Renewing the Covenant: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Joshua 24

Executive Summary

Joshua 24 stands as a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness and Israel’s recurring struggle with idolatry. The chapter opens with Joshua gathering all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, a location laden with historical significance. He recounts the history of God’s saving acts, from Abraham’s call to the conquest of Canaan, emphasizing God’s unwavering provision and guidance. Joshua then challenges the people to choose whom they will serve, presenting them with the stark contrast between the gods of their ancestors and the one true God who delivered them. The people respond with a firm declaration of loyalty to Yahweh, leading to a renewal of the covenant. The chapter concludes with the deaths of Joshua and Eleazar, marking the end of an era and setting the stage for the challenges that lay ahead. This renewal underscores the importance of choosing God, a choice that resonates deeply with our lives as Christians today.

Joshua 24 – Covenant Renewal and Joshua’s Death is a powerful chapter highlighting the need for constant vigilance and commitment to God. It teaches us that the blessings of God demand a conscious choice to serve Him, and this choice must be renewed continually in our hearts and lives. The narrative also reminds us that leadership is about guiding people back to God, even when the temptation to stray is strong.

Commentary

Joshua 24:1

KJV: And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.

NKJV: Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and called for the elders of Israel, for their heads, for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.

Shechem, located between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, held immense historical and spiritual weight. It was the site where Abraham first entered the land (Genesis 12:6), where Jacob purchased land (Genesis 33:18-20), and where Joseph’s bones were eventually buried (Joshua 24:32). The convocation of the elders, heads, judges, and officers signifies a national assembly, uniting all levels of leadership before God. ✨ This gathering underscores the importance of national repentance and covenant renewal.

Practical Application: Like the Israelites, we are called to present ourselves before God, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His guidance in all aspects of our lives. The physical location may change, but the intent and effect remains the same.

Joshua 24:2-13 – God’s Saving History

Joshua recounts the mighty acts of God, starting with Abraham’s migration from Mesopotamia (Ur of the Chaldees) to Canaan, highlighting God’s promise of offspring and land. He details the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, and the defeat of the Amorite kings, Sihon and Og. He emphasizes God’s provision of the land they now inhabit, reminding them that it was not through their own strength but through His grace.

“And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the river, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.” (Joshua 24:3, KJV)

This echoes the words of St. Paul in Hebrews 11, emphasizing faith as the foundation of salvation history. Abraham’s obedience and God’s faithfulness are central themes. This segment establishes the unearned nature of God’s favor. He did not wait for the Israelites to deserve the land, but gave it freely. Like the cloud hosting service offered at DoHost, God’s grace is a free gift.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius of Alexandria, in *Contra Gentes* (Κατὰ Ἐθνῶν), writes of God’s sovereignty: “Οὐ γὰρ αὐτὸς ἐποίησεν ἡμᾶς, ἀλλ’ ἡμεῖς ἐπλάσαμεν ἑαυτούς; ἀλλ’ αὐτὸς μὲν δημιουργὸς, ἡμεῖς δὲ ποίημα;” (For He did not make us, but we fashioned ourselves? But He is the Creator, and we are the creation?) This underlines the fact that God is the source of our being and salvation.

Practical Application: Reflect on God’s faithfulness in your own life. Take time to remember and recount His blessings. This cultivates gratitude and strengthens your trust in His provision. 📖

Joshua 24:14

KJV: Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.

NKJV: “Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD!

Joshua challenges the people to “fear the Lord,” which is not about terror but about reverence, respect, and obedience. He calls them to serve Him in “sincerity and in truth,” rejecting hypocrisy and embracing genuine devotion. The demand to “put away the gods” is a call to renounce idolatry completely, recognizing that true worship is exclusive to the one true God. The phrase “on the other side of the river and in Egypt” emphasizes the gods of their pagan ancestry and those they encountered in their enslavement, signifying a complete break from their past. 💡

Practical Application: Examine your own heart. Are there idols that compete for your devotion? It could be material possessions, career ambitions, or even relationships. Confess these idols and commit to serving God alone with sincerity and truth. 🕊️

Joshua 24:15

KJV: And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

NKJV: And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

This is one of the most famous verses in the book of Joshua. Joshua presents a clear and compelling choice: serve the Lord or serve other gods. He does not force them, but emphasizes the importance of a conscious decision. His personal declaration, “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” exemplifies leadership by example. This verse emphasizes the importance of personal conviction and leading one’s family in faith.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria comments on this verse in his *Commentary on Joshua*: “Δεῖ γὰρ ἕκαστον ἑαυτοῦ προνοεῖν, καὶ οἰκίαν ὅλην ἐπιστρέφειν πρὸς τὴν ἀλήθειαν” (For it is necessary for each one to care for himself and to turn the whole house to the truth). This underlines the responsibility of individuals to lead their families in the faith.

