#416 Weekday Year I Context (Thursday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time)
The LORD said to Joshua,
“Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel,
that they may know I am with you, as I was with Moses.
Now command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant
to come to a halt in the Jordan
when you reach the edge of the waters.”
So Joshua said to the children of Israel,
“Come here and listen to the words of the LORD, your God.
This is how you will know that there is a living God in your midst,
who at your approach will dispossess the Canaanites.
The ark of the covenant of the LORD of the whole earth
will precede you into the Jordan.
When the soles of the feet of the priests carrying the ark of the LORD,
the Lord of the whole earth,
touch the water of the Jordan, it will cease to flow;
for the water flowing down from upstream will halt in a solid bank.”
The people struck their tents to cross the Jordan,
with the priests carrying the ark of the covenant ahead of them.
No sooner had these priestly bearers of the ark
waded into the waters at the edge of the Jordan,
which overflows all its banks
during the entire season of the harvest,
than the waters flowing from upstream halted,
backing up in a solid mass for a very great distance indeed,
from Adam, a city in the direction of Zarethan;
while those flowing downstream toward the Salt Sea of the Arabah
disappeared entirely.
Thus the people crossed over opposite Jericho.
While all Israel crossed over on dry ground,
the priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD
remained motionless on dry ground in the bed of the Jordan
until the whole nation had completed the passage.
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Commentary on Jos 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17
The leadership of the tribes of Israel has been passed on to Joshua by Moses. This passage begins the next phase in the history of God’s interaction with the descendants of Abraham. Here we find Joshua instructed by God to demonstrate that he (the Lord God) would precede them as he had promised. The ark of the Covenant symbolizes this guiding presence. The miraculous damming of the Jordan River is the sign chosen to mark this transition; it reprises the crossing of the Red Sea. “Moses in his time ordered the people to sanctify themselves in the presence of God’s revelation on Sinai (cf. Exodus 10:14); now Joshua tells them to do the same; they are going to witness a great manifestation of God’s power – the division of the Jordan waters to let them pass (v. 5)." [5]
CCC: Jos 3:10 2112
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Joshua 5:9a, 10-12
#33C Solemnities C Context (4th Sunday of Lent C)
The LORD said to Joshua,
“Today I have removed the reproach of Egypt from you.”
While the Israelites were encamped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho,
they celebrated the Passover
on the evening of the fourteenth of the month.
On the day after the Passover,
they ate of the produce of the land
in the form of unleavened cakes and parched grain.
On that same day after the Passover,
on which they ate of the produce of the land, the manna ceased.
No longer was there manna for the Israelites,
who that year ate of the yield of the land of Canaan.
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Commentary on Jos 5:9a, 10-12
Joshua, the successor of Moses, is leading the
people of Israel into the Promised Land. In vv.2-9 Joshua is commanded by the Lord to make flint knives
and circumcise all the Israelites. This implies that during the 40 years of the
sojourn in the desert the people had fallen away from this ritual. This was
done and when it was accomplished, we see in v. 9 this occasioned the removal of
the reproach of Egypt from them. [6]
In this passage the people
have reached the land and are beginning to prosper from it. We are told that
the people celebrate the Passover, probably relating to the reference in the
first verse “Today I have removed the reproach [shame] of Egypt;” the promise
of the Lord is fulfilled; the land he promised is given. At that point the Lord
withdrew the manna he had been providing, as the people now had the land to
supply all their needs.
Joshua 8:30-35
#817 Ritual Mass (IX. For the Dedication or Blessing of a Church or an Altar, 2. Dedication of an Altar, Second Option)
Joshua built an altar to the LORD, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal,
of unhewn stones on which no iron tool had been used,
in keeping with the command to the children of Israel of Moses,
the servant of the LORD, as recorded in the book of the law.
On this altar they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD.
There, in the presence of the children of Israel,
Joshua inscribed upon the stones a copy of the law written by Moses.
And all Israel, stranger and native alike,
with their elders, officers, and judges,
stood on either side of the ark facing the levilical priests
who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD.
Half of them were facing Mount Gerizim and half Mount Ebal,
thus carrying out the instructions of Moses, the servant of the LORD,
for the blessing of the people of Israel on this first occasion.
Then were read aloud all the words of the law,
the blessings and the curses,
exactly as written in the book of the law.
Every single word that Moses had commanded, Joshua read aloud
to the entire community, including the women and children,
and the strangers who had accompanied Israel.
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Commentary on Jos 8:30-35
Led by Joshua, the Israelites have begun forcefully settling the land God has given them. Following their victory over Ai (Joshua 8:1-29), the Covenant of Moses is renewed. First, Joshua erected and altar as commanded by Moses (Deuteronomy 27:1-8; 11-13 and Deuteronomy 11:29-30). The event was similar to what Moses himself had done in the past following a victory by God (Exodus 17:14-16). In the theology of that time, this place would be a holy place where sacrifices would be offered and God would be especially present.
Once the altar was erected, the Covenant of Moses was renewed. The promise by God had been fulfilled and the Promised Land was delivered. Now the Israelites recalled aloud all the promises they had made in fulfilling their part of the Covenant.
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Joshua 24:1-13
#417 Weekday Year I Context (Friday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time)
Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem,
summoning their elders, their leaders,
their judges and their officers.
When they stood in ranks before God, Joshua addressed all the people:
“Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel:
In times past your fathers, down to Terah,
father of Abraham and Nahor,
dwelt beyond the River and served other gods.
But I brought your father Abraham from the region beyond the River
and led him through the entire land of Canaan.
I made his descendants numerous, and gave him Isaac.
To Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau.
To Esau I assigned the mountain region of Seir in which to settle,
while Jacob and his children went down to Egypt.
“Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and smote Egypt with the prodigies
which I wrought in her midst.
Afterward I led you out of Egypt, and when you reached the sea,
the Egyptians pursued your fathers to the Red Sea
with chariots and horsemen.
Because they cried out to the LORD,
he put darkness between your people and the Egyptians,
upon whom he brought the sea so that it engulfed them.
After you witnessed what I did to Egypt,
and dwelt a long time in the desert,
I brought you into the land of the Amorites
who lived east of the Jordan.
They fought against you, but I delivered them into your power.
You took possession of their land, and I destroyed them,
the two kings of the Amorites, before you.
Then Balak, son of Zippor, king of Moab,
prepared to war against Israel.
He summoned Balaam, son of Beor, to curse you;
but I would not listen to Balaam.
On the contrary, he had to bless you, and I saved you from him.
Once you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho,
the men of Jericho fought against you,
but I delivered them also into your power.
And I sent the hornets ahead of you that drove them
(the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites,
Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and Jebusites)
out of your way; it was not your sword or your bow.
“I gave you a land that you had not tilled
and cities that you had not built, to dwell in;
you have eaten of vineyards and olive groves
which you did not plant.”
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Commentary on Jos 24:1-13
This selection of Joshua, called variously "the assembly at Shechem"[2] or "covenant ceremony at Shechem,"[3] summarizes God’s plan for the children of Israel to this point. Joshua reminds them, speaking as an oral historian, of all that God has done. This final verse echoes God’s promise recorded in Deuteronomy 6:10, wherein the Lord gives them cities they did not build and crops they did not till. This summary leads into a renewal of the Hebrews' covenant with the Lord (vv.14-24).
"Joshua 24 is a fit ending for the activity of Joshua. Joshua here becomes more than a pious, obedient hero of faith, more than a conquering hero of war, more than a just arbiter in legal disputes. Here Joshua becomes the courageous religious leader ready to set the example himself with his house and to call his people to follow." [7]
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Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b
#122B Solemnities B Context (21st Sunday in Ordinary Time B)
#751 Ritual Mass Context (I. For the Conferral of Christian Initiation, 1. Christian Initiation Apart from the Easter Vigil, 5)
Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem,
summoning their elders, their leaders,
their judges, and their officers.
When they stood in ranks before God,
Joshua addressed all the people:
“If it does not please you to serve the LORD,
decide today whom you will serve,
the gods your fathers served beyond the River
or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are now dwelling.
As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
But the people answered,
“Far be it from us to forsake the LORD
for the service of other gods.
For it was the LORD, our God,
who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt,
out of a state of slavery.
He performed those great miracles before our very eyes
and protected us along our entire journey
and among the peoples through whom we passed.
Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.”
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Commentary on Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b
In this last chapter of the Book of Joshua we hear of the final act Joshua performs. Gathering the tribes together, this passage is the prelude to the covenant at Shechem. Joshua asks the people whom they will serve the Lord or “the gods your fathers served beyond the River” (“beyond the river” is most likely east of the Euphrates). The fact that their fathers in that land were polytheistic is hinted at in Genesis 28:20-21 and Genesis 35:2-4).
In response to Joshua’s challenge, the people recall the exodus from Egypt, and other signs performed on their behalf. They then make the pledge, as Joshua did, to follow the Lord. (“As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”) [1]
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Joshua 24:14-29
#418 Weekday Year I Context (Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time)
Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem,
and addressed them, saying:
"Fear the Lord and serve him completely and sincerely.
Cast out the gods your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt,
and serve the Lord.
If it does not please you to serve the Lord,
decide today whom you will serve,
the gods your fathers served beyond the River
or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling.
As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
But the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the Lord
for the service of other gods.
For it was the Lord, our God,
who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt,
out of a state of slavery.
He performed those great miracles before our very eyes
and protected us along our entire journey and among all the peoples
through whom we passed.
At our approach the Lord drove out all the peoples,
including the Amorites who dwelt in the land.
Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God."
Joshua in turn said to the people,
"You may not be able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy God;
he is a jealous God who will not forgive
your transgressions or your sins.
If, after the good he has done for you,
you forsake the Lord and serve strange gods,
he will do evil to you and destroy you."
But the people answered Joshua, "We will still serve the Lord."
Joshua therefore said to the people,
"You are your own witnesses that you have chosen to serve the Lord."
They replied, "We are, indeed!"
Joshua continued:
"Now, therefore, put away the strange gods that are among you
and turn your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel."
Then the people promised Joshua,
"We will serve the Lord, our God, and obey his voice."
So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day
and made statutes and ordinances for them at Shechem,
which he recorded in the book of the law of God.
Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak
that was in the sanctuary of the Lord.
And Joshua said to all the people, "This stone shall be our witness,
for it has heard all the words which the Lord spoke to us.
It shall be a witness against you, should you wish to deny your God."
Then Joshua dismissed the people, each to his own heritage.
After these events, Joshua, son of Nun, servant of the Lord,
died at the age of a hundred and ten.
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Commentary on Jos 24:14-29
In this last chapter of the Book of Joshua we hear of the final act Joshua performs. After asking the people to give up all other gods but Yahweh, he tells them it will not be easy. He reminds them that if they are not careful they could fall from grace. He then establishes a covenant between God and the people.
The covenant has a number of significant requirements. It requires first and foremost loyalty to God. "Put away the strange gods that are among you," Joshua tells them, reiterating Jacob's instructions in Genesis 35:2-4. In recounting the wonders God had performed, he also warns them that there would be consequences if they failed in their promise to serve the Lord faithfully (see Deuteronomy 4:26ff). [4]
The passage concludes with a covenant ritual, setting up a stone to mark the event after, which Joshua passes away. He receives the title "servant of the Lord." A title reserved previously to Moses. We hear echos of that title in St. Matthew's parable (Matthew 25:21) "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy."
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[1] The use of all capital letters for the words LORD and GOD in these scriptural references indicate instances where the actual word for God was used.
[2] Jerome Biblical Commentary, Prentice Hall, Inc., © 1968, 7:66, p.147.
[3] The Jewish Study Bible, © 2004 Oxford University Press, New York, NY, p.505.
[4] The Jewish Study Bible, © 2004 Oxford University Press, New York, NY, p.506.
Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b
#122B Solemnities B Context (21st Sunday in Ordinary Time B)
#751 Ritual Mass Context (I. For the Conferral of Christian Initiation, 1. Christian Initiation Apart from the Easter Vigil, 5)
Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem,
summoning their elders, their leaders,
their judges, and their officers.
When they stood in ranks before God,
Joshua addressed all the people:
“If it does not please you to serve the LORD,
decide today whom you will serve,
the gods your fathers served beyond the River
or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are now dwelling.
