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JOSHUA PREPARED TO DEPART
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27
Joshua 23

Proverbs 16:1-9

 

“Commit thy works unto the LORD,

and thy thoughts shall be established.”

 

JOSHUA PREPARED TO DEPART
 
When Joshua had completed sub-dividing the land to the tribes, he lived in Canaan in a time of peace, and continued to lead the nation of Israel.
 
Some years had passed since Israel settled in the land of Canaan. Joshua was old and ready to depart. He knew that his days were coming to an end, so he prepared the nation. It was prudent and logical for him to have a last word with Israel. He called the top leaders to charge them.
 
It is noted here that Joshua was ever consistent. He told Israel to be courageous and that the key to their success was obedience to the Law of Moses. He reminded them of what God had done for them. His main charge was that Israel must hold on to the Law of Moses. He warned against any relationship with the remaining Canaanites, stressing the need to keep off the idolatry of the Canaanites. He assured them of God’s faithfulness as he reminded them of what God had already done for them. This was a confirmation that all the promises of God would be fulfilled. God had shown His power in driving out those nations. Joshua used this to show Israel that God would continue to fight for them. They were thus to rest contented and to seek the mind of God in all that they do. The Law must be their point of reference. There were also the priests and Levites to guide them. Joshua spoke strongly because the temptation to compromise the commandments of God was ever present. He also recalled what Moses had told Israel before his departure and the direct charge that God had given him when he assumed the leadership of the nation. He told them that there would be spiritually fatal consequences when they reject God. The testimony of Joshua spoke for itself and his words were weighty.
 
At the time of his death, Joshua was one-hundred-and-ten years old.
 
THOUGHT: Transition in spiritual leadership ushers in a hopeful future.
PRAYER: Father, give me ears to hear the words of wise and spiritually sound leaders.

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