The text gives a vivid picture of what happens when you stifle God’s Word in your life. The warning of our text is echoed in the New Testament, in Hebrews 10:26–31. To despise God’s grace, shown in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, is to reject his promises, and lose his pardon. It is to fall into his hands. The text illustrates the resulting absolute horror of someone rebelling against God’s Word, rejecting his grace!
God’s word is active in history. He is always true to his covenant blessings and curses. God’s word through Joshua still stands; it is absolutely trustworthy. He is always true, always faithful to his covenant, both the blessings and the curses.
34 In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. He laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun.