In the second speech of Joshua, he gives a summary of Israel’s history reminding them of God’s grace and power.1 Working through the time of the patriarchs (Joshua 24:2–4), the exodus (Joshua 24:5–7), the wilderness (Joshua 24:8–10), and the conquest (Joshua 24:11–13), his summary covers the best part of 500 years. In light of who God is and what he has done for them, the only proper response is to forsake all other gods and follow him. This response, however, must not be made lightly and without serious reflection, for the Lord is holy and jealous. When Israel commits themselves to serving the Lord, Joshua sets up a memorial stone to help God’s people remember their promises so that they will obey him.
1 Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel. And they presented themselves before God.