Joshua 24, Choose Now
From 2Timothy2.org
Objectives
- Students will determine to choose God as the one they serve.
- Students will aim to eliminate all that might take the place of God in worship and obedience.
- Students will determine to renew their commitments to God.
Introduction
- What are some of the most difficult choices a person might have to make?
- What is the value of reminding yourself about commitments you have made?
Main Body
Preamble, Joshua 24:1-2a
- Where did Joshua assemble all the leaders? Why there?
- This was the place where Abraham first received the promise of God in Genesis 12:6-7
- Jacob stopped at Shechem when he returned from Laban in Genesis 35:4
- Joshua stopped in Shechem to build an alter and write the law of God on stone pillars in Joshua 8:30-35
- What headings or titles do our Bibles give to Joshua 24?
- We often refer to this as the Covenant at Shechem. In fact, the literary style of the chapter follows the form of a suzerainty (overlordship) treaty that was used by Hittite kings to obligate their vassal states to faithfulness and obedience. These treaties contained a preamble (v. 1-2a), historical prologue (v. 2b-13), stipulations and consequences (v. 14-24), and the final agreement (v. 25-28). Campbell argues that "The Mosaic Covenant established at Sinai was not an everlasting covenant; hence it needed to be renewed in every generation. That renewal was now transacted in a formal and impressive ceremony."[1]
Historical Prologue, Joshua 24:2b-13
- What historical examples are given?
- Calling of Abraham
- Directing Abraham
- Increasing Abraham
- Sending Israel to Egypt
- Providing Moses and Aaron
- Plaguing Egypt
- Bringing Israel out from Egypt
- Bringing Israel across the Red Sea
- Providing Separation from Egypt
- Destroying the Egyptian army
- Bringing them into the land of the Amorites
- Bringing victory over Balak and the Moabites in spite of Balaam
- Destroying Jericho
- Driving out the Canaanites
- Giving the the land
- Which of these events do you personally find the most impressive?
Stipulations and Consequences, Joshua 24:14-24
Stipulations (verses 14-18)
- What stipulations are discussed in verse 14?
- Fear the Lord
- Serve the Lord
- Put away all other gods
- Choose!
- Who does Joshua speak for?
- Him and his household. Why did Joshua speak for his household.
- How did the people respond in verses 16-18?
Consequences? (verses 19-21)
- What consequences does Joshua outline inverses 19-21?
- He will hold them to their promise. Deliberate sin as discussed in Numbers 15:30 would bring high consequences.
Witnesses (verses 22-24)
- Who dos Joshua call as witnesses of the decision to follow God?
- Joshua calls the people themselves as witnesses. He is verifying that the people understand just how significant their decision to follow God will be.
Final Agreement, Joshua 24:25-28
- How does Joshua seal the deal?
- Joshua establishes a covenant and erect memorials.
The end of an era Joshua 24:29-33
- What three men were buried in verses 29 through 33?
- Joshua
- Joseph
- Eliezer
- Why record these three?
- Campbell writes "Recording three burials is a strange way to end a book like Joshua! But these three peaceful graves testify to the faithfulness of God, for Joshua, Joseph, and Eleazar once lived in a foreign nation where they received God’s promise to take His people back to Canaan. Now all three were at rest within the Promised Land."[2]
Conclusions
- What does it look like for you to serve the Lord this week, this month, or this year?
