January 18, 2024

In this last chapter of Joshua, we have him encouraging them to continue their devotion to God. In this book, we get the scripture, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." These words are written in the hearts of most believers. I have a painting with them, and I know others who have it tattooed on their bodies. He encouraged them by making it a matter of their choice, but if they chose wrong, they would have to face the consequences of their actions. All those standing before him committed to follow God. 

Not long after he gathered the people, he passed away. They called the mountain where he was buried the quaking hill, "the Jews say it was so called because it trembled at the burial of Joshua." Matthew Henry. The Bible doesn't mention the quaking, but it makes perfect sense, being the people didn't mourn his loss; the hill mourned for them. Also mentioned in this chapter was the burial of Joseph's bones and the death of Eleazar, Aaron's son. 

Those reading this have chosen to follow God and are saved through faith in Jesus. You have chosen well, my friends. Continue your quest to know and honor Him in all you do. 

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods; Joshua 24:15-16