Covenant Renewed: A Testament of Faith and Service

This chapter underscores the importance of remembering God's faithfulness, renewing our commitment to Him, and being mindful of the consequences of disobedience. It reinforces the concept that choosing to serve God is not a momentary decision, but a lifelong commitment, which demands our complete obedience.

Assembly and Remembrance (Verses 1-4)

Joshua gathers all tribes of Israel at Shechem and recalls their forefathers' idolatry and God's calling of Abraham, leading him through Canaan and multiplying his descendants.

Testimony of God's Deliverance (Verses 5-13)

Joshua recounts God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, their survival in the wilderness, and eventual victory over the Amorites. He highlights God's intervention when Balaam was summoned to curse them and how God drove out the seven nations of Canaan before them.

Choosing to Serve the Lord (Verses 14-24)

Joshua urges the Israelites to serve the Lord and abandon their ancestral idols. The people pledge their loyalty to the Lord, acknowledging His divine intervention in their journey. Joshua warns them of God's wrath if they forsake Him, but they affirm their commitment to serve the Lord.

Covenant Renewal, Death, and Burial (Verses 25-31)

Joshua renews the covenant, records it, and sets up a stone as a witness. After sending the people away, Joshua dies at 110. He is buried in his inherited land, and Israel serves the Lord during Joshua's life and those elders who outlived him. The bones of Joseph are buried in Shechem and Eleazar also dies and is buried in Gibeah.

The chapter is a narrative of Joshua gathering the Israelites at Shechem, recounting God's acts of deliverance, their pledge to serve God, and Joshua's warning against abandoning God. It concludes with the death of Joshua and Eleazar, and the burial of Joseph's bones.

1. God's Faithfulness
2. Choosing to Serve God
3. Covenant Renewal
4. Historical Recollection
5. Call to Obedience
6. God's Jealousy1. Assembly at Shechem
2. Joshua's Farewell Speech
3. Reminders of God's Deliverance
4. People's Pledge to Serve God
5. Joshua's Warnings
6. The Covenant Renewal
7. Joshua's Death and Burial
8. Burial of Joseph's Bones1. Joshua
2. Elders
3. Leaders
4. Judges
5. Officers of Israel
6. Terah
7. Abraham
8. Nahor
9. Isaac
10. Jacob
11. Esau
12. Moses
13. Aaron
14. Balak
15. Balaam
16. Israelites
17. Eleazar
18. Phinehas1. Shechem
2. Beyond the Euphrates
3. Land of Canaan
4. Mount Seir
5. Egypt
6. Red Sea
7. Land of the Amorites
8. Jordan
9. Jericho
10. Ephraim
11. Timnath-serah
12. Mount Gaash
13. Gibeah

1. Why does Joshua remind the people of their ancestral idolatry?

2. How does Joshua use Israel's history to emphasize the importance of serving God?

3. What does Joshua's farewell speech teach us about leadership and stewardship?

4. What are the implications of the Israelites' pledge to serve God?

5. How do you apply Joshua's call to serve God "in sincerity and truth" in your daily life?

6. Why does Joshua warn the people that God "will not forgive your rebellion or your sins"?

7. How does this chapter reflect on God's faithfulness?

8. How can you relate Joshua's warning to modern-day temptations to turn away from God?

9. Why does Joshua establish a stone as a witness?

10. How does the death and burial of Joshua, Eleazar, and the burial of Joseph's bones signify the end of an era?

11. How can we renew our covenant with God in today's world?

12. In what ways are you challenged to choose to serve God daily?

13. How can you encourage others to make a choice to serve God in your community?

14. What lessons can be drawn from Israel's decision to serve God despite Joshua's warning?

15. How does Joshua's legacy challenge you in your faith journey?

16. How does this chapter reinforce the consequences of turning away from God?

17. What symbols or reminders of God's faithfulness can you create in your life?

18. How can you make a public declaration of your commitment to serve God like the Israelites did at Shechem?

19. In what ways can you apply the principle of remembering God's deliverance in your life?

20. How can Joshua's leadership qualities inspire you in your personal or professional life?