Joshua's exhortation is a significant moment in the biblical narrative, encapsulating the themes of covenant faithfulness, obedience, and the call to serve the LORD exclusively. This exhortation is primarily found in the Book of Joshua, chapters 23 and 24, where Joshua, nearing the end of his life, gathers the Israelites to remind them of their covenant with God and to encourage them to remain faithful.

Context and Setting

After leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and overseeing the distribution of the land among the tribes, Joshua, the successor of Moses, recognizes that his time is drawing to a close. In Joshua 23, he calls together the elders, leaders, judges, and officials of Israel to deliver a farewell address. This setting underscores the importance of his message, as he speaks to those who will continue to lead the nation.

Content of the Exhortation

1. Reminder of God's Faithfulness: Joshua begins by recounting the LORD's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. He reminds the people of the victories they have achieved, not by their own strength, but by the LORD's intervention. Joshua 23:3 states, "You have seen for yourselves everything that the LORD your God has done to all these nations for your sake, for it was the LORD your God who fought for you."

2. Call to Obedience: Joshua urges the Israelites to remain steadfast in their obedience to the Law of Moses. He warns them against turning aside to the right or to the left, emphasizing the importance of adhering strictly to God's commandments. Joshua 23:6 exhorts, "Be very strong, therefore, to keep and do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, so that you do not turn aside from it to the right or to the left."

3. Warning Against Idolatry: A significant portion of Joshua's exhortation is dedicated to warning the Israelites against the dangers of idolatry and intermarriage with the remaining Canaanite nations. He cautions that such actions would lead to their downfall and separation from God. Joshua 23:12-13 warns, "For if you ever turn away and make a covenant with the nations that remain among you and intermarry with them and associate with them, know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you."

4. Renewal of the Covenant: In Joshua 24, Joshua gathers all the tribes at Shechem for a covenant renewal ceremony. He recounts the history of God's dealings with Israel, from the call of Abraham to their present day, highlighting God's grace and provision. Joshua 24:14-15 presents a pivotal moment: "Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth. Cast away the gods your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

5. The People's Response: The people respond affirmatively to Joshua's challenge, declaring their intention to serve the LORD. They acknowledge the LORD's past deeds and express their commitment to Him. Joshua 24:24 records their response: "The people said to Joshua, 'We will serve the LORD our God and obey His voice.'"

Significance

Joshua's exhortation serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity of covenant faithfulness and the dangers of complacency and idolatry. It underscores the importance of choosing to serve the LORD wholeheartedly and the consequences of turning away from Him. This exhortation remains a timeless call for believers to examine their own commitment to God and to renew their dedication to living according to His Word.