Joshua 24:25-28

Solemn Renewal of the Covenant

25. So Joshua made a covenant "Percussit ergo Josue in die illo fœdus," Vulgate. "Thanne Josue smoot a boond of pees," Wyclif. A covenant had been concluded by God on Sinai with Israel (Exodus 19:20) and solemnly ratified with

(a) burnt-offerings and peace-offerings at the foot of the mount;

(b) the reading of every word of the Law in the ears of the people;

(c) the sprinkling of one half of the blood of the victims on the altars and the roll containing the covenant conditions, and the other half on the people (Exodus 24:3-8; Hebrews 9:19-20).

This covenant Moses had renewed in "the field" of Moab (Deuteronomy 29:1), with

(a) a transcription of the blessings and curses of the Law;

(b) a solemn delivery of it to the priests, to be placed beside the Ark in the Holy of Holies, and to be read, in the hearing of all the people, once every seven years, at the Feast of Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 31:9-11; Deuteronomy 31:25-26).

Joshua, who had been present at the ratification of both the previous covenants, renews it now, and doubtless with august ceremonial.

and set them a statute "And settide forth to зe puple coma undementis and domes in Sichen," Wyclif. Comp. Exodus 15:25. He determined and established "what in matters of religion should be with Israel law and right."