Topical Bible: Israel: Covenant Renewed, Death of Joshua

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The renewal of the covenant and the death of Joshua mark significant events in the history of Israel as recorded in the Old Testament. These events are primarily documented in the Book of Joshua, chapters 23 and 24, and they underscore the transition of leadership and the reaffirmation of Israel's commitment to Yahweh.

Covenant Renewed

As Joshua approached the end of his life, he gathered all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, a place of historical and spiritual significance. This assembly included the elders, leaders, judges, and officials of Israel. Joshua's purpose was to renew the covenant between God and the people, reminding them of their unique relationship with Yahweh and the obligations that came with it.

Joshua recounted the history of Israel, beginning with the call of Abraham and continuing through the deliverance from Egypt and the conquest of Canaan. He emphasized God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. In Joshua 24:14-15 , Joshua challenged the people, saying, "Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth. Cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

The people responded affirmatively, declaring their intention to serve the LORD and forsake other gods. Joshua then made a covenant with the people that day, setting statutes and ordinances for them at Shechem. He recorded these words in the Book of the Law of God and set up a large stone under the oak near the holy place of the LORD as a witness to the covenant (Joshua 24:25-27).

Death of Joshua

Following the renewal of the covenant, the narrative transitions to the death of Joshua. Joshua, the son of Nun, had been a faithful servant of the LORD and a capable leader of Israel. He had succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land, overseeing the conquest and distribution of the land among the tribes.

Joshua's death is recorded in Joshua 24:29-30 : "After these things, the servant of the LORD, Joshua son of Nun, died at the age of 110. And they buried him in the territory of his inheritance at Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash."

The death of Joshua marked the end of an era. Under his leadership, Israel had experienced military victories and spiritual renewal. His passing left a leadership vacuum that would later contribute to the challenges faced by the Israelites during the period of the Judges.

Joshua's legacy was one of faithfulness and obedience to God. His life and leadership exemplified the importance of covenant fidelity and the necessity of choosing to serve the LORD wholeheartedly. The renewal of the covenant at Shechem served as a lasting reminder to the Israelites of their commitment to God and the blessings and responsibilities that accompanied it.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 24:1
And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.
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Judges 2:8,9
And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old.
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Library

Israel's Obstinacy and God's Patience
... Israel had broken the covenant; God would not keep His ... it not have been better, since
Israel was so ... round of sin, punishment, respite, and renewed sin, sets in ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/israels obstinacy and gods patience.htm

Deuteronomy.
... 2. Blessing and cursing, Ch.28. 3. Renewed covenant and Israel's future foretold.
Chs.29-30. ... 3. Blessing of Moses, Ch.33. 4. Death of Moses, Ch.34. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter v deuteronomy.htm

Covenant Duties.
... In all these things Israel, by Covenanting, acquiesced, when they were first proposed,
and also at succeeding times when the covenant of Sinai was renewed. ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... of privileges formerly promised, and came under renewed obligation to ... nations, shall
look as to a covenant sign. ... and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

Jesus at the Well.
... Gen.33:18); here Joseph was buried in the land given him by his father (Joshua
24:32); and here also the covenant of Israel was renewed with amens to ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus at the well.htm

The First Commandment
... Exodus 32:7. Before, God called Israel his people ... for our God, renouncing all others;
and renewed this covenant ... shall we not keep our solemn vow and covenant? ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the first commandment.htm

The Pentateuch.
... the covenant made with Abraham, and afterwards renewed to Isaac ... 13, and therefore
incorporated with the covenant people ... of the past history of Israel under Moses ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

General Service for the Festivals of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
... Thou hast filled everything with joy and renewed afresh the ... Israel, and said unto
them: Hear, O Israel the statutes ... them: The Lord God made a covenant with you ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter i general service for.htm

Ebenezer!
... day, too, Mizpeh was the place of renewed covenant, and its ... the place of the renewal
of the covenant, and then ... I do not think the children of Israel could with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/ebenezer.htm

City of God
... Perpetually Resolved into Its Elements, and Renewed at the ... the Eighth Day, Because
He Had Broken God's Covenant. ... The Reason Why Jacob Was Also Called Israel. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/