Journal Through the Bible: Week 33 Thursday

source

Joshua 23:1-24:33

The covenant is set before the people once again! They had opportunity to renounce it if they so desired.

There are three burials mentioned at the end of this book. One is when Joshua died. Another is when Eleazer, the high priest and son of Aaron, died. The other is the placing of Joseph's bones in Shechem. It was a fitting end to Joseph's story because it was at Shechem that Joseph had gone to meet his brothers which led to being sold into slavery. (See Genesis 37:12-13.)

Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• (23:11) Joshua reminded them of the command to love the LORD their God. (Love really is a choice.) One of the ways they were to show their love for God was not to love women from the heathen nations.
• (chapter 24) God gave them a history lesson from Terah up to that present time. Their ancestor, Terah, had been an idol worshiper and the people were even then idol worshipers. (They were told to put away all their strange gods.)

Does God make any promises?

• (23:1) God kept a promise and gave them rest from their enemies that they defeated.
• (23:5) Joshua reminded them that God would continue to expel their enemies if they were courageous and obedient.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• The Captain of the Host faithfully executed His duty on behalf of the people.
• Joshua told them that they could not serve the LORD because He is holy and people are not. This is true and it explains why they needed a savior.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• Like the life account of Joseph, the Father had a purpose in mind for this world that was corrupted by evil men. Slavery to sin was the result. Then followed death in a foreign land. (This world is not our home. Our citizenship is in Heaven.) One day, we will find ourselves at rest on the New Earth as pictured by Joseph's bones being laid to rest in the land that belonged to him, but which he could not possess in his natural life because he was in bondage.