26: Israel renews its commitment to the Lord (Josh 24:1 – 28)

They committed to serving the Lord at Shechem. However, it seems that they didn’t know who the Lord was. 

πŸ‘‰ Read Joshua 24:1 - 28


Q1. (1 – 13) The Lord Himself recounts His gracious deeds for Israel. He called Abraham from a house of (          ) and gave him many descendants (2-4). He delivered them from Egypt and miraculously rescued them at the (            ) (5-7). On the east side of the Jordan, He defeated the two Amorite kings for them and thwarted (           )’s attempt to curse them (8-10). He handed over the Canaanite nations to Israel and allowed them to enjoy the harvests they had not (           ) for (11-13).

The Lord Himself recounts His gracious deeds for Israel. He called Abraham from a house of ( idolatry ) and gave him many descendants (2-4). He delivered them from Egypt and miraculously rescued them at the ( Red Sea ) (5-7). On the east side of the Jordan, He defeated the two Amorite kings for them and thwarted ( Balaam )’s attempt to curse them (8-10). He handed over the Canaanite nations to Israel and allowed them to enjoy the harvests they had not ( labored ) for (11-13).

The Lord our God always gives us more than we ask or expect. Although Esau was not the covenant heir, the Lord still gave him Mount Seir as his inheritance. Through His miraculous and careful providence, the Israelites came to know who the Lord truly was, especially at the Red Sea. The Lord not merely rejected Balaam's request to curse Israel but even caused him to bless them instead. Furthermore, the Lord gave Israel the houses and the harvests they did not labor for on top of the promised land. 



Q2. What is the natural and proper response as we have experienced God’s grace as in verses 3 – 13?

Obey God’s words and worship Him only (14)

Regardless of everyone else, I will worship the Lord (15)



Q3. What were the reasons that they swore to serve the Lord only? (16 – 18)

The Lord saved us, protected us, and gave us this land. 

Their reasons are a bit simple compared to what God had done as in verses 3-13. If protection and blessing are their only reasons for seeking God, they would serve other gods if those gods offer more blessings.



Q4. Although they claimed they would serve the Lord, Joshua said they would not continue worshiping Him because they did not truly know who the Lord was. What are the two key attributes of the Lord that His worshippers must understand?

He is holy and jealous.

Without a righteous and holy life, God will not accept our worship. We must also dedicate ourselves exclusively to the Lord, just as He is wholly devoted to us. The Lord Himself should be the reason for our worship, not His blessings. If blessings are our motivation, we will turn away from Him when He disciplines us to make us pure and holy. 



Q5. The people said to Joshua, “We will worship the Lord (            ) and obey Him.” That day drew up an (          ) for the people, and he established rules and regulations for them in (          ). 

Our God, agreement, Shechem



The two attributes of God explain the cross. He is so jealous and passionate to make us holy even to the point of letting His Son die to cleanse us. If that is the case, how much more certain is it that He will discipline us until we grow up to the measure of Christ, even when we serve Him wholeheartedly! Without knowing Him, one cannot continue to serve Him.

Commit to entrust your life to His hand though He would discipline us, for His will is always good for us.


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