Joshua's farewell counsel in his old age

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After many days, Yahweh gave Israel peace and security, and Joshua had grown old. He assembled the elders, leaders, judges, and officials of Israel and spoke to them with deep concern. Joshua recalled all the great deeds God had done for Israel—Yahweh himself fought for them, drove out their enemies before them, and gave them this land as an inheritance. He encouraged the people to be strong and courageous, to be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, not turning aside to the left or to the right. Joshua warned them solemnly not to mingle with the surrounding foreigners, not to mention the names of their gods, not to bow down to or serve those false gods, but to love Yahweh their God with all their heart. Joshua told the people that if they turn to associate with the remaining foreigners and intermarry with them, Yahweh will no longer drive those peoples out from before them; instead, they will become a snare and a trap for them. Finally, Joshua reminded them with deep feeling that all the blessings promised by Yahweh have indeed come upon them, and the curses He warned of will surely be fulfilled.