Joshua 21-24
Now that the other tribes have been allotted land, the tribe of Levi are designated towns to live in, as prescribed by God. The are given towns and surrounding lands for pasture. Of all the towns given to the Levites, five of the six cities of refuge are included (all but Bezer). Perhaps it was best for those with priestly functions to also serve as protectors of those falsely accused.
Eventually the eastern tribes get to go back across the Jordan to the lands they had been given previously. Their families were already settled. The men were bringing back a part of the spoils of war to share with those who were not able to join the fight. These two and a half tribes built an altar as a monument to the unity in God between the twelve tribes. Rumors start to fly and the other tribes are convinced that Gad and Reuben are trying to break away and worship some other God. The "rest of the story" is finally related when the other tribes come for a showdown. If anything the incident seems to further bond the tribes together.
Fast forward to years later. Twenty-five years later if Joshua and Caleb were the same age. Joshua gives his farewell to the leaders, reminding them to stay the course without turning aside. Then all of the tribes are assembled as Joshua ends his leadership by issuing an ultimatum: "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve." He speaks about getting rid of the idols now within the nation, although it seems that this is more a precautionary warning than a situation similar to the confrontation with Achan back in chapter 7. This was a renewal of the covenant. Joshua issued the vow that he and his house had made their choice already for the Lord.
It almost reads like he is trying to talk the Israelites out of committing to the Lord, offering them warning after warning. "You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God..." Indeed we cannot serve Him properly and Israel would prove Joshua right even though they promised they would not stray from the terms of the covenant.
Finally, Joshua goes home to die at the age of 110. Joseph's bones, brought from Egypt are finally buried. Then Eleazar the priest son of Aaron dies and the book of Joshua comes to a close. Then it all starts falling apart.
Eventually the eastern tribes get to go back across the Jordan to the lands they had been given previously. Their families were already settled. The men were bringing back a part of the spoils of war to share with those who were not able to join the fight. These two and a half tribes built an altar as a monument to the unity in God between the twelve tribes. Rumors start to fly and the other tribes are convinced that Gad and Reuben are trying to break away and worship some other God. The "rest of the story" is finally related when the other tribes come for a showdown. If anything the incident seems to further bond the tribes together.
Fast forward to years later. Twenty-five years later if Joshua and Caleb were the same age. Joshua gives his farewell to the leaders, reminding them to stay the course without turning aside. Then all of the tribes are assembled as Joshua ends his leadership by issuing an ultimatum: "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve." He speaks about getting rid of the idols now within the nation, although it seems that this is more a precautionary warning than a situation similar to the confrontation with Achan back in chapter 7. This was a renewal of the covenant. Joshua issued the vow that he and his house had made their choice already for the Lord.
It almost reads like he is trying to talk the Israelites out of committing to the Lord, offering them warning after warning. "You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God..." Indeed we cannot serve Him properly and Israel would prove Joshua right even though they promised they would not stray from the terms of the covenant.
Finally, Joshua goes home to die at the age of 110. Joseph's bones, brought from Egypt are finally buried. Then Eleazar the priest son of Aaron dies and the book of Joshua comes to a close. Then it all starts falling apart.
posted by rev-ed @ 10:54 PM
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