Joshua 24: Group Study Handout

Overview

Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and called for the elders, heads, judges, and officers (vv. 1-2). He recounted God’s faithfulness, describing how Yahweh chose Abraham and led the Israelites from Egypt, through the wilderness, and into Canaan (vv.

Key verse

“If it seems evil to you to serve Yahweh, choose today whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.”

Joshua 24:15 (WEB)

Outline

1. Joshua 24:1–2 Joshua Assembles Israel at Shechem
2. Joshua 24:3–7 Recounting God’s Faithfulness
3. Joshua 24:8–13 Victory Over Enemies and the Promised Land
4. Joshua 24:14–15 Call to Choose Whom to Serve
5. Joshua 24:16–20 People’s Commitment to Serve Yahweh
6. Joshua 24:21–24 Witnesses to Their Choice
7. Joshua 24:25–33 Covenant Established and Final Actions

Discussion questions

1. In v1, who does Joshua gather at Shechem?
2. What does Joshua remind the people of in v13?
3. Joshua's statement about God being a 'jealous God' in v19: what does this imply about Israel's relationship with God?
4. In v20, what does Joshua mean when he says God will 'consume' them if they forsake Him?
5. When have you felt compelled to choose your faith amidst competing influences, like in v14?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Joshua 24: 1 Kings 18, Exodus 23, 1 Samuel 7.

Before next time: read Judges 1.