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:
Don't get mixed up with these nations that are still living among you. Don't even mention the names of their gods, don't make promises using their names, don't worship them, and don't bow down to them.
Joshua is warning the Israelites to completely avoid any involvement with the false gods of the surrounding nations.
📚 Historical Context
In the historical context, Joshua was an aging leader addressing the Israelites after they had conquered much of the Promised Land, urging them to remain faithful to God amidst the lingering presence of Canaanite nations. He warned against any involvement with their idolatrous practices to prevent spiritual corruption, drawing from Israel's past experiences of straying into pagan worship during their wilderness journeys. This instruction was part of a broader covenant renewal, emphasizing separation from foreign influences to preserve their identity as God's chosen people.
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