The angel of the LORD came and spoke to Israel prior to Joshua's death. He placed a judgment on them. He first reminded them that God will keep the promises He made to their ancestors. He reminded them that their part in the covenant was to not make covenants with the people living in the land. They were to destroy the altars of the false gods these people worshiped. However, they disobeyed God and there would be consequences. Although the land would still be their land, God would no longer drive the people out before them. In essence, God was giving them what they wanted. Apparently they wanted to work for it, God was going to let them work for it. He let them know that these people still living in the land would be a thorn in their side, and their gods would be a constant temptation to them.---This is why God calls us to be holy, separate from the world. If we keep these "gods" nearby (even though we don't believe in them)they will be a constant temptation. Do you ever have times you seem to be under constant temptation? Maybe there is an idol lying around the house, or people in "your land" you need to stay clear of. ---Biblical truth.
See Romans 1 to see how God will let us go as far away as we want from Him.
See 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 about the "thorn" in the flesh.
