Friday 13 September 2024

Psalm 67

Background
Today’s four verses from the book of Joshua begin with Joshua establishing a covenant – ie an agreement between Israel and Yahweh (God). Notice how God is not named as having any obligation. What is Joshua doing? Relying on the history Israel has with Yahweh to frame God’s part in this covenant, simply formalising the people's already given commitment (verses 21 and 24 of this chapter)?

The text says Joshua reaffirms laws. We're not party to their content, there are many who would point you back to the earlier leader of the Israelites, Moses, and the law as given on Mount Sinai between God and Moses. Joshua doesn’t seem concerned with detailing the ‘law’ as much as underlining what’s key is complete belonging, loyalty and service to God.

I am aware that this later chapter of Joshua (chapter 24) holds no mention of Moses, whose name and actions litter the early chapters of Joshua. It seems reasonable to look in verse 26 and think ‘book of law’ = torah’ = Moses on Mount Sinai, and see Joshua as a maturing leader who no longer needs to lean on the reputation and ministry of those who have gone before, in this case Moses.

Verse 27 takes a moment of reading: "this stone shall be a witness against us." Scholars and archaeologists still have work to do to interpret the verse, but whether you take the view the stone represents an ancient tradition of commemorating God's acts for Israel or is part of the Canaanite tradition in whose land the Israelites now live, Joshua is using the imagery of the time in his actions. Joshua puts the stone under an oak tree. The understood place of a sacred tree would also be ‘of its time’. There's no detail of the ceremony, rather we are encouraged to remember the significance of the agreement between the people and God.

Verse 28 tells us that the agreement between the people and God is complete, the identity of Israel decided upon and safe, and the people can return to the land God has given them.

To Ponder:

• Is the use of the stone a memorial reminding Israel of all that Yahweh (God) has done? Or does it mark the resting place of all buried gods now that Israel is committed to Yahweh? What does your view say about what's on your mind at the moment?
• In relation to verse 28, do you think the people return to their inheritance walking in peace, or still needing to fight their way forward except now with God on their side?

Prayer
Faithful God, your offer of love and promise of faithfulness may not have needed spelling out in days past, but I ask that you teach and guide me so that I can learn what is meant for me today, now. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Mark Cheetham
Mark is Superintendent Minister of the Salisbury Circuit and Minister at Salisbury Methodist Church.