V.1-13 God delights to review His ways of mercy and grace to His people. We find such reviews a number of times throughout the Scriptures. Here He begins where the people had been idolaters (v. 2), and then brought them into blessing for which they had done nothing (v. 13). Do we delight to think of what He has done for us when we don’t deserve it? You will see the word “flood” in verses 2-3, 14-15; this refers to the Euphrates River, where Abraham’s father had lived.
V.14-15 It is plain that hidden gods were in some houses! God knew they were there and told the people to get rid of them. What a wonderful example Joshua set before them in verse 15, “me and my house” is something for each one to consider, who is the head of a household. His household was different. Is ours?
V.16-28 The choice and decision were theirs, but it must be in holiness. We cannot allow “strange gods” in our lives, either. (See 1 John 5:19-2119Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 20For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and he will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. 21For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. (John 5:19‑21)).
V.29-33 How good to see the people following the Lord as a result of the faithfulness of Joshua and the elders with him. Christians now are reminded to remember and follow the faith of those who have gone before us (Heb. 13:7-87Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. 8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:7‑8)), that in all things Christ might have the first place with us. This wonderful book opened with the death of the Mediator, Moses. It closed with the death of the priest, Eleazar. These men were only types (pictures) of Christ, our true Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5), and our great High Priest (Heb. 4:1414Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (Hebrews 4:14)). He is alive for evermore. And then read John 11:2626And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (John 11:26) for the believer’s part.