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 De son temps, Hiel de Béthel bâtit Jéricho; il en jeta les fondements au prix d'Abiram, son premier-né, et il en posa les portes au prix de Segub, son plus jeune fils, selon la parole que l'Eternel avait dite par Josué, fils de Nun.