Page 63 - Advanced OT Survey Student Textbook

cities, with fields to pasture their flocks. The conclusion of this section is best understood as rhetoric to
stress God’s faithfulness to fulfill His covenant (21:43-45). Israel had effective control, but not total
possession.

Lastly, chapter’s 22-24 focus on the final words of Joshua to the nation of Israel. The book concludes
with two events affirming Israel’s commitment to worship YHWH alone. First, after the eastern tribes
are sent home yet erect an altar on the way, having been urged to love YHWH and follow His
commands, the other tribes view this as a breach of faith. When they learn this altar is a witness to their
Israelite solidarity, judgment is averted, and faith is affirmed (Chapter 22). Second, with two final
speeches, Joshua urges the leaders toward covenant fidelity, contrasting the fruit of obedience and the
curses of disobedience.
He gathers all Israel to
Shechem for a covenant
renewal ceremony (8:30-
35). Highlighting God’s
repeated rescue in Israel’s
history, Joshua calls for
exclusive worship put
away all the gods of your
fathers, again warning the
nation of the
consequence for
disobedience. When
Israel repeatedly affirms
their exclusive devotion
to YHWH, Joshua renews
their covenant, and they
are faithful to YHWH all
the days of Joshua and his
generation.

The Book of Joshua

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