You may be sure translates another intensive verb structure in Hebrew: “know assuredly” (Revised Standard Version). If the proposed restructuring of verse 12 is followed, then it may be necessary to begin verse 13 “If you do, you may be sure that….”

The warning against mixed marriages with the Canaanites is more specifically stated and the consequences vividly portrayed by the use of four metaphors: a trap and a pit (that is, for catching animals) are figures of temptations and dangers. The second one, a pit, may mean specifically the lure, the bait, that draws the animal or bird into the trap. A whip on your back and thorns in your eyes (see similar language in Num 33.55) are figures of troubles and difficulties.The Hebrew word translated whip occurs only here in the Old Testament; Gray and others prefer to change the Hebrew text to the plural of another word, similar in spelling, meaning “whip.” Bible de Jérusalem deems the Hebrew unintelligible and conjectures a word meaning “thorns”; Hebrew Old Testament Text Project takes the Masoretic text to mean “whip.” A whip on your back is a shortened form of “when someone beats you on the back with a whip,” and thorns in your eyes means “when you accidentally stick thorns in your eyes.”

The consequences of disloyalty described in the last sentence will be disastrous: the Israelites will not continue to possess the land but will eventually die out completely. And this will last may need to be rendered, “These terrible things will continue to happen to you….”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on Joshua. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .