Joshua 24:1,15
‘Joshua gathered all the tribes…and called for the Elders…and for their Heads and for their Judges and for their Officers…. They presented themselves, before God. And Joshua said to all the people…: “Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time — even Terah the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, and they served other gods!”… And Joshua said to all the people…: “If it seems evil to you to serve the Lord — you must today choose whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house — we will serve the Lord!”‘ Joshua 24:1,2,15.
Jacob had settled in Shechem, where he purified his house from strange gods and buried their idols (Genesis 33:19 & 35:2-4). This place had already been consecrated by Abraham as a sanctuary of God. So Joshua chose the same place for the renewal of the covenant — because this act involved a practical renunciation on the part of Israel from all idolatry.
Calvin comments that Joshua “now states what he had not formerly observed — that they were all standing before the Lord. An expression which designates the more sacred dignity and solemnity of the meeting….
“Joshua, in a regular and solemn manner, invoked the name of Jehovah. And, as in His presence, addressed the people….
“He begins his address by referring to their gratuitous adoption…. He leads them back to their origin, and reminds them how their fathers had dwelt in Chaldea worshipping idols in common with others….
“Hence it is inferred that Abraham, when he was plunged in idolatry, was raised up as it were from the lowest deep…. While Noah was yet alive, idolatry had not only spread everywhere…but even penetrated into the family of Shem in which at least a purer religion ought to have flourished….
“Joshua were paying little regard to what behoves an honest and right-hearted leader. If the people had forsaken God and gone after idols, it was his duty to inflict punishment on their impious and abominable revolt….
“There is no doubt that his tongue was guided by the inspiration of the Spirit, in stirring up and disclosing their feelings…. When the Lord brings men under His authority, they are usually willing enough to profess zeal for piety…. There is need, therefore, of serious examination….
“The real object of Joshua was…to renew and confirm the covenant which had already been made with God…. He declares that he and his house will persevere in the worship of God” – even in their old age! You too?
