View source for Template:DOD protected/March 11

{{DOD-March}}

Joshua is commonly thought of as a great soldier, but our reading today depicts him as a good shepherd who has a loving concern for his sheep.

In chapter 23 Joshua calls all the leaders together, probably at Shiloh, for his farewell address to them. He wanted to instill in them a sincere devotion to the [[Lord]]. In his message he reviewed the past, reminding them of the wonders of the [[Lord]], from the crossing of [[Jordan]] to that present day. Note how he gives [[God]] all the glory for what has been accomplished. The [[Lord]] fought all the battles; Joshua only divided the land!

Lastly, Joshua reminds the leaders of their present responsibilities as the people of [[God]]. What [[God]] would do for the people depended on what His people did for Him. Joshua's main concern was that [[Israel]] be a separated people and not mingle with the heathen nations.

Following Joshua's message to the leaders, he calls all the people together at Shechem for a final appeal to them before his [[death]]. He is concerned that they might lapse into idolatry because of the influence of the heathen nations around them. They were already prone to worship idols, and Joshua knew that idolatry would cause them to forfeit their inheritance. He encourages them to devote their all to the [[Lord]], by reminding them of [[God]]'s past goodness, of his own faithfulness, of the danger of discipline if they are disobedient, and of the covenant [[God]] had made with [[Israel]] at Mt. Sinai.