As a young man, Joshua came out of Egypt and was a servant to Moses. He witnessed the plagues in Egypt, the miracles in the wilderness, and the murmuring and rebellions of the Israelites. Finally, he led the armies of Israel in their miraculous victories over the cities and kings of Canaan. Joshua 23–24 records the last sermon of this great (and now quite old) leader in Israel. Having studied a little about his life and his experiences, what do you think the major theme of his talk was?
Understanding the Scriptures
Joshua 23
| Expel (v. 5) | Thrust them out | |
| Cleave unto (vv. 8, 12) | Hold closely to | |
| Take good heed (v. 11) | Pay close attention | |
| Remnant of these nations (v. 12) | The survivors of the nations of Canaan | |
| Scourges in your sides (v. 13) | Wounds, like the effect of a whip | |
| Going the way of all the earth (v. 14) | To die |
Joshua 24
| The Flood (vv. 2–3, 14–15) | The Jordan River | |
| Multiplied his seed (v. 3) | Increased the size of his family | |
| I sent the hornet before you (v. 12) | I allowed your reputation to frighten others. | |
| Consume (v. 20) | Destroy | |
| Incline (v. 23) | Stretch out | |
| Set them a statute and an ordinance (v. 25) | Gave them laws to be received by covenants |
Studying the Scriptures
Do activities A and B as you study Joshua 23–24.
Diagram Joshua’s Advice
Make two diagrams in your notebook like the ones below to represent what Joshua told the Israelites in Joshua 23. In the first diagram, list under “Actions” what Joshua told Israel to do; then list under “Consequences” the blessings promised. In the second diagram, list under “Actions” what Joshua told Israel not to do, and then list under “Consequences” what would happen because of their disobedience.
|
Actions |
|
Consequences |
|
Actions |
|
Consequences |
Scripture Mastery—Joshua 24:15
-
1.
List the ways the Lord had blessed the Israelites mentioned in Joshua 24:1–13.
-
2.
Because of all that the Lord did for the family of Israel, what did Joshua ask them to do in verses 14–15?
-
3.
How could Joshua’s counsel in verse 15 bless your life today?
