Joshua 7-24. “Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve”

Read Joshua 10:12-14 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Joshua 10:12-14
I would explain these verses to someone who says that they won't believe in the Bible because of this contradiction with science by helping them to understand our belief in God. We believe in a God that is all knowing and has all power. We believe that He created the Earth and has the power to control the elements according to His needs. This is one example of where He chose to make the earth stop on its rotation and allowed the sun to lengthen out the day.

Joshua 7-22.
 Successes of Israel:

• Ch. 8 - Israel defeats Ai by ambush
• Ch 10 - Israel defeats the Amorites and allies 
• Ch 11 - conquer whole land, destroying many cities and nations
• Ch 12 - Two kings on east of Jordan, 31 on west are conquered 
• Ch 13 - 22 - 12 tribes receive their individual lands for inheritance, they are sent away and given rest. They are left to themselves for the most part now to govern themselves. 

Failures:

• Ch 7 - Israel defeated by the people f Ai
• Ch 7 - Achan and household destroyed because of disobeying the Lord
• Ch 9 - Fail to recognize the Gibeonites, don't turn to the Lord

Joshua 23-24. The main theme that Joshua chose for his final address to the people was about choosing who they will serve. He admonished them to keep the commandments, to love the Lord, to remain in the covenant, and to choose to serve the Lord. I think that he chose this for his final speech to the people to help them see what everything they have been doing since leaving Egypt was preparing them for this time. Now the people have to choose to continue to serve the Lord. Joshua shows them all the things the Lord has done for them and how many times the Lord has proven to them who He is. Now it is up to them to use and exercise their agency to come to Him and stay serving the Lord. Serving the Lord is what makes us free and happy in this life, and Joshua is hoping that the people will recognize that more fully and have the courage and strength to continue to serve the Lord. 

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