Definition: That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear [by them], neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 23:7. It's a pretty important piece of scripture and carries a lot of meaning about how we should treat people in the future. Here’s a simple explanation: What it Means: This verse is saying, “Do not interact with or make contact with these new nations that have settled here. Don’t even mention their gods or any kind of worship to them.” Basically, it's a clear instruction to avoid establishing relationships with these new people. Let’s break it down further: “That ye come not among these nations…” : This is a direct command – don’t enter into contact with them. It's a firm prohibition. “…these that remain among you” : This refers to the people who have already settled in this land. We’re talking about the existing population, not the newcomers. “Neither make mention of the name of their gods…” : This is the crucial part. It means we shouldn't acknowledge or praise any gods that these new people worship. It’s a rejection of idolatry – worshipping anything other than God. “…nor cause to swear [by them]…” : This refers to making an oath or commitment to these new gods. Swearing is a serious thing in religious traditions, and this verse says we shouldn't do it. “…neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them” : This is the most direct instruction – don’t worship these new gods, and don’t offer them any loyalty or reverence. It means avoiding any form of devotion. Why is this important? This verse is a cornerstone of Israel’s covenant with God. It's a reminder that God has a clear boundary – He wants the land to be holy and free from idolatry. By keeping this rule, Israel was meant to protect the nation and its future as a testament to God's faithfulness. In essence, it’s about maintaining holiness and avoiding relationships with people who are not devoted to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this principle applies today?