Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Joshua 22 marks the time for the two- and one-half tribes that were given land east of the Jordan to return home.  They have accomplished the task assigned to them.  As they are returning home, they build a huge altar near the river.

The balance of the Israelites thought they were already rebelling against Yahweh.  A delegation is sent to confront the Reubenites and Gadites with their sin.  A battle will ensue if the problem isn’t dealt with promptly.

The altar is a reminder to both groups of Israelites to never forget that they are family.  Their heritage is the same, no matter which side of the river they live on.  The altar was named Ed according to the King James Version or Witness if you are reading the New Living Translation.

Joshua reminds the people in chapter 23 what Jehovah has done for them.  He also tells them to remain faithful to God.  The good and bad promises are brought up once more.  Joshua is preparing for the end of his life by being sure the Israelites know that it was not his great leadership skills that gave them the property.  He reminds them that God had promised it and gave it to them with very little trouble.  They should remember this forever.

Joshua 24 records the final words that the leader that replaced Moses and brought them into the land, had for the people of Israel.  He reminds them of where they came from.  He retells all the historical stories from Abraham to Moses and into the promised land.  He emphasizes the promise they have made to Jehovah and those that He made to them and kept.  He ends his words with this declaration which hangs in my home.  “Choose you this day whom you will serve.  As for me and my house, we will serve The Lord.”

They promise once again that they will not worship other gods and will stay true to Yahweh who brought them into their new homes.  Joshua reiterates the curses that Moses had recorded for them in the Law.  Even Christians today do not keep the law.  Our salvation is not from the Law, but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Joshua dies and is buried.  Joseph’s bones are also buried with his ancestors as he requested before he died in Egypt.  Moses had them carry Joseph out and Joshua took over after Moses.  The elders who followed Joshua carried this out after Joshua’s death.  Tomorrow we begin the period and the book of the Judges.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger