Taking the Challenge

The people of Israel, hearing Joshua’s challenge to keep God’s covenant and his own intent to do so, are swift to declare publicly and unequivocally that they will do the same. Indeed, they blanch at the suggestion that they do otherwise: “ ‘Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods.’ ” The main reason they give for their choice is the reason Joshua held out in urging that choice upon them—God has done great and marvelous things for them. They declare that they recognize God’s goodness to them and understand that it is appropriate for them to serve Him. But they also cite their covenant relationship to God. They say, “ ‘We also will serve the LORD, for He is our God.’ ” The Israelites are aware that God has adopted them as His own and bound Himself to them in an unbreakable covenant, for He had said, “ ‘I will take you as My people, and I will be your God’ ” (Ex. 6:7). In a way, it would be unnatural for the Israelites, the “people of God,” to serve other gods.

The people’s clear and decisive profession of fealty to God must be heartening to Joshua, but he does not accept it immediately. Rather, he reminds them of the difficulties they will face in serving God. His purpose seems to be to break them of any confidence in their ability to obey God’s law fully. The requirements of God’s holiness are too high for sinners to meet, Joshua tells them, and they surely will transgress the law they are committing themselves to obey. He goes on to say that God is “ ‘jealous’ ” and “ ‘will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.’ ” On its surface, this verse seems to rule out divine grace, but the context (v. 20) has to do with covenant faithfulness and the specific sin of idolatry. Israel has enjoyed covenant blessings to this point, but it must remember that the covenant includes sanctions for disobedience, too. Later in its history, Israel will indeed pursue idols and will feel the sting of the sanctions, but in answer to the call of God’s prophets it will return to Him and receive His forgiveness.

Even in the face of such a strong call to count the cost, the people affirm their desire to serve God. Joshua calls them as witnesses to their profession—that is, to accept the covenant sanctions that will follow if they disobey—and exhorts them to put away other gods on the spot. To all this the people readily agree.