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These seven verses are an introduction to the larger story of Deborah, Barak, and Sisera, and to the larger themes in the book of Judges.  In particular, this text introduces the theme of how God responds to — and works through — humans. As an introduction, this lectionary selection leaves out quite a bit of … Continue reading “Judges 4:1-7 Commentary by Sara Koenig”

This Old Testament lesson has been excerpted from the second farewell speech of Joshua (see Joshua 23 for the first farewell speech). In vv. 2-13, Joshua rehearses Yahweh’s first-person history with the ancestors, the Exodus from Egypt, the wilderness wandering and the gift of the land. On the basis of this history of Yahweh’s benefactions, … Continue reading “Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 Commentary by Ralph W. Klein”

The closing address in the book of Joshua is a brilliant example of ancient Israelite rhetoric. Joshua’s farewell speech is designed to reinvigorate the people’s commitment to the LORD who had delivered them from slavery and given them victory in their battles for the Promised Land. Broad resonances with Moses’ farewell speech (Deuteronomy 29-30) underline … Continue reading “Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 Commentary by Carolyn J. Sharp”

This lectionary is very similar to that of Year B, Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, which covers Joshua 24:1-2a; 14-18.  However, this one adds eleven verses from that chapter in Joshua, which does make a difference in the overall message of the text. Moreover, it is a chapter — and a message — worth repeating: that … Continue reading “Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 Commentary by Sara Koenig”

Martin Luther King Jr. begins his autobiography by stating, “Of course I was religious. I grew up in the church. My father is a preacher, my grandfather was a preacher, my great-grandfather was a preacher, my only brother is a preacher, my daddy’s brother is a preacher. So I didn’t have much choice.”1  But of … Continue reading “Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 Commentary by Sara Koenig”

Bondage to a lie, or freedom’s integrity. The reading makes it seem like an easy choice. Joshua adjures the gathered tribes of Israel to fear and serve Yahweh and turn aside from other gods (24:14). To the people God has chosen, Joshua says, “Choose” (24:15). And the people choose: “We will serve Yahweh” (24:18). I … Continue reading “Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 Commentary by Anathea Portier-Young”

Today’s passage contains one of the most familiar lines from the Old Testament, Joshua’s charge to “choose this day whom you will serve,” combined with his own response, “but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Probably less well remembered are the context in which Joshua makes the charge … Continue reading “Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 Commentary by Scott Shauf”

Even though the Old Testament reading for this week is brief, it plays a critical role within the book of Joshua. The two central events at Gilgal, circumcision and Passover, become the final acts of the nation prior to possession of the land. Clearly the author desires for the reader to understand them as preparatory … Continue reading “Joshua 5:9-12 Commentary by W. Dennis Tucker, Jr.”

The first five chapters of Joshua describe the preparation for Israel’s attack on Jericho in Joshua 6-8. Chapter 1 reports Yahweh’s commissioning of Joshua, and Joshua 2 tells of Joshua’s sending spies to Jericho and their meeting with Rahab the prostitute. In chapter 3 Israel crosses the Jordan, and in chapter 4 they set up … Continue reading “Joshua 5:9-12 Commentary by Ralph W. Klein”

The people of Israel are fresh out of the liminal space of the wilderness. Forty years of wandering behind them. A generation has come and gone. They are now inside — albeit just inside — the promised land. Encamped at Gilgal. With the liberative threshold that was the Red Sea crossing, God brought their parents … Continue reading “Joshua 5:9-12 Commentary by Samuel Giere”