By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Mobile
VITAL DECISION
Joshua 24:14–24
This chapter contains Joshua’s final words to the people of Israel. Joshua’s speech (vv. 2–15) is followed by a series of responses by the people and Joshua (vv. 16–24). The primary theme of this section is worshipping the Lord faithfully by forsaking all other gods of the people in the land.
Although Joshua was skeptical of their commitment to the Lord, Israel vowed to remain faithful. Joshua then made a covenant with the people at Shechem, and he wrote it in the book of the law of God.
Challenge (14–18)
Joshua began his challenge by reminding the people how God had faithfully provided for them. The Lord had brought Abraham to the land of Canaan and multiplied his descendants. God had watched over them while they were in Egypt, destroyed their enemies and delivered them from slavery in Egypt.
After being with them in the wilderness for 40 years, the Lord brought them into the promised land. He defeated the peoples living in Canaan and gave them the land. Everything they had was due to God’s kind providence.
Built upon these truths, Joshua challenged the nation to “fear the Lord and worship Him in sincerity and truth.”
Fearing the Lord is not bowing down to Him with terror and dread. Rather, it is having a deep-seated reverence and awe for Him that would cause them to hate evil and reject all other gods.
Following the Lord is not simply going through the ritualistic motions of worship. Worship of the Lord is done with blamelessness and in truth, which can never be done in the presence of other loyalties. Idolatry had always been an issue for Israel.
Joshua challenged the people to make a choice to follow the Lord faithfully.
The Lord would not accept any attempt at syncretism. He is a jealous God and requires undivided devotion.
Joshua made it clear where he stood: “As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord” (v. 15). The people promised to worship the Lord as Joshua challenged them to do. They promised to stay away from the influence of pagan gods, obey the Lord and worship Him alone.
Warning (19–24)
Joshua was skeptical about the people’s commitment to serve the Lord faithfully, but the people remained firm in their intentions.
In Exodus 19 and 24, the people whom the Lord had brought out of Egypt boldly proclaimed that they would do everything the Lord commanded them to do. In each case they quickly forsook the Lord. Joshua was just as skeptical about those who made the same promises at Shechem.
Joshua’s skepticism highlights the inability of the people to follow the Lord faithfully.
They did not possess hearts capable of keeping the law of God. Brothers and sisters, we should never get over the blessings we experience every day as new covenant believers (Ezek. 36:25–27).
While again affirming their loyalty to the Lord with their words, some of the people were still clinging to pagan gods. Don’t play with God. God is not to be taken lightly. Joshua commanded the people to repent and turn their hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.
This appeal is still relevant to people today who need to leave behind the idols of their hearts and worship the Lord wholeheartedly. May the Lord grant us the grace to trust Him and live our lives as an act of worship for His glory.
Share with others: