Threats as true as promises.
There are those who deny God's threats of punishment the same validity which they ascribe to His promises of blessing. Joshua here ascribes equal certainty to both.
I. GOD MUST BE TRUE TO HIS THREATS. God desires to bless, and He can only punish reluctantly, since His nature is love. Hence it might appear that He would not be so true to His threats as to His promises. But, on the other hand, note:—
II. THE APPARENT UNCERTAINTY OF GOD'S THREATS ADMITS OF EXPLANATION.
III. THE APPLICATION OF GOD'S THREATS SHOULD BE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED.