Joshua’s Farewell Address and Death

Memory Verse

“Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left” (Joshua 23:6).

Text: Joshua 23:1-16; 24:1-33

The life and ministry of Joshua was gradually coming to an end. He had served the Lord faithfully, fervently and fruitfully from the time of his call and commission by God. At this time, he was about one hundred and ten years old (Joshua 24:29). As a leader, he found it necessary to call all the Israelites to encourage, strengthen and warn them on the need to wholly follow the Lord. From this farewell message to Israel, he pointed out three things that would enable them to continue in the blessings of God.

Question 1: What are the godly demands Joshua made to the children of Israel in our text?

“Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left” (Joshua 23:6). In his farewell message, Joshua gave out certain demands from the children of Israel. These are:

1. Complete obedience to the word of God (Joshua 23:6);
2. Continuous separation from the Canaanite nations (Joshua 23:7); and
3. Cleaving to the Lord with real and fervent love (Joshua 23:8-11).

The response of the people was very encouraging. They said “unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey” (Joshua 24:24). The Israelites came to present themselves before the Lord as requested by Joshua. He told them how God called Abraham their father and reminded them how He helped and delivered Israel in the past. They all attested to God’s faithfulness and goodness. Then, he challenged them to serve the Lord. However, he made it clear that serving God was a matter of choice and not compulsion. They all with one voice said, “we will serve the LORD”. Then Joshua led them into a covenant with God and he made a record of all the commandments of the Lord.

Farewell Message From a Faithful Leader

References: Joshua 23:1-16; 21:43-45; 22:4; Acts 20:17-38; Ephesians 1:3

“And it came to pass a long time after that the Lord had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age” (Joshua 23:1). The life and ministry of Joshua is great and challenging to us today. Since the time he was called and commissioned, he consistently followed the Lord.

Question 2: What can we learn from the life of Joshua?

“As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses” (Joshua 11:15).

• He was an obedient servant of the Lord (Joshua 7:13,16,17,22,26).
• He was a faithful minister of God (Joshua 8:34,35).
• He was a fervent and prayerful man of God (Joshua 10:12-14).
• He was powerful in faith (Hebrews 11:30).
• He was a holy man of God (Joshua 5:7).
• He was submissive to God and His word (Joshua 24:15).
• He was hardworking in everything he did (Joshua 8:32,34,35).
• Joshua was bold and courageous (Joshua 10:6-9).
• He was consecrated and committed to the service of the Lord (Joshua 8:26).
• He was full of the Spirit of wisdom (Deuteronomy 34:9).

Question 3: What is God’s demand in the aspect of faithfulness from us?

“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1,2).

God expects His people to be faithful to Him. Faithfulness includes:

• Devotion to God (Romans 14:8).
• Obedience to Him in life and ministry.
• Truthfulness in all things.
• Active service in preaching the gospel.

Joshua reminded the people of God’s promises and power, and encouraged them to steadfastness.

Question 4: What are the consequences of backsliding?

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book” (Exodus 32:33).

Backsliding leads to divine displeasure and spiritual loss. Joshua warned of the danger of mingling with idolaters and turning from God. The only antidote to backsliding is steadfastness in obedience and devotion (Revelation 2:25).

Firm Renewal of Israel’s Covenant with God

References: Joshua 24:1-28; Deuteronomy 32:1-14; 1 Samuel 17:30-37,45-51; Revelation 2:1-5; Acts 20:17-38

Joshua reminded Israel of God’s past dealings and called for sincere commitment to the Lord.

Question 5: Why should Christian youths recall past faithfulness of God in their lives?

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith…” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Recounting God’s faithfulness helps believers to stay grounded spiritually and renew their commitment. Joshua exhorted them to put away idols and choose the Lord (Joshua 24:14-15). He set a memorial stone to remind them of their covenant.

Foreseeable Death of Joshua

References: Joshua 24:29-31; Hebrews 9:27; Acts 20:17-27; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Psalm 90:10,12; 92:12-14; Exodus 13:19; Ecclesiastes 5:4,5; Psalm 15:1,2,4; Genesis 33:18-20

Question 6: What can we learn from the death of Joshua?

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Joshua died after fulfilling his divine assignment. His legacy of faithfulness impacted a whole generation. The bones of Joseph were also buried as a sign of fulfilled promises (Joshua 24:32).

Question 7: What lessons can we draw from the family of Eleazar?

“And Eleazar Aaron’s son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife…” (Exodus 6:25).

Eleazar raised a godly son, Phinehas, who opposed evil and became a priest. Christian leaders should focus on raising godly families alongside ministry work (Ephesians 6:1-3).