Explore the Bible By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
CHALLENGED
Joshua 24:14–28
After reminding the elders of God’s faithfulness to His word and His covenant relationship with Israel, Joshua turns his attention to the whole assembly in his farewell address. In Chapter 23 he calls on them to cling to the law of Moses and to be strong, just as God said to Joshua at the beginning of the book. He warns them of the consequences of forsaking the Word of God, following false deities and finding their affections drawn to the people who reject the one true God.
The final chapter opens with the setting in Shechem, significant because God had promised this land to Abram when he arrived in Canaan (Gen. 12:7) and later Jacob had purchased a plot of land (Gen. 33:19). Representatives from all the tribes of Israel are gathered now as well as their authorities: elders, leaders, judges and officers. Joshua reminds them of the time before the patriarchs when Terah worshipped other gods on the other side of the Euphrates. He recalls the plagues of Egypt as God set their fathers free from idolaters on the other side of the Nile. He reminds them about crossing over the Jordan to take possession of the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The Example Set (14–15)
“Fear the Lord and worship Him in sincerity and truth” (24:14). These words and the words of 24:15 are serious reminders of the warning given by God when they prepared to enter the land. Deuteronomy 6:10–13 records the warning not to forget the Lord who had delivered them but to “fear the Lord your God, worship Him and take your oaths in His name.” Deuteronomy 6:14–15 warn against worshipping gods of the land, making clear the consequence for idolatry is death.
Jesus alludes to both of these passages from Joshua and Deuteronomy. The first comes in the Master’s conversation at Sychar when He tells the Samaritan woman true worshippers must worship in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23–24). The second comes in the temptation when Jesus responds with a quotation from Deuteronomy 6:13 (Matt. 4:10; Luke 4:8).
With Deuteronomy 6 in mind, Joshua’s commitment is firm: “As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord.” His challenge to them is clear — make a decision for you and your children. In this collective culture where elders are honored, the head of each subtribe governs the worship practices of his home and family.
The People’s Reflection (16–18)
The Israelites knew their history and they had listened to Joshua’s challenge. They acknowledged the power of God, the deliverance of His people from Egypt and the victories which they had witnessed firsthand. They had no other reasonable choice than to commit to worshipping their own God.
A Somber Warning (19–20)
Joshua requires them to count the cost. Once again, he echoes the warning of Moses (Deut. 6:15), reminding them Yahweh is jealous for His name and will not be content with anything less than total commitment. Complete destruction awaits those who commit to and then forsake the living God.
A Public Declaration (21–28)
The warning continues in this final section of our lesson. Joshua explains their words are a testimony against themselves if they forsake the Lord.
“We are witnesses,” they said. Not only are they witnesses but the book and the stone were witnesses as well.
We too are witnesses — both of our wretched state apart from the work of Christ and of our salvation through the crucified and risen Lord.
Share with others: