Josh. 23 and 24
Joshua was the brave leader of Israel many years. When he was old and knew he could not be with them longer, he wanted to tell them of God’s words once more. The people no longer lived in the big camp of tents, but each tribe had its own land with homes, fields, and gardens for all.
Joshua sent for the people to come to one place, called Shechem. This was the same place where all had come to hear the blessings and the curses read from the two mountains, some years before. It is said, by people who have been to this place, to be in a beautiful valley, with room for a very large crowd to gather. The older people and many of the children must have been at both of these meetings (Josh. 8:30-3530Then Joshua built an altar unto the Lord God of Israel in mount Ebal, 31As Moses the servant of the Lord commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the Lord, and sacrificed peace offerings. 32And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel. 33And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel. 34And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. 35There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them. (Joshua 8:30‑35)).
Joshua stood, or sat, under an oak tree, and the Lord told him what to say to the people.
We would call this talk a review of their history. He reminded them how the Lord had led their parents away from the cruel king of Egypt; and the older people listening, could remember that time, when they themselves were children.
Joshua spoke of how God had made the army of Israel win over the many strong, but wicked men living in Canaan, so now they dwelt safely, although there were still a few enemies there, whom the Lord, would drive out also, if the people would do as He told them.
Some seem to have kept the heathen idols, and Joshua told them that those must be cast away, for they could not bow down to the images of animals or other things, and also worship the living God. So he asked whom they chose to serve. They said, “The Lord our God will we serve and His voice will we obey.”
Joshua’s words were written in the book of the law of God, so, no doubt, were placed in the ark with the writings of Moses.
Then Joshua had a great stone set up under that tree, so when the people saw it, they would be reminded of God’s words. Then all returned to their homes.
Can you find Shechem on a map of Canaan? (near the center).
ML 06/05/1938