Definition: Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out [any of] these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 23:13. It’s a really important and somewhat sobering passage about God’s relationship with Israel after their conquest of Canaan (the land now known as modern-day Palestine). Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is not going to let the people of Israel become comfortable or safe. He’s declaring that they will be a danger to themselves, and he’s willing to use that danger to punish them. Let's unpack each part: “Know for a certainty…” : This means God is telling them plainly and definitively what is going to happen. It’s not just a feeling or an expectation; it’s a promise . “…that the LORD your God will no more drive out [any of] these nations…” : This is the crucial part. God is promising that He won't allow the people of Israel to be expelled from the land. He'll continue to protect them. "...but they shall be snares and traps unto you..." : This means God will deliberately make the land a place where they’ll struggle and have difficulty. It’s not just random misfortune; it’s intentional . Think of it like a trap – they'll constantly stumble into trouble. "...and scourges in your sides..." : This is a very powerful image. It suggests that the challenges God puts before them will be painful and damaging, causing suffering and hardship. It’s not just minor setbacks; it’s deep wounds. "...and thorns in your eyes..." : This further emphasizes the pain and difficulty. It's like being constantly irritated or bothered by something that doesn't belong to you. It signifies frustration and unhappiness. "...until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you." : This is the most dramatic part. It’s saying that if they don’t get better, they will die . They will cease to have a comfortable or prosperous life on this land. It's a warning about losing everything – their prosperity, security, and even their lives. In essence, it’s a promise of a difficult and ultimately dangerous situation for Israel. It highlights that God is in control, but also that He intends to use challenges to protect His people and punish those who stray from His path. Important Context: This verse comes after the conquest of Canaan. The Israelites had been living there for many years, and this was a moment of great relief – they were finally free! But God's promise here is that He will not let them be comfortable in their freedom, but rather make it difficult. Does this mean a bad thing? It’s a complex verse. It acknowledges a challenge, but it also emphasizes God’s power and protection. Some interpret it as a warning to be careful and stay faithful to God's will. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible (like the story of the Law)? Discuss the theological significance of this passage?