The Covenant Renewed (Joshua 24)

We heard last time how God had done what he promised. "When the LORD had given rest to Israel from all their surrounding enemies"

Joshua spoke to a generation of elders that had seen with their eyes the great works of the LORD: "You have seen all that he LORD your God has done to all these nations for your sake, for it is the LORD your God who has fought for you."

Because now they are the ones who must lead. As Moses had appointed Joshua, now Joshua is handing over the mantle, but this time not to one man, but to the ordinary rulers of the people. In a similar manner, Jesus will appoint the apostles, who will hand over their mantle, not to one, but to all the elders of the church.

And Joshua reminds the elders of their motivation for faithful leadership: "The LORD your God will push [your enemies] back before you and drive them out of your sight. And you shall possess their land, just as the LORD your God promised you." As Moses had spoken to him, so now Joshua speaks to the elders of Israel.

We would do well to heed Joshua's warning. Not one word has failed of all that God has promised. God has given our great Joshua success, and he has triumphed over his enemies and entered his rest. Now we are called to live as a holy nation, a kingdom of priests.

And this starts with the elders.

But it includes the whole people of God as well. After speaking with the elders, Joshua calls all Israel together at Shechem. This is where the tabernacle had been set up, where the ark of the covenant was established.

And we are told in verse 1, that "they presented themselves before God...."