Topical Bible: Israel: Religious Fidelity During the Life of Joshua

◄ Israel: Religious Fidelity During the Life of Joshua ►

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The period of Israel's history under the leadership of Joshua is marked by a notable degree of religious fidelity and commitment to the covenant with Yahweh. This era, following the death of Moses, is characterized by the conquest and settlement of Canaan, as well as the reaffirmation of Israel's dedication to the laws and commandments given by God.

Leadership of Joshua

Joshua, the son of Nun, was appointed by God as Moses' successor to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. His leadership is depicted as strong and faithful, adhering closely to the instructions given by God. In Joshua 1:7-8 , God commands Joshua, "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do."

Conquest of Canaan

The conquest of Canaan is a central theme in the Book of Joshua, where the Israelites, under divine guidance, capture and settle in the land promised to their forefathers. The fall of Jericho (Joshua 6) and the subsequent victories are attributed to the Israelites' obedience to God's commands. The miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho serve as testaments to God's power and faithfulness, reinforcing the Israelites' commitment to Him.

Covenant Renewal

A significant aspect of Israel's religious fidelity during Joshua's time is the renewal of the covenant at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. In Joshua 8:30-35, Joshua builds an altar to the Lord and reads all the words of the law, blessings, and curses, as written in the Book of the Law. This public reading and the accompanying sacrifices underscore the importance of the covenant and the people's dedication to following God's commandments.

The Farewell Address

Joshua's farewell address in Joshua 23 and 24 serves as a powerful reminder of the need for continued faithfulness. He recounts the mighty acts of God on behalf of Israel and urges the people to remain steadfast in their devotion. Joshua 24:14-15 states, "Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth. Cast away the gods your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Israel's Response

The response of the Israelites to Joshua's exhortation is one of commitment and loyalty. They affirm their intention to serve the Lord and reject other gods, as seen in Joshua 24:24 : "The people said to Joshua, 'We will serve the LORD our God and obey His voice.'" This collective declaration highlights the nation's resolve to uphold the covenant and maintain their religious fidelity.

Challenges and Faithfulness

Despite the challenges faced during the conquest and settlement, the period of Joshua's leadership is marked by a general adherence to the covenant. The Israelites' successes are attributed to their obedience to God's commands, and their failures, such as the initial defeat at Ai (Joshua 7), serve as reminders of the consequences of disobedience. The overall narrative of Joshua's life and leadership presents a time when Israel largely remained faithful to God, setting a standard for future generations.

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Joshua 24:31
And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel.
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Judges 2:7
And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel.
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Library

The Historical Books.
... With the fidelity of truth the sacred historian ... The religious effect also was
unspeakably calamitous so far as ... the first king of Israel, established idolatry ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

Ezra, the Priest and Scribe
... many new responsibilities rested upon the leaders in Israel. ... in danger of having
their religious liberty restricted ... men whose faithfulness and fidelity had been ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 50 ezra the priest.htm

The Old Testament and Modern Criticism
... Jehovah whom he knew with marvelous fidelity and constancy ... the history and religion
of Israel and of ... Many of the moral, religious, and historical difficulties ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iii the old testament.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... of Egypt a nation upon whose fidelity and gratitude ... the historical consciousness
of ancient Israel resting upon ... with the beginning of the religious mission of ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ...
... of this publication is to circulate religious knowledge, a ... in the lost sheep of the
house of Israel. ... his days, and attended him with the fidelity and affection ...
/.../chapter 4 from the close.htm

The Later Hebrew Histories.
... in the history of the people of Israel, more clearly ... Esther is absolutely barren
of religious ideas or ... The self-control, the fidelity to conscience, the heroic ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vi the later hebrew.htm

The Preface
... We find the children of Israel followed the ... respect to every civil and religious
privilege; none ... their christian virtues, constant fidelity, unfeigned love and ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the preface.htm

General Conference of 1824
... John P. Alverson, Joseph Baker, Israel Chamberlain, Wyatt ... build up and establish
infant religious societies among ... this life, with simplicity, fidelity, and zeal ...
/.../chapter 7 general conference of.htm

Bunsen's Biblical Researches.
... would gladly have founded a free religious society, in ... andre,' [42] though he makes
the servant idealized Israel. ... the Hebrew people, and the fidelity of this ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/bunsens biblical researches.htm

Chapter xlix
... that no judgment is pronounced on religious conditions in ... that rule over the tribes
of Israel will sooner ... blessings would depend upon Judah's fidelity to his ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm