The concept of covenant is central to the biblical narrative, serving as a divine promise and agreement between God and His people. In the context of Joshua, the covenant theme is pivotal as it marks the transition of the Israelites from the wilderness into the Promised Land, fulfilling the promises made to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Background and Context

The Book of Joshua is the sixth book of the Bible and details the conquest and settlement of Canaan by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua, Moses' successor. Joshua, whose name means "The LORD is salvation," is a type of Christ, leading God's people into the inheritance promised to them. The covenantal theme in Joshua underscores God's faithfulness and the necessity of Israel's obedience to His commands.

Renewal of the Covenant

One of the key moments in the Book of Joshua is the renewal of the covenant at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. In Joshua 8:30-35, Joshua builds an altar to the LORD on Mount Ebal, as Moses had commanded, and writes a copy of the Law of Moses on stones. The Israelites, divided between the two mountains, listen as the blessings and curses of the Law are read aloud. This event reaffirms the covenant made at Sinai, emphasizing the importance of adherence to God's Law as a condition for receiving His blessings.

The Covenant at Gilgal

Upon entering the Promised Land, the Israelites camp at Gilgal, where Joshua circumcises the new generation of Israelites, as recorded in Joshua 5:2-9. This act is a renewal of the Abrahamic covenant, signifying the people's consecration to God and their readiness to inherit the land. The LORD declares, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you" (Joshua 5:9), marking a new beginning for the nation.

The Covenant at Shechem

In Joshua 24, Joshua gathers all the tribes of Israel at Shechem for a final covenant renewal. He recounts the history of God's faithfulness, from the call of Abraham to the conquest of Canaan. Joshua challenges the people to serve the LORD exclusively, saying, "Choose this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15). The people affirm their commitment to the LORD, and Joshua establishes a covenant with them, setting up a stone as a witness to their promise (Joshua 24:25-27).

Theological Significance

The covenants in Joshua highlight the conditional nature of Israel's relationship with God. While God's promises are steadfast, the people's enjoyment of His blessings is contingent upon their obedience and faithfulness. The covenant renewals serve as reminders of God's past deliverance and as calls to future fidelity.

Joshua as a Covenant Mediator

Joshua's role as a covenant mediator is significant. He leads the people in covenant renewal, ensuring that the new generation understands their identity as God's chosen people and their responsibilities under the covenant. His leadership exemplifies the qualities of faith, courage, and obedience, setting a standard for future leaders of Israel.

Conclusion

The covenantal themes in the Book of Joshua underscore the continuity of God's promises and the importance of Israel's faithfulness. Through the renewal of the covenant, the Israelites are reminded of their unique relationship with God and their calling to live as His holy people in the land He has given them.Joshua 24:25
So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 24:19-28
And Joshua said to the people, You cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.
Nave's Topical Index

A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience
... of their conditions, and how a covenant which He ... Version's rendering, of the
unreasonableness of departing from God. No man dare answer when God asks, 'What ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a summary of israels faithlessness.htm

Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"?
... the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee ... his brethren, and builded
the altar of the God of Israel ... is written in the law of Moses, the man of God ...
/.../iii was moses a literary.htm

The National Oath at Shechem
... So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set ... a witness unto you, lest
ye deny your God.28. So Joshua let the people depart, every man unto his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the national oath at shechem.htm

The Covenant of Works
... the first covenant, the justice of God, as an avenger of blood, pursues us; but
if we get into the second covenant we are in ... Will God let the man live with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the covenant of works.htm

The Epistle to the Hebrews
... Priest in the holy of holies, the actual presence of God typified by the tabernacle;
He has consecrated the new covenant between man and God by His ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xviii the epistle to.htm

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments
... Samuel was born in answer to the vowful prayer of Hannah, for the solemn covenant
which she ... Thus devoting the whole man himself, and his all, to God in a ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/i praying saints of the.htm

Of the Times of Moses and Joshua the Son of Nun, of the Judges ...
... tongue means transit), that when the new covenant was revealed ... beginning of the advanced
youth of God's people, who ... For from the age of puberty man begins to be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 43 of the times of.htm

The Wilderness.
... there upon the mountain top he died alone, and God buried him in the sepulchre whereof
no man knoweth. None was like to him in the Old Covenant, who stood ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson iv the wilderness.htm

Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision
... that there was a defilement of the flesh in man which must for ever be taken
away, or man would remain impure, and out of covenant with God. ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/consecration to godillustrated by abrahams.htm

The King after Man's Heart
... standing where their fathers had renewed the Covenant, saw the ... had driven them to
look for a man to help ... The experience of God's responses to prayer does not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king after mans heart.htm

What is Covenant Theology? | GotQuestions.org

What is new covenant theology? | GotQuestions.org

What was the Old Covenant? | GotQuestions.org

Covenant: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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