In this summary section Joshua concisely restated the main ideas previously expressed in more detail. His warning to the people was strong. God would be just as faithful in sending discipline on His people if they transgressed His covenant as He had been in sending blessing because they had been obedient in the past.
The initial success of the conquest had been due to God's blessings on His obedient people. The complete extermination of the Canaanites and the Israelites' full possession and enjoyment of the land would require the same obedience and blessing.
The motive for obedience should be gratitude. Our present obedience, loyalty, and love (vv. 6, 8, 11) should spring naturally from appreciation for God's faithfulness in the past and confidence in His promises for the future.
