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. 8:30-35).
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.
Do you remember what Jacob hid many years before under an oak tree at that same place? Perhaps it was under the same tree, for they grow to be very old (Gen. 35:4).
Can you find Shechem on a map of Canaan? (near the center).
Find the age of Joshua when he died (Joshua 24:29).
ML 06/05/1938