College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Joshua 23 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 23
A review of Joshua's work. Joshua 23 is a digest of Joshua's address to the elders and officers of the children of Israel. The address was given sometime after the conquest was finished and the assignments had been made to the various tribes of Israel. The address to this group of representatives of the people forms an introduction to the longer address given to all the Israelites and recorded in the following chapter. The first part of this speech is a resume of Joshua's activity among his people.
Promises of blessings for obedience. Joshua was anxious for his people to obey the Lord, and he began his discourse to their leaders by reminding them of the many blessings which would come to them when they obeyed. Joshua especially foresaw the danger of their falling away into idolatry and serving the gods whom the Canaanites served.
Warnings of punishment for disobedience. Joshua emphasized the positive by mentioning the blessings first, but he knew the Israelites needed to be warned of the punishments which would come upon them if they disobeyed God. It was just as inevitable evil would befall them when they disobeyed as it was sure that they would be blessed if they were faithful to God. Joshua knew they would lose the land in which they dwelt if they turned away from God.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Forget not His benefits. A constant reminder of God's goodness is before all when they count the blessings which they have received. Joshua recounted these blessings for his people as an introduction to his exhortation for faithfulness on their part. Many times people turn their backs on God because they forget His benefits. A little time spent in remembering the good things which befall a Christian will keep him faithful to his Lord, Joshua knew this would be true for his people as well.
2.
One and God make a majority. Joshua said one man of Israel would be able to chase a thousand enemies (Joshua 23:10). He was like Elisha who reminded his servant that they who fought for Israel were more than they who fought for their enemies (2 Kings 6:16). If the Israelites in Joshua's day remained faithful, they would know that the Lord fought for them even as Elisha's servant knew that God was fighting for Israel in his day when his eyes were opened and he saw the Lord's hosts on the mountains around Samaria.
3.
The soul that sins shall die. God had made it clear that the soul who sinned would die. The wages of sin is death and has always been. What was true for an individual was true for a nation. If a nation of individuals sinned against God, they would doom their souls eternally, and they would also bring physical destruction upon their society, Joshua tried to impress this on his people.
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 23
1.
What representatives of the people assembled at Joshua's call?
2.
What was the eastern border of the Promised Land?
3.
What was the western border mentioned by Joshua?
4.
To what book of commandments did Joshua make reference?
5.
How many men did Joshua say one Israelite would chase?
6.
Why were the Israelites unusually strong?
7.
To what danger and annoyances did Joshua compare the remaining Canaanites?
8.
Had any good thing failed to come to pass for the Israelites?
9.
Did Joshua believe the people would be in danger of losing the Promised Land if they disobeyed God?
10.
Did Joshua approve of Israelites marrying members of the foreign nations among whom they lived?