but you shall cling to the LORD your God just as you have done to this day.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just ask Israel to stick with God, but to "cling" to Him, implying an active, affectionate, and steadfast embrace, just as they had already demonstrated since entering Canaan, setting a precedent for their continued faithfulness. This highlights that their past faithfulness, while imperfect, serves as the very foundation and proof of their ability to remain devoted.
but you shall cling to the LORD your God just as you have done to this day.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joshua, an aged leader, is gathered with Israel's elders to deliver his final charge. Having secured much of the promised land, he reminds them of God's faithfulness in driving out enemies, emphasizing that their continued prosperity hinges on their loyalty to God. He urges them to uphold the Law and remain distinct from the surrounding Canaanite nations, urging them to hold fast to God as they have done.
Joshua uses a powerful word here, 'cling' or 'cleave.' It's more than just loyalty; it's a deep, life-defining commitment.
The Hebrew word for 'cling' or 'cleave' suggests a tenacious, inseparable bond. Think of it like superglue for your soul!
Joshua reminds them of their past – not just the good, but how far they've come since the wilderness. Why is remembering important for staying faithful?
Joshua grounds his exhortation in their history. They've seen God drive out mighty nations and protect them when no one else could.
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Understand the original words
dabaq · Hebrew Verb
To hold fast, stick, or cleave to someone with loyalty and devotion; often used to describe the covenant relationship between the believer and the Lord.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The covenant name of God (Yahweh), representing His self-existence, faithfulness, and personal relationship with His people.
Joshua's exhortation to 'cling' to God comes at a pivotal moment as the generation that experienced God's power firsthand is passing away, and a new generation is settling into the land they were promised.
~1406 BC
Israel Enters the Promised Land
Following the death of Moses, Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River, beginning the conquest of Canaan after 40 years in the wilderness.
c. 1400-1350 BC
Conquest and Division of Canaan
The Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, wage war against the Canaanite nations. As the land is subdued, it is systematically divided among the twelve tribes.
c. 1370 BC— this verse
Joshua's Farewell Address
As Joshua nears the end of his life, he gathers the elders of Israel to deliver a final charge, recounting God's faithfulness and urging them to remain devoted to Him.
c. 1370 BC
Joshua's Death
Joshua, the revered leader who guided Israel into the Promised Land, dies at an advanced age, leaving a legacy of faithfulness and a powerful final message.
This passage echoes Joshua's command by emphasizing that loyalty to the LORD is paramount, and His followers must 'cling' to Him, not be swayed by deceptive influences that lead astray.
Ruth 1:16Ruth's declaration, 'Your people shall be my people, and your God my God,' beautifully illustrates the concept of 'clinging' to God and His people, showing a profound commitment that transcends personal ties.
Acts 11:23When Barnabas saw the grace of God in Antioch, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain 'steadfast' to the Lord, mirroring Joshua's exhortation to cling faithfully to God.
Colossians 2:6-7Paul urges believers to 'continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith,' which is a New Testament parallel to the Old Testament command to 'cling' to the LORD.
wesleyJoshua 23:8: "But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day."
23:8 Cleave to the Lord - By constant obedience, entire affection, faithful service and worship of him alone. To this day - To wit, since you came in to Canaan; since which time the body of the people (for of them he speaks, not of every particular person) had behaved themselves much better than they did in the wilderness, and had not been guilty of any gross and general apostacy from God, or rebellion against him.
jfbJoshua 23:5-11: "And the LORD your God, he shall expel them from before you, and drive them from out of your sight; and ye shall possess their land, as the LORD your God hath promised unto you."
Jos 23:5-11. By Promises.5-11. the Lord your God, he shall expel them from before you, as the Lord your God hath promised you, &c.—The actual possessions which God had given were a pledge of the complete fulfilment of His promise in giving them the parts of the country still unconquered. But the accompl…
The verse doesn't just ask Israel to stick with God, but to "cling" to Him, implying an active, affectionate, and steadfast embrace, just as they had already demonstrated since entering Canaan, setting a precedent for their continued faithfulness. This highlights that their past faithfulness, while imperfect, serves as the very foundation and proof of their ability to remain devoted.
Joshua, an aged leader, is gathered with Israel's elders to deliver his final charge. Having secured much of the promised land, he reminds them of God's faithfulness in driving out enemies, emphasizing that their continued prosperity hinges on their loyalty to God. He urges them to uphold the Law and remain distinct from the surrounding Canaanite nations, urging them to hold fast to God as they have done.
Joshua, an aged leader, is gathered with Israel's elders to deliver his final charge. Having secured much of the promised land, he reminds them of God's faithfulness in driving out enemies, emphasizing that their continued prosperity hinges on their loyalty to God. He urges them to uphold the Law and remain distinct from the surrounding Canaanite nations, urging them to hold fast to God as they have done.
"but you shall cling to the LORD your God just as you have done to this day." — The verse doesn't just ask Israel to stick with God, but to "cling" to Him, implying an active, affectionate, and steadfast embrace, just as they had already demonstrated since entering Canaan, setti…
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Last reviewed October 2026