Joshua’s Farewell

As we return to our studies in the book of Joshua, many years have passed since the end of the conquest and the division of the land. Joshua himself, we are told, is “old, advanced in age.” However, he has not lost his zeal for God or his desire to do all he can to help Israel walk in obedience to Him. Thus, he calls “for all Israel,” and leaders from every tribe, including “elders,” “heads,” “judges,” and “officers,” come to hear his words and convey them to their peoples.

Joshua begins by reminding his hearers of his age. At first glance this seems like a painfully obvious statement for Joshua to make, but he has his reasons for it. He is, in essence, taking to himself the privilege of age and experience—the right to speak and warn. He is saying that he has seen much and deserves to be heard before he dies. But that is not the only reason they should heed his words; they have the evidence of their own eyes to confirm what he is going to say. Like Peter, he is telling them, “I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you” (2 Peter 1:13). Nothing he will say will be new to them. They know it all, but, in Joshua’s opinion, they are in danger of forgetting.

Joshua is not concerned to speak about his own deeds or the accomplishments of Israel as a nation. His intent is to speak of the mighty works of God. All the pagan nations of Canaan have been defeated, he declares, “ ‘for the LORD your God is He who has fought for you.’ ” God gave them victory in their wars for the land and, through Joshua, divided it to them. But the same lot that assigned to each tribe a portion of land also assigned a remnant of Canaanites, and therein lies the reason the Israelites should keep in mind what God has accomplished for them. They need to remember because there is work yet to be done, and they must have faith in God to do it. He is more than willing, Joshua assures them: “ ‘The LORD your God will expel them from before you and drive them out of your sight.’ ” Just as He drove out “ ‘great and strong nations’ ” in the conquest, so He will fight for each tribe, and His warfare will be so effective that one Israelite will chase a thousand Canaanites. But, of course, Israel must do its part, and as long as its eyes are on its own weakness and its enemies’ power, it never will take up arms.