Introduction
This revival was a reconfirmation of a decision to make the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob the God of the nation of Israel. Through this effort, Joshua prevented the nation’s drift into idolatry for about two generations (Joshua 24:31).
Background
At this time the nation of Israel had already:
► Been freed from slavery in Egypt.
► Lived in the desert for 40 years.
► Witnessed Moses’ death.
► Crossed the Jordan river and entered the land promised to them by God.
► Taken possession of some of their promised land by driving out the nations that were previously dwelling there.
With Joshua as their leader, they had lived in this promised land for 50 years, and it was now nearing the end of Joshua’s life.
….• 1422 B.C. the nation crossed the Jordan River and entered Canaan.
….• 1372 B.C. Joshua died.
Joshua’s First Confirmation of Israel’s Covenant with God
Moses previously commanded a renewing of the covenant after Israel’s entry into the promised land (Deuteronomy 27:1-15). In Joshua 8:30-35 we see that command of Moses obeyed.
Joshua’s Second Confirmation of Israel’s Covenant with God
Joshua wanted to ensure that the nation would continue to serve the Lord following his death, so he called all the people to come together at the town of Shechem. After the people had gathered–evidently a very large assembly–he brought the elders, the leaders, the judges, and the officers before the Lord (Joshua 24:1).
Joshua reviewed the history of the nation, pointing out specifically the many ways God had led them through the intervening years, blessing them abundantly and fulfilling His promise of giving the land of Canaan to them as their possession (Joshua 24:2-13).
For the nation to have God’s favor continue, like what he had just rehearsed through the first 13 verses of chapter 24, Joshua presented them with God’s demands:
► Fear God and serve Him in sincerity and truth (Joshua 24:14).
► Put away the gods that you had been serving (Joshua 24:23).
It seems ironic, but even though God’s favor had been poured out abundantly, there were still those who had been worshiping idols, thus the command of Joshua to “put away the strange gods which are among you” (Joshua 24:23).
This worship of idols had been part of the nation of Israel’s daily life from the beginning. Idolatry was always a thorn in their sides.
► Jacob’s wives and children worshipped idols (Genesis 31:34; 35:2-4).
► The nation worshipped idols while in Egypt (Joshua 24:14; Ezekiel 20:7).
► While traveling in the desert, after they were freed from slavery in Egypt, they were found to be worshipping idols (Amos 5:25; Acts 7:42-44; Exodus 32:1).
Joshua reconfirms the covenant with the nation of Israel
The Choice Is Yours
From the time the nation of Israel left Egypt, Joshua proved to be faithful to Jehovah. During the time when the 12 spies were sent out to search the promised land, and until the day of his death, he remained faithful (Numbers 32:12). And even part of his dying address demonstrated his faithfulness to Jehovah:
But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
The people made the choice:
So the people answered and said: “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods” (Joshua 24:16).
Renewing of the Covenant Was Woven into the Law of Moses
Knowing the proclivity people have of going astray (Isaiah 53:6), the Old Testament law required holy assemblies to be regularly held (Leviticus 23:2). Their purpose was to:
► Confess and turn from personal and corporate sins.
► Recognize God’s holiness.
► Remember what God had accomplished for them and His provisions.
► Provide opportunities to offer sacrifices.
► Renew fellowship and the covenant they made with God.
Planned Revival Services
When churches today conduct planned “revival services,” it is for the same reasons why God commanded the holy assemblies to be conducted in the Old Testament. Read our article titled: “What is a Revival Service, and Should We Schedule Them?“
Sources
► Joshua renewing the covenant at Mount Ebal (Joshua 8:30-35).
► Joshua renewing the covenant at Shechem (Joshua 24:1-33).
Return to List of Revival Stories
Chet & Phyllis Swearingen:
Office: (260) 920-8248
romans1015@outlook.com
Beautiful Feet
P.O. Box 915
Auburn, IN 46706
