheichem) - "Love" (ahavah) here is not merely an emotion but a deep, covenantal devotion expressed through loyal action and commitment. It is the fundamental motivation for all subsequent commands. It demands a holistic affection and unwavering allegiance.
• and to walk in all his ways: (Hebrew: וְלָלֶכֶת בְּכָל דְּרָכָיו, velalechet bechol derakhav) - "Walk" (halak) implies a way of life, a continuous journey, a manner of conduct. "His ways" refers to God's character, principles, and commands—living in a manner consistent with divine righteousness and purpose. This phrase dictates lifestyle conformity to God's revealed will.
• and to keep his commandments: (Hebrew: וְלִשְׁמֹר מִצְו‍ֹתָיו, velishmor mitzvotav) - Reinforces the initial "diligent heed." To "keep" (shamar) means to guard, preserve, obey, and put into practice specific divine commands. This reiterates the ongoing requirement of practical obedience.
• and to cleave unto him: (Hebrew: וּלְדָבְקָה בּוֹ, ule-daveka bo) - "Cleave" (dabaq) signifies a deep, intimate, and tenacious attachment, like glue. It implies steadfast loyalty, persistent devotion, and a refusal to be separated from God, rejecting any form of idolatry or spiritual compromise. It denotes personal closeness and communion.
• and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul: (Hebrew: וּלְעָבְדוֹ בְּכָל לְבַבְכֶם וּבְכָל נַפְשְׁכֶם, ule`avdo bechol levavchem uv'chol nafshchem) - "Serve" (`avad) means to worship, to labor, to obey as a slave or worshipper. "Heart" (levav) signifies the center of thought, will, and emotion—the entire inner being. "Soul" (nephesh) encompasses the very essence of life, personality, and vitality. This phrase demands total dedication and commitment, both in one's inner being and outward actions, leaving no part of one's being untouched by their service to God. It strongly opposes divided loyalty or syncretism with foreign deities, which was a pervasive threat from surrounding Canaanite beliefs.

Joshua 22 5 Commentary

Joshua's final charge in this verse distills the covenant's core demands, echoing Moses's repeated exhortations in Deuteronomy. It highlights that Israel's well-being is entirely predicated upon its faithful obedience to YHWH. The verse progresses from general admonition ("diligent heed to do the commandment and the law") to specific expressions of loyalty and devotion, culminating in holistic service. "To love the LORD your God" is foundational, indicating that true obedience springs not from mere legalism, but from a relationship of deep affection and loyalty. This love naturally translates into active conformity: "walking in all his ways" (lifestyle), "keeping his commandments" (specific acts of obedience), and "cleaving unto him" (steadfast personal attachment). The climax—"to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul"—demands total, undivided devotion, encompassing intellect, emotion, will, and vitality. This instruction served as a powerful polemic against the polytheism and fragmented loyalties prevalent among their Canaanite neighbors. It presented an exclusive and demanding God who required a complete turning away from all other deities. This principle remains timeless, calling believers to single-minded devotion to the one true God, expressing love through a life surrendered to His revealed will.

Bonus Section

• The structure of Joshua 22:5 is a chiastic or parallel construction of "to love," "to walk," "to keep," "to cleave," and "to serve," which reinforces the comprehensive nature of the commanded loyalty.
• This verse embodies the essence of "Shema Israel" (Deut 6:4-5), demonstrating that Israel's calling was not just conquest but persistent covenant fidelity.
• The repetitive nature of the commands ("diligent heed," "keep his commandments") emphasizes the critical importance and ongoing nature of obedience; it is not a one-time act but a lifelong posture of the heart and mind.
• The phrase "Moses the servant of the LORD" is highly significant throughout the Book of Joshua. It constantly ties Joshua's authority and actions directly back to the Mosaic Law, emphasizing continuity and divine validation.