Joshua
8:34-35 [Joshua] read all the words of the law, the
blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the Book of the
Law. There was not a word of all that Moses commanded that Joshua did not read
before all the assembly of Israel, and the women, and the little ones, and the
sojourners who lived among them.
Israel had suddenly faced the faith-shattering fact that
victory was not automatic for the people of God. We have seen the contrasting
experiences of two groups; a disobedient people of God and an obedient people
of God.
Here we learn how the
congregation which had transgressed the divine covenant restores their
relationship to our covenant God. The answer is a theological one. The people
of God go to the place where God has chosen and renews its commitment to the
Law of Moses. This involves the entire community, the leaders and the people.
Renewal for Joshua and the people meant more than
building an altar and offering sacrifices. Joshua correctly shows the importance
of preserving and obeying the Law given by God to Moses.
The total obedience of
Joshua concludes this section. The law is written down for all to see. It is
read for them to hear. They are taught the Law so they might apply it to their
daily lives. They are reminded of the Law and brought to pledge themselves to
observance of the entire law.
Why? Because to be people of
God meant to be an obedient people, following the divinely given life style it
depicts. This brings blessing to the individual and to the community.
