Click Arrow To Start Audio
JOSHUA: LESSON EIGHT
VIII. JOSHUA’S LAST INSTRUCTIONS TO ISRAEL (Chapters 22-
A. Joshua commends and instructs the Reubenites, Gadites and the half-
1. Commendation:
a. Kept all that Moses and Joshua commanded
b. Have not left your brethren (tribes on the west of Jordan).
2. Instruction:
a. Go to tents of possessions east of Jordan that Moses gave.
b. Keep God’s commandments – serve with all of soul and heart.
3. The three tribes return to their possession with much wealth obtained from the enemies they had conquered.
B. The three tribes build a great altar on the west side of the Jordan – the other tribes consider it a cause from war (22:10-
1. The western tribes considered the building of the altar as:
a. turning away from following Jehovah – an altar erected other than the altar of Jehovah at the tabernacle.
b. would cause ALL of Israel to be condemned – as in the days of Peor, or the iniquity of Achan.
2. Eastern tribes reply:
a. We have not erected it in rebellion of following Jehovah – Jehovah can know and require (punish) it.
b. We have erected it as a witness for future generations – not one which to offer burnt offerings, sacrifices and peace offerings.
c. The witness – (“ED”): the eastern tribes do have a portion with Jehovah – Jehovah is God.
C. An elderly Joshua reminds, instructs and warns Israel (23:1-
1. Reminder:
a. What God has done to nations – will continue to thrust them out.
2. Instruction:
a. Be courageous
b. Don’t turn away from following the path of God’s teaching.
c. Don’t have fellowship with nations that remain – don’t speak in names of their gods or oaths, or bow before them in worship.
d. Cleave unto Jehovah – love Jehovah
3. Warnings:
a. Having fellowship with nations – making marriages with them will cause Jehovah to not drive out the nations.
b. The nations will be a snare unto Israel – Israel will perish off the land
given to them.
c. The good things Jehovah promised has not failed – disobedience to Him will cause Him to bring evil things – perish quickly off the land.
D. Joshua’s farewell speech at Shechem (24:1-
1. The inspired Joshua reminds Israel of their history beginning with the calling of Abraham and Jehovah’s faithfulness and power in overcoming their enemies (24:1-
2. Joshua pleads for sincere commitment to Jehovah – “…choose you this day whom ye will serve” (24:14-
3. Israel’s desire and Joshua’s testing of the holiness of their desire (24:16-
4. Joshua seals covenant by writing words of law on stone and sets it up under oak near sanctuary – people sent away to own inheritance (24:26-
E. Joshua’s death and summary (24:29-
1. Joshua dies at age 110 – buried in Timnath-
2. Israel served Jehovah all the days of Joshua and elders who outlived Joshua.
3. Joseph’s bones brought out of Egypt – buried in Shechem.
4. Eleazar, son of Aaron, the priest dies – buried in hill of Phinehas in Ephraim.
QUESTIONS:
1. What had the three eastern tribes done for the rest of their brethren?
2. To where and with what did Joshua send the three tribes with his blessing?
3. What did the three tribes build in the region about the Jordan River?
4. Why did the nine tribes react with a desire to war against their brethren?
5. What two examples in the past cast fear in Israel’s hearts considering the present action of the three tribes?
6. What was the purpose for the altar?
7. Give at least two examples of how the nations that remained could be a snare to Israel?
8. Explain what God has sent before Israel to drive out the two kings of the Amorites.
9. What inward attitude must precede all service unto Jehovah?
10. What did Joshua mean by saying, “Ye cannot serve Jehovah” in 24:19?
11. What was made in Shechem following Joshua’s speech?
12. How old was Joshua when he died?
13. For how long did Israel serve Jehovah?
14. Where was Joseph’s bones buried?
15. What does this fact in history teach you about “faith”?
16. Who of the sons of Aaron died and was buried in Ephraim