What can we learn about obedience from Joshua's actions in Joshua 8:34? Setting the Scene Joshua 8 records Israel’s victory over Ai, followed by a covenant ceremony in the hill country of Ephraim. Verse 34 captures the heart of that moment: “Afterward, Joshua read aloud all the words of the law — the blessings and the curses — according to all that is written in the Book of the Law.” (Joshua 8:34) What Joshua Actually Did • Gathered the entire nation at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim (v. 33) • Built an altar and offered burnt and peace offerings (vv. 30–31; cf. Deuteronomy 27:4–8) • Copied the Law of Moses on stones (v. 32) • Read every word “aloud,” including both blessings and curses (v. 34) • Ensured “all Israel” heard it — men, women, children, and resident foreigners (v. 35) Key Elements of Obedience Demonstrated • Complete obedience — He followed Moses’ instructions to the letter (Deuteronomy 27:1–8). • Public obedience — He made the Law audible and visible to the whole community (Deuteronomy 31:11–13). • Inclusive obedience — No one was excluded; every ear heard the covenant terms (cf. Exodus 12:49). • Balanced obedience — He read “the blessings and the curses,” embracing the full counsel of God (Deuteronomy 28:1–68). • Written obedience — By copying the Law on stones, he affirmed its permanence (Deuteronomy 27:8). • Worshipful obedience — Offerings accompanied the reading, showing obedience flows from reverence (1 Samuel 15:22). Why Full Obedience Matters • God’s Word is not selective: “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” (Deuteronomy 8:3) • Blessing follows obedience, judgment follows rebellion (Leviticus 26:3–39; John 14:23–24). • Public reading keeps a community accountable (Nehemiah 8:1–8; 1 Timothy 4:13). • Obedience teaches future generations (Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Psalm 78:5–7). New Testament Echoes • Jesus read publicly and fulfilled the Law (Luke 4:16–21; Matthew 5:17–19). • The church devoted itself to the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42). • Believers are urged to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). • Revelation promises blessing to those who read and keep the words of the prophecy (Revelation 1:3). Putting It into Practice • Read Scripture publicly in family or fellowship settings. • Read whole books, not just favorite passages, to grasp blessings and warnings. • Record or journal key truths to reinforce permanence. • Pair reading with worship—singing, thanksgiving, or Communion. • Include children and newcomers so all know the covenant terms. • Act immediately on what God says; delayed obedience is disobedience. Takeaway Joshua’s actions reveal that genuine obedience is thorough, public, inclusive, and reverent. By embracing every word God has spoken and responding in worshipful action, we honor the Lord who gave His unchanging Law and experience the covenant blessings He promises to those who obey. |
    |