March 29

Joshua 22-24 (biblegateway.com)

Faithfulness and Commitment: Joshua’s Final Words to Israel

As the book of Joshua comes to a close, chapters 22-24 emphasize faithfulness, unity, and covenant renewal among the Israelites. In Joshua 22, the eastern tribes are released to return to their land east of the Jordan, but a misunderstanding about an altar they build nearly leads to civil war. Joshua 23 records Joshua’s farewell address to Israel’s leaders, urging them to remain faithful to God and warning against idolatry. Finally, in Joshua 24, Joshua gathers all the tribes at Shechem, reminding them of God’s faithfulness, leading them to renew their covenant, and famously declaring, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). These final chapters reinforce the central theme of Joshua: God’s faithfulness requires a response of obedience and devotion from His people.

Joshua 22 recounts the return of the eastern tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—to their allotted land east of the Jordan River after faithfully assisting their fellow Israelites in conquering Canaan (v. 1-4). Before sending them off, Joshua commends their obedience to God’s commands and urges them to remain faithful, saying, “Be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all His ways” (v. 5). This emphasizes a key theological truth: faithfulness to God is not just about past obedience but requires continual commitment. The eastern tribes then depart, taking with them great wealth from the spoils of war, which Joshua instructs them to share with their fellow Israelites (v. 6-8), reinforcing the principle that God’s blessings should be shared among His people (2 Corinthians 9:8-11).

Upon reaching their homeland, the eastern tribes build a large altar near the Jordan River (v. 10). However, when the rest of Israel hears about it, they assume it is a rebellious act—an unauthorized altar for sacrifices that would violate God’s law. The western tribes quickly assembled at Shiloh and prepared for war (v. 11-12). This reaction shows how seriously Israel took the danger of idolatry and disobedience, recalling past judgments like the sin of Baal-Peor, where Israel suffered a plague for worshiping false gods (Numbers 25:1-9), and Achan’s sin, which brought defeat at Ai (Joshua 7:1-26). Sin affects the whole community, and God calls His people to accountability.

To prevent immediate conflict, Israel sends Phinehas the priest and tribal leaders to confront the eastern tribes (v. 13-14). Their message is strong, accusing them of turning away from God (v. 15-20). However, the eastern tribes respond with humility and clarify their intentions. The altar was not built for sacrifices but as a witness and memorial to future generations that they, too, belong to the Lord (v. 21-29). Phinehas and the leaders accept their explanation, declaring that the Lord is with them and that no rebellion has occurred (v. 30-31). The crisis is resolved peacefully, and the Israelites return home, praising God (v. 32-34). The eastern tribes name the altar “Witness,” emphasizing that it stands as a reminder of their shared faith in the one true God (v. 34). This account teaches that conflict resolution among believers should be handled with wisdom, patience, and a willingness to listen.

Joshua 22 reminds us that faithfulness to God is not a one-time decision but an ongoing commitment. It’s not enough to have obeyed in the past; we must continually love and follow Him. This chapter also highlights the danger of misunderstandings, as Israel nearly went to war over false assumptions. Instead of jumping to conclusions, we must seek understanding before reacting. Holding one another accountable is important, but it must be done with patience, wisdom, and discernment. As we live out our faith, let’s commit to ongoing obedience, seek unity, and handle disagreements with grace and understanding.

As Joshua nears the end of his life, Joshua 23 records his farewell address to Israel’s leaders, urging them to remain faithful to God. Having led Israel in both conquest and settlement, Joshua now prepares them for the future without his leadership.

After many years of peace and rest, Joshua, now old and advanced in years, gathers Israel’s elders, judges, and officers to speak to them one last time (v. 1-2). A possible location could be Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was located. He begins by reminding them of all that God has done and how the Lord has fought for them and given them victory over their enemies (v. 3-4). Avoiding any temptation to elevate himself, Joshua reminded the leaders of Israel that their enemies had been defeated solely because the Lord their God had fought for them. The battles were the Lord’s, not his. Joshua reassures them that God will continue to drive out the remaining nations if they remain faithful to Him (v. 5-6). Their continued success depends on their obedience to God’s commands. To impress the Israelites with their responsibility, Joshua passed on the very words Yahweh had armed him with when He instructed him to cross the Jordan: Be strong and courageous and be careful to obey (Joshua 1:6-9). Courage and obedience were the graces that led to the successful conquest of Canaan, and they were no less essential now.

Joshua dreaded Israel’s conformity to the heathen nations around them, so Joshua strongly warns the Israelites not to mix with the remaining pagan nations or adopt their customs, saying, “Do not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left” (v. 6-7). This echoes Deuteronomy 5:32 and highlights a crucial lesson: spiritual compromise leads to destruction. Joshua exhorts them to hold fast to the Lord as they had done in previous battles (v. 8) and once again affirms God’s past faithfulness to Israel with a reminder that God fought their battles for them (v. 9-11).

