Not one of God's promises failed, and He continues to keep every word spoken.
Joshua, in his old age, addresses Israel with a heartfelt statement: “Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed.” (v.14). Standing near the end of his life (around the late 14th century BC), Joshua the son of Nun—who had led the Israelites in conquering the Promised Land—reminds the assembly of God’s impeccable faithfulness. He gently urges them to reflect on the promises God made from the time they left Egypt, showing that the LORD kept each pledge without exception, demonstrating His power and steadfast covenant love.
When Joshua declares “I am going the way of all the earth,” he proclaims his impending death with both humility and assurance. It underscores that even Israel’s greatest human leader is mortal, while God’s eternal nature ensures that His words stand forever. This verse also highlights a key theological principle: God’s word does not fail. Jesus later affirms a similar truth, teaching that heaven and earth may pass away, but His words remain unfaltering (Matthew 24:35). Both testaments show God’s track record of promise-keeping, encouraging believers in every era to trust His faithfulness.
In reminding Israel that “not one word … has failed,” Joshua calls the nation to gratitude and renewed obedience. By attributing their victories and inheritance to God’s unchanging goodness, he hopes Israel will remain loyal to the covenant. Historically, Joshua had overseen miraculous events, such as the crossing of the Jordan and the fall of Jericho, each illustrating how every divine promise had proven reliable. Through these experiences, he now encourages them to love and serve the LORD wholeheartedly, resting in the proof of fulfilled promises.
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Joshua 23:14 meaning
Joshua, in his old age, addresses Israel with a heartfelt statement: “Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed.” (v.14). Standing near the end of his life (around the late 14th century BC), Joshua the son of Nun—who had led the Israelites in conquering the Promised Land—reminds the assembly of God’s impeccable faithfulness. He gently urges them to reflect on the promises God made from the time they left Egypt, showing that the LORD kept each pledge without exception, demonstrating His power and steadfast covenant love.
When Joshua declares “I am going the way of all the earth,” he proclaims his impending death with both humility and assurance. It underscores that even Israel’s greatest human leader is mortal, while God’s eternal nature ensures that His words stand forever. This verse also highlights a key theological principle: God’s word does not fail. Jesus later affirms a similar truth, teaching that heaven and earth may pass away, but His words remain unfaltering (Matthew 24:35). Both testaments show God’s track record of promise-keeping, encouraging believers in every era to trust His faithfulness.
In reminding Israel that “not one word … has failed,” Joshua calls the nation to gratitude and renewed obedience. By attributing their victories and inheritance to God’s unchanging goodness, he hopes Israel will remain loyal to the covenant. Historically, Joshua had overseen miraculous events, such as the crossing of the Jordan and the fall of Jericho, each illustrating how every divine promise had proven reliable. Through these experiences, he now encourages them to love and serve the LORD wholeheartedly, resting in the proof of fulfilled promises.