Choose This Day: Joshua’s Farewell and Covenant Renewal

Choose This Day: Joshua’s Farewell and Covenant Renewal

Every story needs a conclusion, and the book of Joshua does not end with military victories or boundary lines but with a covenant choice. After the land has been divided and the promises fulfilled, Joshua gathers the people of Israel for one final charge. This is more than a farewell speech; it is a call to decision. Who will they serve? In this moment, Israel’s future identity is forged. And in this same moment, we too are reminded that faith is not inherited by geography or ancestry—it is lived out daily by choosing the LORD above all rivals.

Biblical Foundation

“Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and do away with the gods which your fathers served beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14–15, NASB)

“But you are to cling to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.” (Joshua 23:8, NASB)

“So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and made for them a statute and an ordinance at Shechem.” (Joshua 24:25, NASB)

Historical & Contextual Notes

After the conquest and division of the land, Joshua calls the nation to Shechem, the very place where God promised Abraham that his offspring would inherit this land (Genesis 12:6–7). This location is no accident: it ties Israel’s present reality to God’s ancient covenant. Joshua, now old and nearing death, recounts Israel’s history from Abraham to the present moment, reminding them that every victory came by God’s hand, not their own swords or bows (Joshua 24:12).

In Joshua 22, the altar of witness nearly sparked a civil war between the tribes east and west of the Jordan. Misunderstandings among God’s people threatened unity. But instead of bloodshed, careful words and covenant reasoning preserved peace. This episode frames Joshua’s farewell, highlighting how fragile unity can be—and how critical covenant loyalty is for survival.

The farewell speeches in chapters 23–24 parallel Moses’ final addresses in Deuteronomy. Both leaders, knowing death is near, press God’s people to remember the covenant, forsake idols, and cling to the LORD.

Misconceptions / Objections

Some assume Israel’s choice here was simply symbolic, as if idolatry was long behind them. In reality, Israel still carried household gods (cf. Genesis 31:34; Joshua 24:23). Joshua’s call was not theoretical but practical: they had to abandon real idols in their possession.

Another misconception is that Joshua set before them a buffet of gods, as if Yahweh were one option among many. In fact, Joshua exposes the futility of false gods. His words are confrontational: you will serve someone—make your choice. Neutrality is not an option.

Theological Reflection

The Hebrew verb Joshua uses for “serve” is עָבַד (ʿābad), meaning to work, serve, or worship. The point is not mere belief, but allegiance that is lived out in loyalty and devotion. Joshua’s command to “fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth” (Joshua 24:14) points to an undivided heart.

The covenant renewal at Shechem also included covenant witnesses—a stone set under the oak (Joshua 24:26–27). In the ancient world, stones were often used as treaty witnesses. The message: faithfulness is not only personal but publicly accountable.

Connection to Christ

Joshua’s final words anticipate Christ’s greater call to discipleship. Jesus, like Joshua, confronts people with a choice: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.” (Matthew 6:24, NASB).

Just as Joshua reminded Israel of deliverance from Egypt, Jesus reminds His disciples of deliverance from sin. The covenant at Shechem is renewed through the blood of Christ, who institutes the new covenant in His body and blood (Luke 22:20).

Joshua set up a stone of witness; Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). Where Joshua says, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD,” Christ says, “Follow Me.”

Christ-Centered Conclusion

Joshua’s farewell reminds us that faith is not merely about land, lineage, or past victories. It is about covenant loyalty to the living God. Israel was called to put away their idols and serve the LORD with sincerity. We, too, are faced with the same decision: whom will we serve?

Every generation must choose. Joshua’s voice echoes through the ages, finding its fulfillment in Christ, who offers not just a land but eternal life. The choice remains: follow the gods of this world—or follow the One who conquered sin and death.

May our confession be the same as Joshua’s: “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.