Similar to Jacob (Genesis 49:1–33) and Moses (Deuteronomy 32:1 – 33:29), Joshua uses the last days of his life to give a speech of encouragement to God’s people. His aim is to motivate obedience to the Lord and prepare the Israelites for a future without him.1
The speech itself is divided in various ways by different commentators. Some see three sections (Joshua 23:2–8, Joshua 23:9–13 and Joshua 23:14–16)2,3 whilst others see only two (Joshua 23:3–10 and Joshua 23:12–16 with Joshua 23:11 serving as a bridge).4
1 A long time afterward, when the LORD had given rest to Israel from all their surrounding enemies, and Joshua was old and well advanced in years,