Joshua Chapter 23
The two remaining chapters of the book of Joshua are the testament of the last and arguably the most important teachings of the leader of Israel. Joshua knew that his time on this earth was finished, and he had a lot to say to admonish the people to follow hard after the Lord their God. He knew that complacency of the people would allow sin and idolatry to creep in. I think Joshua knew in his heart that the people were going to fall away but he had to try to make them see that in doing so, they would reap judgement on their heads.
Dr. Frank Turek at the recent memorial service of Charlie Kirk said, (not an exact quote), that we are all in need of redemption and that we do not want to have to answer to a just and holy God. We need Jesus to be that mediator to redeem us from God’s wrath. I think Joshua did his best to persuade the people of Israel of the importance of maintaining their obedience and worship of the one true God and to repent of all sins. He did not want them to face the wrath of a just God
Let's Reflect
1. The first verse tells us that Joshua was well advanced in years. We know from the last chapter that he died at 110 years old. Joshua knew that God was about to take him home. He had much to tell the people before he died. This could have been a speech where Joshua rehearsed all his accomplishments as the leader that brought them into the promised land, but that was not the case. Who did Joshua talk about and give credit to in his speech to the people?
2. Joshua reminded the people of a promise God had made to them. What promise did he talk about as seen in verse 5?
3. This promise was conditional. According to verses 6-8 and 11, what did the people need to do so that they would enjoy the blessings of that promise?
4. Joshua reminded them of how God had disposed of many of the land’s inhabitants for them. And when the people had gone to battle against them, with the Lord on their side they were invincible. According to verse 10 how did Joshua describe the strength of the fighting Israelite men with God on their side?
5. Joshua warned the people that if they became complacent with the remaining nations living amongst them and married them that they would be influenced by their false religions and false idol worship. What did Joshua say would happen to them if they allowed this to happen?
6. Joshua reminded them of a certain truth. According to verse 14 what was that truth?
7. To drive home the point Joshua was making he urged them to keep God’s commandments. You could almost hear him begging the people to heed his words. And he also reminded them what would happen if they did not. What did Joshua warn the people that God would do if they deserted Him?
