Joshua Chapter 24
Joshua, just like his predecessor Moses, when his time on earth was ending reviewed the covenant of God with the people of Israel. He marked this important occasion with three things. He issued a challenge to the people to keep the covenant by recalling all that God had done for them in getting them to the promised land. He also gave them reminders and warnings of the judgement that would befall them if they turned their back on God. Secondly, he wrote all these things down in the book of the law. And thirdly, he set a memorial stone that represented the commitment that the people made that day at Shechem.
Joshua may have chosen to have this renewal of the covenant meeting at Shechem because of the natural amphitheater that existed. He also may have chosen this spot because of the historical significance of the city. Shechem being close to Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim, the people would have remembered the reading of God’s word and the blessing and curses performed there years before. Joshua 8:30-35
Shechem is modern Tel Balata. “This ancient city was situated on the floor of a valley near its entrance, Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal forming the respective walls. The contour of the land resulted in a natural amphitheater, the acoustics of which were so good that the human voice carried to exceptional distances.” [Pink]
Shechem was the place where God had spoken to Abraham and told him that He would give the land to his descendants. Abraham’s son Jacob also came to Shechem and bought a piece of land and built an altar to God there. Shechem was also the city where Jacob buried the idol gods under a terebinth tree. The worship of idols caused great devastation in the family. Genesis 35:1-5. And putting one further stamp of historical importance on this city was the burial of Joseph’s bones at Shechem. It would have been a full-circle moment as they kept the promise to bring Joseph’s bones back to the land that he started from.
Let's Reflect
1. When Joshua began speaking, he told the people gathered at Shechem that God had a message for them to hear. What forefather did he remind them of who was given the first covenant promise?
2. Verses 3-12 is a rehearsal of all the things God had done in the lives of the people to get them to this point. Can you imagine how they felt as they stood there listening to all of these ways God had orchestrated on their behalf? Have you thought about what God did to orchestrate your life being where it is today?
3. Because of all that God had done for them it would only make sense that the people would be loyal to God, but sadly that is not human nature. The heart is sinful. So, Joshua gave them a charge that they must put away all foreign gods. In verse 15 he used very strong words in describing the choice that every man has to make for himself regarding the one true God. What words did he use?
4. Verse 16 states that the people responded to Joshua’s challenge, but I would venture to guess that one man spoke up with a declaration that the whole congregation probably cheered to after he finished speaking. What did the people say they would do?
5. In verses 19 and 20 it seems as if Joshua is using reverse psychology on the people telling them they are incapable of serving God. Why is it difficult to serve God with our whole heart?
6. The people responded back that they would serve God and obey Him. This was important – they were dedicating their lives wholly to God. Joshua marked this commitment in what manner?
7. We are told that Joshua died at the age of 110. And the Bible says that the people did keep their word and worshipped God, at least for a while. What words indicate that the people kept their promise for at least a while?
8. The book of Joshua also ends with the burial of Joseph’s bones that they had brought up from the land of Egypt. Where was Joseph buried?
