So Joshua let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance.
So Joshua let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance, ending his final gathering and address by sending them away, each to his own inheritance in the homes and tribal lands where they had already settled. That dismissal came after he had reviewed God's dealings with Israel and warned against idolatry and turning from God. It followed the people's answer that they would serve the Lord, their witness against themselves that they had chosen the Lord, and the charge to put away strange gods and incline the heart to the Lord God of Israel.
The verse closes Joshua's faithful life of steadfast integrity. It marks the passing one by one of the old faithful guards who had crossed the Jordan and never betrayed trust and loyalty. With that experience forgotten and Joshua's loyal testimony no longer shining as light, a new generation unfamiliar with heavenly provision arose alongside those who had sinned and sorrowed at Bochim. This opened the way for the nation, by departing from God, to corrupt itself and mix its worship with false principles, arrogant pride, and love of display.
From Joshua's review and warning the verse teaches people to remember God's providential care. It teaches them to humble themselves over past failures. It teaches them to shun even the appearance of evil, because turning away from God brings ruin.
So Joshua let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance, ending his final gathering and address by sending them away, each to his own inheritance in the homes and tribal lands where they had already settled. That dismissal came after he had reviewed God's dealings with Israel and warned against idolatry and turning from God. It followed the people's answer that they would serve the Lord, their witness against themselves that they had chosen the Lord, and the charge to put away strange gods and incline the heart to the Lord God of Israel.
The verse closes Joshua's faithful life of steadfast integrity. It marks the passing one by one of the old faithful guards who had crossed the Jordan and never betrayed trust and loyalty. With that experience forgotten and Joshua's loyal testimony no longer shining as light, a new generation unfamiliar with heavenly provision arose alongside those who had sinned and sorrowed at Bochim. This opened the way for the nation, by departing from God, to corrupt itself and mix its worship with false principles, arrogant pride, and love of display.
From Joshua's review and warning the verse teaches people to remember God's providential care. It teaches them to humble themselves over past failures. It teaches them to shun even the appearance of evil, because turning away from God brings ruin.