There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua failed to read before the whole assembly of Israel, including the women, the little ones, and the foreigners who lived among them. There was not a word of all that Moses had commandedJoshua withheld nothing from the revelation God had given through Moses. The Law, embodied in the Torah, remained the unchanging standard for Israel under its new leader. Joshua’s obedience demonstrated that conquest of the land did not replace covenant responsibility; Israel was to live in the land by every command of God. Jos 1:7-8 Above all, be strong and very courageous.… that Joshua failed to read Joshua publicly set before the people the whole instruction of God, including its blessings for obedience and curses for rebellion. His leadership was marked not by innovation but by faithful submission to the word already given. The reading also reflected Moses’ command that all Israel hear the Law regularly so that each generation would learn to fear the Lord and walk in His ways (Deuteronomy 31:11–13). Deu 31:11-13 when all Israel comes before the LORD your God… before the whole assembly of Israel, At Shechem, near Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, Israel renewed its covenant commitment in a place associated with God’s earlier promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:6–7). The entire nation stood accountable before the Lord. Worship, obedience, and the inheritance of the land belonged to the people together, not merely to their leaders or warriors. Deu 31:30 Then Moses recited aloud to the whole assembly of Israel… including the women, the little ones, and the foreigners who lived among them. Every member of the covenant community was called to hear God’s word. Women and children were not excluded from its instruction, and resident foreigners living among Israel were included in the responsibilities and blessings of life under God’s covenant. The gathering anticipated the wider purpose of God to bring people from every nation into the blessing promised through Abraham, fulfilled in Christ. Deu 31:12 Assemble the people—men, women, children… Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is known for his obedience to God's commands and his role in the conquest of Canaan. 2. Moses The prophet and leader who delivered God's Law to the Israelites. His teachings and commandments are central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. 3. The Assembly of Israel This includes all the Israelites gathered together, emphasizing the communal aspect of receiving God's Word. 4. Women and Children Their inclusion highlights the comprehensive nature of the covenant community, where everyone is considered part of God's people. 5. Foreigners Non-Israelites living among the Israelites, showing the inclusivity of God's message and the potential for all to be part of His covenant. Teaching Points The Importance of Scripture in CommunityGod's Word is meant to be shared and understood within the community of believers. It is not just for leaders or a select few but for everyone, including those who may be considered outsiders. Inclusivity in God's Covenant The inclusion of women, children, and foreigners in the reading of the Law demonstrates God's desire for all people to know Him and His commands. This challenges us to be inclusive in our teaching and sharing of the Gospel. Obedience to God's Commands Joshua's complete adherence to reading all that Moses commanded reflects the importance of obedience to God's Word. We are called to be diligent in knowing and following Scripture. The Role of Leaders in Teaching Leaders have a responsibility to ensure that God's Word is communicated clearly and faithfully to all people. This involves teaching, reading, and explaining Scripture. The Power of God's Word The public reading of Scripture has the power to unite, instruct, and transform a community. We should prioritize the regular reading and study of the Bible in our gatherings. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the inclusion of women, children, and foreigners in the reading of the Law challenge our current practices of teaching and sharing Scripture in our communities?2. In what ways can we ensure that the entirety of God's Word is communicated and not just select parts? 3. How does the practice of communal reading of Scripture, as seen in Joshua 8:35, influence our understanding of worship and fellowship today? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to be more obedient to God's commands as Joshua was? 5. How can we, as individuals and as a church, be more inclusive in our approach to sharing the Gospel, reflecting the inclusivity seen in Joshua 8:35? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 31:11-12This passage commands the reading of the Law to all Israel, including men, women, children, and foreigners, during the Feast of Tabernacles. It underscores the importance of communal learning and remembrance of God's commands. Nehemiah 8:1-3 Similar to Joshua's reading, Ezra reads the Law to the assembly, emphasizing the importance of understanding and obeying God's Word. Romans 10:17 Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, highlighting the necessity of proclaiming Scripture to build and strengthen faith.
People Israelites, Joshua, LevitesPlaces Ai, Arabah, Bethel, Jericho, Mount Ebal, Mount GerizimTopics Aliens, Assembly, Commanded, Congregation, Conversant, Didn't, Foreigners, Including, Infants, Joshua, Lands, Meeting, Midst, Ones, Orders, Proclaimed, Reading, Sojourner, Sojourners, Strangers, Walked, WomenDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 8:35 5666 children, needs 7545 outsiders Library The National Oath at Shechem'And Joshua said unto the people. Ye cannot serve the Lord: for He is an holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. 20. If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then He will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that He hath done you good. 21. And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the Lord. 22. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves, that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve Him. And they said, … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture February the Seventeenth Blessings and Cursings Whether it is Lawful to Lay Ambushes in War? Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. Five Kings in a Cave Jesus in the Tomb. Beth-El. Beth-Aven. Moses and his Writings The Crucifixion. Joshua Links Joshua 8:35 NIVJoshua 8:35 NLT Joshua 8:35 ESV Joshua 8:35 NASB Joshua 8:35 KJV Joshua 8:35 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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