As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
But the people answered,
“Far be it from us to forsake the LORD
for the service of other gods.
For it was the LORD, our God,
who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt,
out of a state of slavery.
He performed those great miracles before our very eyes
and protected us along our entire journey
and among the peoples through whom we passed.
Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b
In this last chapter of the Book of Joshua we hear of the final act Joshua performs. Gathering the tribes together, this passage is the prelude to the covenant at Shechem. Joshua asks the people whom they will serve the Lord or “the gods your fathers served beyond the River” (“beyond the river” is most likely east of the Euphrates). The fact that their fathers in that land were polytheistic is hinted at in Genesis 28:20-21 and Genesis 35:2-4).
In response to Joshua’s challenge, the people recall the exodus from Egypt, and other signs performed on their behalf. They then make the pledge, as Joshua did, to follow the Lord. (“As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”) [1]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joshua 24:14-29
#418 Weekday Year I Context (Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time)
Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem,
and addressed them, saying:
"Fear the Lord and serve him completely and sincerely.
Cast out the gods your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt,
and serve the Lord.
If it does not please you to serve the Lord,
decide today whom you will serve,
the gods your fathers served beyond the River
or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling.
As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
But the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the Lord
for the service of other gods.
For it was the Lord, our God,
who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt,
out of a state of slavery.
He performed those great miracles before our very eyes
and protected us along our entire journey and among all the peoples
through whom we passed.
At our approach the Lord drove out all the peoples,
including the Amorites who dwelt in the land.
Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God."
Joshua in turn said to the people,
"You may not be able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy God;
he is a jealous God who will not forgive
your transgressions or your sins.
If, after the good he has done for you,
you forsake the Lord and serve strange gods,
he will do evil to you and destroy you."
But the people answered Joshua, "We will still serve the Lord."
Joshua therefore said to the people,
"You are your own witnesses that you have chosen to serve the Lord."
They replied, "We are, indeed!"
Joshua continued:
"Now, therefore, put away the strange gods that are among you
and turn your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel."
Then the people promised Joshua,
"We will serve the Lord, our God, and obey his voice."
So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day
and made statutes and ordinances for them at Shechem,
which he recorded in the book of the law of God.
Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak
that was in the sanctuary of the Lord.
And Joshua said to all the people, "This stone shall be our witness,
for it has heard all the words which the Lord spoke to us.
It shall be a witness against you, should you wish to deny your God."
Then Joshua dismissed the people, each to his own heritage.
After these events, Joshua, son of Nun, servant of the Lord,
died at the age of a hundred and ten.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jos 24:14-29
In this last chapter of the Book of Joshua we hear of the final act Joshua performs. After asking the people to give up all other gods but Yahweh, he tells them it will not be easy. He reminds them that if they are not careful they could fall from grace. He then establishes a covenant between God and the people.
The covenant has a number of significant requirements. It requires first and foremost loyalty to God. "Put away the strange gods that are among you," Joshua tells them, reiterating Jacob's instructions in Genesis 35:2-4. In recounting the wonders God had performed, he also warns them that there would be consequences if they failed in their promise to serve the Lord faithfully (see Deuteronomy 4:26ff). [4]
The passage concludes with a covenant ritual, setting up a stone to mark the event after, which Joshua passes away. He receives the title "servant of the Lord." A title reserved previously to Moses. We hear echos of that title in St. Matthew's parable (Matthew 25:21) "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy."
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[1] The use of all capital letters for the words LORD and GOD in these scriptural references indicate instances where the actual word for God was used.
[2] Jerome Biblical Commentary, Prentice Hall, Inc., © 1968, 7:66, p.147.
[3] The Jewish Study Bible, © 2004 Oxford University Press, New York, NY, p.505.
[4] The Jewish Study Bible, © 2004 Oxford University Press, New York, NY, p.506.
[5] The Navarre Bible: “Joshua-Kings,” Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2003, p.38.
[6] The Word Biblical Commentary, Joshua 1-12, Volume 7A, © 2014 by Trent C. Butler, pp. 334-37.
[7] Trent C. Butler, Joshua 13–24, ed. Nancy L. deClaissé-Walford, Second Edition., vol. 7b, Word Biblical Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 332.
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