Joshua 22-24

1. Eastern Tribes Return Home
In this passage, Joshua blesses the tribes who will dwell on the eastern side of the Jordan River - the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.  Now as these tribes return to their homes, they build an altar that spurs the rest of Israel to prepare for war against them.  Phinehas (the son of Eleazar) and ten tribal leaders - one for each of the "western tribes" - meet the "eastern tribes" in order to forestall a civil war; it turns out that a great misunderstanding has occurred, and so no blood is spilled.

This is a rather bizarre story; it does illustrate the importance of communication.  Perhaps the eastern tribes should have informed the western tribes of their plans before they built their altar (to serve as a memorial for future generations).  This story also illustrates the zeal for the Lord that prevailed in Israel at that time; any perceived affront to His glory and honor would be immediately addressed in the appropriate fashion - with war being an option.

2. Joshua's Farewell to the Leaders
In this passage, Joshua reminds the leaders of Israel of the Lord's providence in bringing them to their present inheritance.  He exhorts them to hold fast to the Lord and to His Law.  He also assures them that if they turn away from the Lord and intermarry/associate with other nations, the Lord will punish them - via these other nations.

I wonder if the people of Israel were feeling rather complacent after the allocation of the Promised Land; if so, this speech by Joshua was designed to wake them from their stupor and help them focus on God and His covenant with them.

3. The Covenant Renewed at Shechem
In this passage, Joshua reminds the Israelites of all that the Lord had done for them, starting from the time of Abraham.  Given the Lord's providence in bringing Israel to the Promised Land, Joshua challenges them regarding their ultimate loyalties.  The people respond by declaring their allegiance to God, and they refuse to change their minds after Joshua hints at their inability to fulfill their vows to Him.  Thus, Joshua renews the covenant between Israel and the Lord; he commemorates the occasion by placing a stone under an oak tree.

This story implies that the Israelites were experiencing a "spiritual high" after the allocation of the Promised Land.  Perhaps they should have listened carefully to Joshua's hint in verses 19-20 that they would be unable to fulfill their vows to the Lord.  Yet they were probably so ensnared by their spiritual high that they repeatedly declared their devotion to God.

4. Buried in the Promised Land
In this passage, it is noted that Joshua passes away at the age of 110.  Israel continues to serve the Lord faithfully during Joshua's lifetime and that of the elders who outlive him.  Joseph's bones, which had been transported by Israel during their years of wandering in the desert - are buried at Shechem.  Eleazar, the high priest, also passes away.

This is a very natural way to conclude the book of Joshua.  The leaders - both military and spiritual - of Israel have now passed on, and the onus is on Israel to remain faithful to the Lord in their absence.  Of course, the book of Judges will reveal how they did...