Albert Barnes Commentary Joshua 24
Albert Barnes Commentary
Joshua 24
Albert Barnes Commentary
Joshua 24
"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." — Joshua 24:1 (ASV)
Shechem, situated between the mountains Ebal and Gerizim, had already been the scene of a solemn rehearsal of the covenant soon after the people first entered the promised land (Joshua 8:30–35). This made it a fitting location for the people to solemnly renew that covenant with God, which He, for His part, had so remarkably and fully kept.
The place itself suggested the allusions to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others in Joshua’s address; its historical associations inevitably gave special force and moving effect to his appeals.
This address was made not only to the rulers but to the whole nation—not, of course, to the tribes assembled all together, but to their representatives.
"And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt of old time beyond the River, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nahor: and they served other gods." — Joshua 24:2 (ASV)
The other side of the flood - Better: “On the other side of the river,” that is, the Euphrates. See the marginal reference.
They served other gods - This possibly refers to the “images,” or teraphim, which we find their ancestor Laban calling “his gods” (see the marginal reference). It would also seem that, as Joshua spoke, there were some secret devotees among the people (Joshua 24:14; Joshua 24:25).
It is not stated that Abraham himself was an idolater, though his fathers were. Jewish tradition asserts that Abraham, while in Ur of the Chaldees, was persecuted for his abhorrence of idolatry and therefore was called away by God from his native land.
The reference in the text to the original state of the nation's forefathers is made to show that they were no better than others: God chose them not for their excellences but by His own sovereign will.
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah." — Joshua 24:15 (ASV)
Choose - Service of God in sincerity and truth can only result from a free and willing allegiance of the heart. This accordingly is what Joshua invites, as Moses had done before him (Deuteronomy 30:15 and following).
"So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem." — Joshua 24:25 (ASV)
Made a covenant with the people - that is, he solemnly ratified and renewed the covenant of Sinai, as Moses had done before him (Deuteronomy 29:1). As no new or different covenant was made, no sacrifices were necessary.
"And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a great stone, and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of Jehovah." — Joshua 24:26 (ASV)
Consult the marginal references.
That was by the sanctuary of the Lord - that is, the spot where Abraham and Jacob had sacrificed and worshipped, and which might well be regarded by their posterity as a holy place or sanctuary. Perhaps the very altar of Abraham and Jacob was still remaining.
Jump to: