The Lord tells Joshua that he will not go with them unless they remove the devoted things from among them. Previously, in Exodus, following the sin of the golden calf, the Lord also threatened Israel that his presence would not go with them (Exodus 33:3). He promises to send his angel with them who will drive out the Canaanites to ensure they can live in the land (Exodus 33:2). In response, Moses pleads with the Lord not to leave them but to go with his people (Exodus 33:15–16).
12 Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction. I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you.