Joshua 24, Choose Now

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.

Introduction

• What are some of the most difficult choices a person might have to make?

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."

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?