A covenant renewed - O se feagaiga ua faafouina

Scripture Focus: Iosua 24:16-33

The people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake Yahweh, to serve other gods; for it is Yahweh our God who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and who did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way in which we went, and among all the peoples through the midst of whom we passed. Yahweh drove out from before us all the peoples, even the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve Yahweh; for he is our God.” Joshua said to the people, “You can’t serve Yahweh; for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God. He will not forgive your disobedience nor your sins. If you forsake Yahweh, and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you evil, and consume you, after he has done you good.” The people said to Joshua, “No; but we will serve Yahweh.” Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen Yahweh yourselves, to serve him.” They said, “We are witnesses.” “Now therefore put away the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to Yahweh, the God of Israel.” The people said to Joshua, “We will serve Yahweh our God, and we will listen to his voice.” So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and made for them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem. Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a great stone, and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of Yahweh. Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us; for it has heard all Yahweh’s words which he spoke to us. It shall be therefore a witness against you, lest you deny your God.” So Joshua sent the people away, every man to his inheritance. After these things, Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Yahweh, died, being one hundred and ten years old. They buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathserah, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, on the north of the mountain of Gaash. Israel served Yahweh all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, and had known all the work of Yahweh, that he had worked for Israel. They buried the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, in Shechem, in the parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of money. They became the inheritance of the children of Joseph. Eleazar the son of Aaron died. They buried him in the hill of Phinehas his son, which was given him in the hill country of Ephraim.
- Joshua 24:16-33 (WEB)

Study:

This passage reveals the defining moment when the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, reaffirmed their commitment to Yahweh. The people openly reject the worship of foreign gods, acknowledging God's mighty acts on their behalf—from delivering them out of Egypt to conquering the nations before them. Joshua poignantly reminds them of God's holiness and jealousy, warning of the consequences of forsaking Him. The covenant renewal at Shechem, symbolized by the great stone, serves as a tangible reminder and witness to this solemn vow. This moment marks not only a spiritual recommitment but also a turning point that sets the tone for Israel’s future in the land.

Application:

Today, just as the Israelites made a conscious choice to serve Yahweh wholeheartedly, we too must regularly examine our own allegiances. The call to put away 'foreign gods' challenges us to remove distractions and idols that compete for our devotion—whether they be materialism, selfish desires, or unhealthy attachments. Renewing our covenant with God invites us to realign our hearts with His will and to serve Him faithfully in all aspects of life. Like the stone at Shechem, we need tangible reminders to stay true to our commitment to God, keeping our faith active and alive.

Reflection Questions:

• What are some 'foreign gods' or distractions in my life that keep me from fully serving God?
• How can I make a personal renewal of my commitment to God this week?
• In what practical ways can I listen more attentively to God's voice day by day?
• How does remembering God's faithfulness in the past encourage me in my current walk of faith?
• What physical or spiritual 'stones' or reminders can I set up to help me remember my promise to God?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your steadfast love and faithfulness. Help me to fully commit my heart to You, removing all things that compete for my devotion. Strengthen me to serve You with a willing spirit and to listen closely to Your voice. May my life be a living witness of Your power and grace, as I walk in obedience and faithfulness each day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Tags: Joshua, Covenant Renewal, Faithfulness, Serving God, Bible Study, Christian Commitment, Old Testament, Worship, Spiritual Reflection