The Book of Joshua’s last chapter serves as one of the most important post-Torah Ten Commandments’ moments.
In world history, there are few people and few concepts that can extend within human memory past one generation. Creating an eternal legacy is perhaps one of the most difficult of human achievements. The evidence of this is a simple test, how many famous peoples’ names can a collective group of people rattle off by memory? Further, how many people are capable of transmitting values over a multitude of generations?
Joshua’s Ten Commandment’s contribution, arguably, is as integral to the laws as Moses. He should be recognized for his success in extending the Mosaic legacy.
In the Book of Joshua, Chapter 24, Joshua assembles the tribes of Israel. He speaks to the entire nation and gives a history of the people. He speaks of the Master’s deliverance and the provision of the land which they now occupy. He then states “And now, fear the Lord and serve him with wholeheartedness and truth; remove the gods that your forefathers served on the other side of the river and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14. The people respond to Joshua that they are in accord. Joshua references how the Lord is a jealous God, and he does not tolerate rebellious sins and transgressions. Joshua then says, “So now, remove the gods of the foreigner that are among you and direct your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” Joshua 24:23. The people again respond in accord.
Thus, at this formative time with the Children of Israel as a nation, Joshua takes to the top part of the Ten Commandments as a means of forging the Children of Israel’s allegiance to the Master. The various tribes cement their unity through their commitment to the God who had delivered them from bondage into the Promised Land.
Joshua’s words during the assembly of the Children of Israel were a master for all politicians. He provides a historial backround for the people with the reference to their Abrahamic roots and tied it into the national agenda- one nation under God.
Be well!!!
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