DBG - March 19 - Joshua 22-24

In this chapter we nearly have a civil war over a misunderstood monument.

vs. 1-9 – The tribes that settled east of Jordan are dismissed from their obligation in aiding their brethren in conquering the Promised Land.

vs. 10 – The dismissed tribes stop and erect a great altar beside Jordan. 

vs. 11-12 – The 9 ½ tribes west of Jordan see the erection of the altar as a sign of rebellion and gather at Shiloh to prepare for war against their brethren. 

vs. 13-20 – A commission is sent consisting of Phinehas, son of the high priest, and the princes of the ten tribes to speak with the tribes east of Jordan.  They accuse them falling away into sin, bringing up examples such as Baalpeor and Achan.

vs. 21-29 – The accused tribes reply that they had no intention of rebelling or of even offering sacrifices on the altar they erected.  It was simply a monument to show there was no division between Israel though Jordan split them apart. It had the opposite effect, unfortunately.

vs. 30-31 – The visiting commission is moved to believe the explanation for the altar.

vs. 32-34 – The tribes are again at peace.  The altar is called Ed (“witness”).

In this chapter Joshua addresses the leaders of Israel.

vs. 1-2 – The heads of the tribes are called to hear the words of Joshua as the end of his life draws near.  Reese’s Chronological Bible has this as 20 years after the previous chapter and Joshua at 110 years of age.

vs. 3-5 – Joshua calls them to remember all that God had done for them in bringing them in the Promised Land.

vs. 6-11 – Joshua encourages the people to follow the Lord and enjoy the fulness of His blessing.

vs. 12-13 – Joshua warns the people not to fall away from God and join the pagan nations.

vs. 14-16 – Joshua ends his message with a challenge to follow the Lord to enjoy His blessing and not see His wrath.

In this chapter Joshua makes his famous appeal for the people of Israel to choose to serve the Lord. 

vs. 1 – Joshua gathers the leaders of the tribes to Shechem.  The reason for choosing this site is not given, but it resonates with history.  Here God appeared to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-6 and Jacob lived here in Genesis 33.  More recently, it was the place between Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim where the Law was read to the people in Joshua 8:30-35. 

vs. 2-13 – Joshua begins his address with a review of Israel’s history, from the call of Abraham to the settlement of the Promised Land.

vs. 14-15 – Joshua presses the people to choose who they will serve.  They could serve God, or choose to follow the idols “on the other side of the flood” (the Euphrates River, see vs.2), Egypt, or the Canaanites.

vs. 16-18 – The people choose to follow God.

vs. 19-20 – Joshua warns them what will happen if they are not faithful.

vs. 21 – The people affirm their choice to follow God.

vs. 22-24 – The decision to serve God is solemnly sealed in sacred oath.

vs. 25-28 – An engraved stone is created as a monument to the covenant made to follow God at Shechem this day.  It is displayed at Shiloh near the Tabernacle. 

vs. 29-31 – Joshua dies at 110 and is buried in his allotment.  His impact is great in Israel’s history.  They serve God through Joshua’s days as leader and also under the leadership of the men trained by Joshua.

vs. 32-33 – A coda is added to the conclusion of the book recording the burial of Joseph’s remains at Shechem (see Genesis 50:25) and the death of Eleazar, the second High Priest.

How can your heart not be stirred by Joshua’s rousing challenge of, “Choose you this day!” Our society today makes little of such commitments.  We like to keep our options open and have the freedom to change our minds.  We need more Christians to consecrate themselves to serve Christ and never look back!

Our hymn today, “A Charge to Keep”, was written by Charles Wesley in 1762.  It shows that resolve that Joshua was looking for, to choose to serve God and never waver in that decision. 

A charge to keep I have,
a God to glorify,
a never-dying soul to save,
and fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,
my calling to fulfill,
O may it all my pow'rs engage
to do my Master's will!

Arm me with watchful care
as in Thy sight to live,
and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare
a strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,
and still on Thee rely,
O let me not my trust betray,
but press to realms on high.