BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

The Canaan conquest battles are over. Yahweh has fulfilled his promises to give Abraham a great name, to multiply his children into a great nation, and to settle them in the land of Canaan. Now, the people of Israel get to live out their priestly calling—becoming a blessing to every “family” or “nation” on the Earth (Gen. 12:2-3).

As his life comes to an end, Joshua confronts a new generation of Israelites. He gives them the same choice Moses set before their parents, a decision that leads to life or one that leads to death. Serving Yahweh alone will bring abundant blessing. By keeping their covenant agreement, Israel will continue to enjoy Yahweh’s lavish gifts. He will provide solid stone walls surrounding their cities, grape clusters on their vines, and olive groves thick with fruit.

However, if they choose to serve other gods, Yahweh will turn them over to those gods, which are, by definition, dead. Joshua reminds Israel that Yahweh’s mighty power brought them into this land. If they reject his protection, they will stand defenseless in front of enemy invaders who want to crush them and, once again, exile them into captivity.

The people thunder their response: We will serve Yahweh! Joshua sets up a large rock as a witness to their oath, matching the eastern tribes’ altar on the far side of the Jordan. These stone sentinels will stand guard through the generations, watching to see if the Israelites will keep their word.

Like Moses, Joshua renews the covenant with the people and then dies. Unlike Moses, however, Joshua leaves no successor to lead the people in his place. The tribes are on their own. How will they handle the responsibility?

Reflection Questions

• What was Phinehas doing the last time you saw him? (If you need a hint, flip back to Numbers 25.) What do you think is the significance of his reappearance here?
• Compare the final chapters of Joshua to the final chapters of Deuteronomy. What parallels do you notice? How do these help you understand both books?