Practical Application: Commit to serving the Lord in your own life and lead your family in the same direction. Make your home a place where God is honored and His Word is followed. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Joshua 24:16-18

The people respond with a resounding affirmation of their loyalty to the Lord, acknowledging His deliverance from Egypt and His miraculous protection. They pledge to serve Him alone, recognizing His greatness and His power. Their collective response highlights the power of unity in faith.

Practical Application: Surround yourself with other believers who can encourage and support you in your faith. Participate in the life of the Church, and find strength in communal worship and fellowship. 🤝

Joshua 24:19-24

Joshua cautions the people, stating, “You cannot serve the Lord, for He is a holy God. He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.” This is not to discourage them, but to emphasize the seriousness of their commitment. He warns them that their hearts are prone to wander, and they might struggle to maintain their covenant. He makes them confront the fact that they will inevitably fail. This is not pessimism, but realism. Only through acknowledging their weaknesses can the people understand the need for God’s unending grace.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom reflects on human weakness in his homilies on Romans: “Ἡ γὰρ φύσις ἡμῶν ἀσθενής” (For our nature is weak). It is through recognizing this weakness that we can rely on God’s strength.

Practical Application: Acknowledge your weaknesses and your need for God’s grace. Repent regularly, and rely on His strength to overcome temptation. 🧎

Joshua 24:25-28 – Covenant Renewal

Joshua makes a covenant with the people, setting forth statutes and ordinances at Shechem. He writes these words in the Book of the Law of God, solidifying the agreement. A large stone is set up as a witness, reminding them of their commitment. This symbolizes the permanence of the covenant.

Practical Application: Reflect on your baptismal vows. Recommit to following Christ and living a life worthy of your calling. Read the Scriptures regularly, and allow God’s Word to guide your decisions. 📖

Joshua 24:29-33 – Death and Burial

The chapter concludes with the death of Joshua, son of Nun, and Eleazar, the son of Aaron. Joshua, a leader who faithfully led Israel to the Promised Land, dies at the age of 110. Eleazar, the high priest, is also buried. The bones of Joseph, brought from Egypt, are finally laid to rest in Shechem, fulfilling a promise made centuries earlier (Genesis 50:25). These deaths mark the end of an era, underscoring the importance of passing on the faith to the next generation. The burial of Joseph’s bones is particularly poignant, a testament to the enduring power of promise and God’s faithfulness. ✨

Practical Application: Consider your own legacy. What will you leave behind for future generations? Invest in the lives of those around you, and pass on the treasures of the faith to those who come after you. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Subtopic Sections

Key Reflections on Choosing God:

• Conscious Decision: Serving God requires a deliberate choice, not passive acceptance.
• Personal Conviction: Joshua’s example shows the power of personal commitment and leading by example.
• Breaking with Idols: True devotion demands renouncing any competing loyalties.
• Humility and Dependence: Recognizing our weaknesses allows us to rely on God’s strength.
• Legacy of Faith: Our lives should reflect a desire to pass on our faith to future generations.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why was Shechem chosen as the location for the covenant renewal?
A: Shechem held immense historical significance, serving as a location where God first appeared to Abraham and where key events in Israel’s history unfolded. It was a symbolic place of promise and covenant, making it fitting for this momentous renewal.

Q: What does it mean to “fear the Lord”?
A: “Fearing the Lord” is not about being afraid of Him, but rather about having reverence, respect, and a deep sense of awe for His power and holiness. It involves obeying His commands and living in accordance with His will.

Q: How does this chapter apply to Christians today?
A: Joshua 24 reminds us of the importance of constantly choosing God in our lives. Just as the Israelites were tempted to worship other gods, we face temptations in the modern world that can draw us away from God. We must renew our commitment to Him daily, rejecting any idols that compete for our devotion.

Q: What lessons can we learn from the deaths of Joshua and Eleazar?
A: The deaths of Joshua and Eleazar highlight the importance of faithful leadership and the need to pass on the faith to the next generation. They remind us that our time on earth is limited and that we should strive to live a life that honors God and inspires others.

Conclusion

Joshua 24 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of choosing God above all else. It teaches us that the blessings of God demand a conscious choice to serve Him, and this choice must be renewed continually in our hearts and lives. Joshua’s leadership exemplifies how to guide people back to God, even when the temptation to stray is strong. The chapter concludes with the deaths of Joshua and Eleazar, signaling the end of an era and underscoring the importance of building a legacy of faith. Let us all choose this day whom we will serve, and declare with conviction: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!”

Tags

Joshua, Covenant Renewal, Shechem, Israel, Abraham, Idolatry, God’s Faithfulness, Obedience, Leadership, Faith

Meta Description

Explore Joshua 24: Covenant Renewal and Joshua’s Death with a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Understand the importance of choosing God and renewing your faith.✨