The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Joshua Gives a Farewell Speech

And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God and obey him.”

Joshua 24:24

At the end of his life, Joshua stands before the Israelites to deliver a farewell address. Things have gone well under his leadership. Now Joshua uses his final speech to review all that God has done and to remind the people of their obligations under the covenant.

Joshua’s speech is similar to the much longer speeches given by Moses in Deuteronomy. Both speakers pattern their speeches after a treaty between a ruler and his people.

At every point, Joshua emphasizes that God is the sole source of their success: “[The Lord] gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build” (Joshua 24:13). God first called out Abraham and blessed him with descendants, then delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, and finally carried them all across the desert. Now, in Joshua’s own lifetime, God has fulfilled one more promise of the covenant by giving them the promised land.

Burying Joseph’s Bones
“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,” Joshua challenges his listeners in the stirring climax of his speech (verse 15). All the people present swear their allegiance to God, the God who has kept his covenant with them. Joshua solemnly ratifies the covenant and sends the people away, then quietly prepares to die.

The book of Joshua ends with an act of deep symbolism: The Israelites finally bury the remains of Joseph (24:32). For well over four centuries those remains had been preserved in Egypt, waiting for the day when the Israelites would return to their promised land (see Genesis 50:25). For 40 years the tribes had carried Joseph’s bones during their desert wanderings. Now, at last, Abraham’s descendants have come home, and even the dead can rest in peace.

Life Questions

What promises has God fulfilled in your life? Are there others you’re still waiting for?

Taken from the NIV Student Bible.