Joshua then gives a sobering warning—if Israel disobeys and forms alliances with the Canaanites, God will no longer drive out their enemies. Instead, the remaining nations will become “a snare, a trap, a whip on your sides, and thorns in your eyes” (v. 12-13). This prophecy is fulfilled in the Book of Judges, where Israel’s disobedience leads to cycles of oppression and suffering. The warning reinforces the truth that sin has lasting consequences, and turning away from God brings destruction.

As he concludes, Joshua reminds them of God’s absolute faithfulness: “Not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you” (v. 14). However, just as God fulfilled His promises of blessing, He will also bring judgment if they turn away from Him (v. 15-16). This final charge is a call to wholehearted devotion, echoing Moses’ instructions in Deuteronomy 30:19-20, where Israel is given the choice between life and death, blessing and curse.

Joshua 23 reminds us of God’s unwavering faithfulness. Joshua boldly declares that every promise God made to Israel was fulfilled, a truth that reassures us of God’s trustworthiness and the certainty that His Word never fails. However, faithfulness to God requires ongoing obedience, and Joshua warns that turning away from Him will lead to judgment and hardship. This principle still applies today—sin has consequences, while faithfulness leads to spiritual victory.

Additionally, spiritual compromise is dangerous. Associating with ungodly influences can lead to idolatry and sin, so we must guard our hearts and remain devoted to God. Joshua also urges Israel to cling to the Lord, reminding us that true strength comes from relying on Him rather than ourselves. Finally, Joshua warns that God’s judgment is as certain as His blessings—just as He kept His promises of victory and inheritance, He will also carry out His judgments if His people turn away. As we reflect on Joshua’s final charge, may we trust in God’s faithfulness, remain steadfast in obedience, and hold fast to Him in every season of life.

Joshua 24 records Joshua’s final address to the whole nation of Israel at Shechem, a place of great historical and spiritual significance. This chapter is a covenant renewal, where Joshua reminds Israel of God’s faithfulness, challenges them to make a choice, and calls them to fully commit to serving the Lord.

Joshua begins by gathering all the tribes of Israel at Shechem and reminding them of their history, emphasizing God’s sovereign work in calling Abraham, delivering Israel from Egypt, and bringing them into the Promised Land (v. 1-13). This review highlights that Israel’s victories were not by their own strength but by God’s power: “I gave you a land on which you had not labored and cities that you had not built” (v. 13). This truth reinforces that God’s blessings are a result of His grace, not human effort.

After recounting God’s faithfulness, Joshua issues a challenge: “Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served” (v. 14). He then makes his famous declaration: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (v. 15). This moment calls Israel to make a clear choice, either to serve the one true God or to follow the false gods of their ancestors and the surrounding nations. This mirrors the same challenge given in Deuteronomy 30:19, where Moses urged Israel to choose between life and death, blessing and curse. True faith requires a personal, intentional commitment to God, not mere tradition or convenience.

The people respond enthusiastically, affirming that they will serve the Lord (v. 16-18). However, Joshua warns them that serving God is not a light decision; He is a holy and jealous God who will hold them accountable (v. 19-20). This caution highlights that faithfulness to God is serious. It is not just about words, but about lifelong obedience. The people insist that they will serve the Lord, so Joshua renews the covenant with them, writing it in the Book of the Law and setting up a large stone as a witness of their commitment (v. 21-27).

The chapter closes with the death of Joshua at 110 years old and the burial of Joseph’s bones at Shechem, fulfilling Genesis 50:24-25 (v. 29-32). This signifies the completion of God’s promise to bring Israel into the land, showing that God always fulfills His word.

Joshua 24 closes the book with a powerful call to faithfulness. Joshua reminds Israel of God’s unwavering faithfulness, showing that He had never failed them. Likewise, when we reflect on God’s goodness in our own lives, it should inspire a deeper commitment to Him. However, faith requires a choice. Joshua challenges the people to actively serve God, reminding us that we cannot be passive in our faith but must reject worldly influences and fully commit to Him. Joshua also emphasizes that serving God is serious—it is not just an emotional decision but a lifelong commitment, calling us to genuine and consistent faith. Ultimately, Joshua’s message is clear: we must choose today whom we will serve, and that choice must shape every aspect of our lives.

Additionally, spiritual leadership starts at home—Joshua boldly declares, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” encouraging parents and leaders to take responsibility for guiding their families in faith. And finally, the chapter and the book end with the burial of Joseph’s bones, fulfilling a 400-year-old promise. This moment reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, and His word never fails.