Joshua 23: Joshua Preaches Warning, God as Faithful Husband

Rev. Dennis McFadden, pastor of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Joshua 23. Perhaps as many as 25 years later, God gave Israel another brief rest from battle. In chapter 23, Joshua—110 years old—takes the opportunity to summon the leaders of the twelve tribes. He preaches gospel and law, preparing them for the covenant renewal ceremony of the final chapter. His warning is stark: if Israel turns away from God, they will “perish quickly from off the good land”—a swift and certain end “when” they should do so. Joshua compares idolatry to adultery. Yahweh is the only reason for their victory and ultimately their life. If they cut themselves off from Him, nothing good remains. The same is true for us. As the disciples said to Christ: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”