And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.1
After all their miraculous exploits, Joshua in his old age called all Israel and reminded them of God’s faithfulness; yet warning them of God’s holiness.2 Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left, that you may not mix with these nations remaining among you or make mention of the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them, but you shall cling to the LORD your God just as you have done to this day.3
He sites specific triumphs against great nations whom they obliterated! And as for you, no man has been able to stand before you to this day. One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the LORD your God who fights for you, just as he promised to you. Be very careful therefore, to love the LORD your God.4
At Shechem, Joshua recalls their history and calls for a renewal of vows. Before their hearing Joshua reminds them how the LORD, the God of Israel; took their father Abraham, and gave him Isaac, Jacob and Esau; sent Moses and Aaron, and plagued Egypt; brought their fathers out of Egypt; and blessed them with their own land.5
“Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Forsake all other gods. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, . . . But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”6
Willfully, the people proclaimed their loyalty and allegiance to God.7 Interestingly, Joshua said they were unable?! “You are not able to serve the LORD for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins.8 The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him; and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. He dies for lack of discipline, because of his great folly he is led astray.9
For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the laws comes knowledge of sin.10 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift . . . received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he has passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.11 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!12
Notes:
1. Joshua 23:14
2. Joshua 23:1-5
3. Joshua 23:6-8
4. Joshua 23:9-12; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Mark 12:29-30
5. Joshua 24:1-13
6. Joshua 24:14-15
7. Joshua 24:16-18
8. Joshua 24:19
9. Proverbs 5:22-23
10. Romans 3:20
11. Romans 3:21-26
12. Romans 8:25a
