Joshua 24 could be called Joshua’s farewell address! These are his final words
to the nation just before he dies (Joshua 24:29). In chapter 23, Joshua called
the leaders of the people together at either Shiloh where the tabernacle was
set up, or at Ephraim the home of his inheritance.
In Joshua 24, Joshua gathers all the tribes of Israel and
leaders to come to Shechem and present themselves before God (v. 1). It is
there in this ideal location that he gives this moving farewell address
reminding the people one final time of the importance of remembering their
history going back to Abraham.
It was at Shechem that God promised Abraham that his
descendants would inherit the land (Gen. 12:6-7). This is the place that Jacob
built an altar after he returned to Canaan. Genesis 33:20, “Then he erected
an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel.”
The literal meaning of this name is, “God, the God of Israel.”
Shechem was located between Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim, and you might remember
this is where the people of Israel had reaffirmed their commitment to the Lord
in Joshua 8:30-35. Shechem was indeed "holy ground" to the
Israelites.
In Joshua 23, the key words appear to be “nation and land” in
Joshua's first address. But here in Joshua 24, the name LORD (Jehovah), is the
major focus in this second address. Joshua refers to the LORD twenty-one times.
In fact, in 24:2-13, it is the LORD who speaks as Joshua reviews the history of
the nation.
Another key word is “serve” in Joshua 24. This word
is used fifteen times in this address. Jehovah gave them their land and would
bless them in their land if they loved Him and served Him. God didn’t give them
this “good land” just to set back and enjoy all the blessings of it for
themselves. They were to serve the LORD God of Israel and make His name great
to all the nations of the earth. This reminds us that we have been saved to
serve the Lord Jesus Christ and share Him with the nations today!
In Joshua 24:2-4, Joshua begins his review of the history
of Israel by reminding the people of how God chose and called their fathers,
Terah, Abraham, and Nahor, who were idol worshippers on the other side of the
River. (Gen. 11:27-12:9). And how God led Abraham to this land of Canaan and
multiplied his descendants. And how God gave Abraham Isaac, and to Isaac He
gave Jacob and Esau.
Stephen in his own farewell speech declared in Acts 7:2, "The
God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham," reminding the Jews
that their national identity was an act of God's grace. Abraham didn't seek
after God and discover Him; it was God who came to Abraham! There was nothing
special about the Jews that God should choose them (Deut. 7:1-11; 26:1-11;
32:10); and this fact should have kept them humble and obedient.
"You did not choose Me,"
Jesus told His disciples, “But I chose you and appointed you that you should
bring forth fruit…." (John 15:16). Believers were chosen in Christ
"before the foundation of the world" (Eph. 1:4) and are called
"God's elect" (Rom. 8:33; Titus 1:1). I personally believe
this calling and election is for service, not for salvation. Ephesians 2:10I am born a citizen of
our country, but I get chosen and elected to serve in a position of leadership.
Every born-again believer is called to serve and bring forth fruit for the
glory of God (John 15).
I believe that the Scriptures teach that God desires that
every person can and should experience His great salvation: “The Lord is not
willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2
Peter 3:9). “Jesus tasted death for every man” (Hebrews 2:9). “…God
our Savior, who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of
the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4). Paul proclaimed, that “Whosoever shall
call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Today, do you know Jesus as your Savior? Today, are you
serving Him?
