Joshua 23:6 –
So be very careful to follow everything Moses wrote in the Book of Instruction. Do not deviate from it, turning either to the right or to the left.
Joshua is giving his words to Israel and wants to make sure they understand the ramifications of their obedience. Here he is focusing on the Law or Book of Instruction that was given to them by Moses. It’s interesting when you read further on, especially when studying the kings of Israel you see how they often put aside these Laws and end up misplacing them. When they do this it always ends up in a huge mess. I find it interesting how they call this the “Book of Instruction” here, when does it become the “Law”?
Maybe that is where the Israelites goofed in following Moses’ writings? They were to be a guide to proper living for good spiritual, fiscal, and healthy lives. But they soon became “law” where it became a “sin” to eat certain foods or not to tithe. The culture moved from trying to have the best relationship with God to trying to follow these “instructions” a legalistic manner. Hence where Jesus needed to come in and turn the thinking upside-down.
We wrestle with the Old Testament and the Law as we grow as Christians. The “base” is the 10 Commandments which are simple and easy to understand. When it gets into tithing, food laws, sacrifices and the like it becomes difficult for people to understand when applied to Christianity. Jesus when asked about the Law always made it more difficult. When asked about the tithe, he said give it all. He never relaxed the “Instructions” but made them more difficult. I think to illustrate the folly of trying to please God by deeds alone and the need to submit in our relationship.
God want a relationship, not some rule based works program. Now the next verse talks about the people who are not Israelites among them. I find it interesting how the Jewish community follows this guide and is very close knit. We as Christians we open our arms to everyone trying to convert them to followers of Christ. In doing this we often pollute our base of influence with people who have distorted views of following God or make aspects of God the god, like love. God is love but don’t make love your “god”. This is the most common misconception people have since if God is love why do so many die? Why is Christ the “only” way to salvation? These questions are difficult to answer when love is your “god”! Hence why you must surround yourself with Bible based Christians, for the same reasons Joshua gives in his warnings.