In the 24th chapter of the Book of Joshua, we hear Joshua’s final solemn public address to his people, Israel, and their leaders in particular. He begins by briefly giving a divinely inspired review of their history. We find here facts not mentioned in Genesis: for example, that Abraham’s father Terah and other ancestors were idol worshipers. Abraham’s calling and how his descendants came to live in Egypt are summarized, and Israel’s deliverance from bondage. “You dwelt in the wilderness a long time” sums up the 40 years in the wilderness. We see here that this conquest of Canaan was not the result of the swords and bows of the Israelites. God had fought for Israel!

This solemn review is followed by a challenge and exhortation: “Fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth.” But if they were to do this they must put away the false gods that some of them evidently still clung to. God is not satisfied to be one God among others—He will not share His glory with anything or anyone else! This is just as true today as in Joshua’s day.

Whatever Israel might choose to do, Joshua’s position was clear: he and his house would serve the Lord. Joshua would soon pass on, but he had brought up his family to know and serve the Lord. May this be so for each of us and each one in our families too!