For if you turn back and cling to the remnant of these nations remaining among you and make marriages with them, so that you associate with them and they with you,
12. Else if you do in any wise go back, etc According to the usual method observed in the Law, he adds threatening, in order that if they are not sufficiently allured by the divine goodness, they may be aroused by fear to the performance of their duty.
Else if ye do in any wise go back,.... From the Lord and his worship, from his word and ordinances: and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even those that remain among you; in cities not taken, or in several which the Philistines were in possession of, or lived among them as tributaries to them, if they should take to them, and be free...
BY THREATENINGS IN CASE OF DISOBEDIENCE. (Jos 23:12) Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations--As marriage connections with the idolatrous Canaanites would present many and strong temptations to transgress it, these were strictly prohibited (Exo 34:12-16; Deu 7:3).