In Joshua 22:1-9, the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half a tribe of Manasseh were summoned by Joshua and commended for keeping their words. While on their journey into the promised land, they saw a good pasture land in the east of Jordan. Since they had lots of sheep, they wanted to settle in the land. Moses told them they could have it only if they would first help their brethren in the other tribes to conquer Canaan. Then they could return to possess the land they had requested. They had kept their words and helped the other tribes to subdue the land of Canaan. So, Joshua allowed them to return to possess their inheritance. Here, we learn the need to keep our words. We must let our words be our bond. Ability to keep what we have promised is an indication of our integrity. We are only as good as our words. The Lord Jesus tells us that we should make sure our yes is yes, and our no is no. Anything else would be needless and excessive. So, let’s be people of our words.
Joshua was a God-fearing man. As a leader, he cared for his followers. He did not only care when they were in his presence, but he also made it his business to ensure that they would not fall into errors in his absence. At this point in time, he was advanced in years and aware that he did not have much time. Before he broke camp, he wanted to ensure that the people of Israel would stay the course with God. He wanted to remind them to be faithful to the Lord who had brought them into the promised land. His purpose was to help them remember the glory of the Lord, whom they served. This would ensure that they keep the work of God vibrant. So here he warned them of three things they ought to look out for.
Firstly, he admonished them not to be complacent. He was afraid that the people would take the law of God for granted. So, in the first part of verse 5, he exhorted them to “be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you….” Like the children of Israel, self-centeredness and self-absorption can also be the two common maladies of today. It is true that many, even believers of today, do have a short concentration span. They are quickly attracted by the fads of this world. If we are to finish our journey with distinction, we need to stay focused and remain true to the Word of the Lord. We should never neglect but to study and search God’s inspired Word, that can make us wise to the way of salvation. Through them, we will learn to walk in God’s righteous ways.
Secondly, he exhorted them not to compromise. So, he told them to love the Lord their God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments. Just like the Israelites, the world with its many voices is also vying for our attention. If our eyes are not fixed on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith, we may run into the tendency of running aimlessly in different directions. We must make it our objective to stay the course and not allow anything to distract us from our mission.
Thirdly, he challenged them into a deeper commitment. Joshua was afraid that they would relax in their fervency and not fully embrace the Lord as they should. Remember what Jesus said, he who sets his hand on the plough and looks back is not worthy of the kingdom. Let’s stay committed and do what the last part of verse 5 exhorts us to do, to “…hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
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