Day 90, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Joshua 22–24
Last Words—Pay Attention!
Have you ever had the privilege of sitting on a porch while a person in their twilight years shared with you what they learned in life? If you were wise, you listened and did not scoff at their wisdom, even if it might have sounded old-fashioned.
What instructions would you leave for your family if you knew you only had a few months to live? Or, suppose you had children who were going to move out on their own; what instructions would you give them? What things would you want them to do, what commitments would you like for them to keep, and what destructive paths would you want them to avoid?
Like Moses, Joshua, before he dies, leaves Israel with last words of encouragement and warnings. What he said to the people is also instructive for us.
Joshua encourages the eastern tribes
Joshua meets with the armies of the two and a half Israelite tribes who inherited land east of the Jordan River. He commends Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh for their faithfulness. For five years, the eastern tribes led the western tribes into battle, leaving their families behind to take care of their houses, flocks, herds, and land. Now they may return. Joshua praises them and encourages them to be faithful to the LORD.
Then something strange happens—the leaders of the eastern tribes build an imposing altar by the side of Jordan’s River in Canaan!
What are their brothers doing? Is this for idol worship? Are they going to make God angry so soon after he has given Israel victory? The rest of Israel’s army strap on their swords and ready themselves to battle against these tribes. First, however, they send a delegation to meet with them.
Much to Israel’s relief, the altar is not for idol worship—it is a memorial. The eastern tribes do not want to be forgotten or alienated from the western tribes because of the boundary of Jordan’s River. They do not want Israel to one day claim that their tribes have no part in her. That would cause the people in Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh to turn away from following the LORD. Therefore, they made an imposing altar on Canaan’s side of the Jordan River. Whenever the western tribes see it, they will remember that their eastern brothers are united in a covenant relationship.
Here is a lesson for us: sometimes, people commit apparent violations of trust. We should control our emotions and reserve judgments; things are not always as they appear. We need to check out the facts before jumping to conclusions and give people the benefit of the doubt.
Joshua encourages the western tribes
After talking with the leaders of the eastern Israelite tribes, Joshua meets with the leaders of Israel’s ten western tribes. He tells them to be strong in obeying the LORD and loyal to him—it is the LORD who gave them the victories and the inheritance in the Promised Land—he has been faithful all the way. He urges the leaders not to turn away from the LORD and lose their heritage. Steadfast leadership is key to the obedience of people and the success of organizations.
Joshua’s final words
The site
Joshua speaks to all the Israelites at Shechem. The place is historically significant. This is where Abraham was first given the covenant, promising him the very land they now occupy. This is the place where Jacob returned with his family from Paddan Aram. Joshua uses Shechem to trace the history of God’s faithfulness to Israel.
The place that a person gives his last words of encouragement and warning can be significant. If there is some considerable connection between the site and the occasion, the final speech will be remembered.
Joshua challenges the Israelites
From Shechem, Joshua warns the Israelites against turning away from the LORD. In the pattern of the Suzerainty Treaties of the day, he rehearses God’s faithfulness to Israel (the LORD is the suzerain, the king). Afterward, Joshua shares the conditions for obedience and the consequences for disobedience. He challenges them to make a commitment to keep the treaty. Joshua’s last words encourage the people to continue in their relationship to the LORD and be faithful.
The Israelites then recommit themselves to the LORD and the covenant. At Horeb in the Sinai desert, they made this pledge to God. However, each generation must make their own decisions; they cannot rely upon their fathers’ faith and devotion.
What about us?
We, too, need to own our relationship with the LORD. Jesus Christ delivered us from the slavery of our sins. He died for our sins and rose again. If we believe this, we are forgiven, have peace with God and spiritual life (more). We have a new covenant of faith given by Jesus Christ, so we need to be faithful to obey God’s Word, the Bible. We have responsibilities to keep our commitment to the LORD, so his favor continues with us.
Christians, how has the LORD led us? It would be an excellent exercise to review our history with him from the beginning. Seeing God’s intervention builds our faith, causes us to praise him, and makes us want to be faithful to our covenant.
Endnote: The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament, edited by Walvoord and Zuck, ©1985, p.369
Here is a video that goes with today's Bible study. Start at 13:07
Focus Verses
Hebrews 13:20-21(NIV)
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Discussion
What last words from mature Christians have we heard? What encouragement? What warnings and other insights?
How has God has worked in our lives in the past? What hope does this give us for our future?
Why should each person own a personal relationship with Christ?
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Looking Ahead: Joshua, the great military leader of Israel, is dead. After he dies, there is a lot of deterioration in the nation and it begins to rot. How do We Prevent Deterioration in our lives? Join us for our Next Lesson.
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