Joshua 23

CHAPTERS 23 AND 24THEME: The last message of JoshuaIn chapter 23 Joshua calls the leaders of Israel to courage and certainty. Then in chapter 24 he calls to the tribes of Israel for consecration and consideration of the covenant of God. The chapter closes with the death of Joshua. A deathbed message is becoming very familiar in the Word of God. You recall that Jacob called his twelve sons about him and gave prophecies concerning each of them. Then Moses called the twelve tribesthe sons are now tribesto him and blessed them. Now Joshua, who has been their leader for forty years there in the Land of Promise, is giving them his final message before his death.

Joshua 23:1

You will notice that Joshua calls the people about him and says, “I am now ready to retire; I am a senior citizen, and I have some final words for you. You have seen what God has done for you.”

Joshua 23:4

Joshua is calling them to do what Moses had called them to do.

Joshua 23:7

The grave danger of crossing the Jordan River, facing an enemy in a strange land, encountering the unknown on every hand, and meeting fear on every side, had kept Israel close to the Lord. Joshua recognized that now, since they had entered into rest and were enjoying prosperity and plenty, they would drift away from God. That is the story of human nature. It never changes. At the time of this writing, I feel that the United States is facing a similar situation. After World War II, I was disturbed that God had judged Europe and even Russia and Korea. How these nations suffered, but we came through unscathed! While other nations went through a period of hardship, our nation entered an era of prosperity and affluence. I could not understand why God did not judge us. Then I realized that He was testing us with prosperity. The most dangerous period any people can go through is not the time of grave danger and suffering, but the time of peace and plenty. This is the reason Joshua is giving Israel this charge. “God has done these wonderful things for you; now stay close to Him, and obey Him. If you do this, God will continue to bless you.” Then he warns them what will happen if they turn from their God.

Joshua 23:11

He warns that God’s judgment would be upon them.

Joshua 23:15

This is more of a prediction than a warning. As we well know, this prediction is now history. In chapter 24 Joshua again gathers the people together, and they present themselves before the Lord. Joshua relays to them God’s review of their history and His gracious dealings with them.