Joshua 23:8

“But cleave unto the Lord your God, etc.] To his word, worship, and ordinances; externally, by close adherence to them, and strict observation of them; and internally, by strong affection to him, hope, trust, and confidence in him, expectation of all good things from him, and constant application to him for help in all times of need, and a fixed dependence on him: as ye have done unto this day; that is, since they came into the land of Canaan, and had been under the government of Joshua; for otherwise, while in the wilderness, they frequently revolted from God, and murmured against him; and this is to be understood not of individuals, who doubtless were guilty of various failings and sins,…”

“Cleave to the Lord - By constant obedience, entire affection, faithful service and worship of him alone. To this day - To wit, since you came in to Canaan; since which time the body of the people (for of them he speaks, not of every particular person) had behaved themselves much better than they did in the wilderness, and had not been guilty of any gross and general apostacy from God, or rebellion against him. Joshua 23:9”

“23:8 To cling tightly or passionately to God would render impotent the temptation to stray off toward other gods. This same verb described a man clinging to his wife (Gen 2:24) and Ruth clinging to Naomi (Ruth 1:14).”

“or, For if ye will cleave, etc. Jos 22:5; Deu 4:4, Deu 10:20, Deu 11:22, Deu 13:4; Act 11:23 Joshua 23:9”