Joshua 24:4
And I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it; but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt. And I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it; but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt.
Joshua 24:4 belongs to Joshua's final appeal to Israel before his death, made when he was weakened by age and about to lay down his work after the wars of conquest had ended and the Lord had given Israel rest from its enemies, at which time he summoned the tribes with their representative men to Shechem. Shechem was chosen because its sacred associations carried minds back to God's covenant with Abraham and Jacob and to Israel's own solemn vows at entrance into Canaan. The people assembled there before their dying leader to renew those vows, with Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim standing as silent witnesses. In calling the tribes together to recount their history since they were called out as God's people, Joshua followed the pattern of Moses, who before his death had gathered the children of Israel to rehearse their past experience, trials, failures, and the warnings given them.
The verse recounts that God gave Esau Mount Seir to possess, while Jacob and his children went down into Egypt. This forms part of recounting what God had wrought for Israel, including giving them a land for which they did not labor and cities, vineyards, and oliveyards which they did not build or plant. This review of God's dealings, providence, care, blessings, and mercies was meant to remind the people of His love and mercy. It was meant to awaken gratitude for His care and humility over Israel's failures to follow His revealed will. By thus reviewing God's past blessings and mercies Joshua strengthened Israel's faith, since remembering how God led and sustained His people helps them recognize His present work and trust His guidance.
The passage warns Israel to avoid idolatry and any close ties with idolaters, including intermarriage, because such associations can corrupt them and lead to ruin. It shows God is faithful both to fulfill His promises and to carry out His warnings, and Israel's history applies as a personal warning to turn from sin. The verse teaches that what God has given is to be repeated and repeated. So today the instruction God has given His people, including the understanding of truth given after the passing of the time, must likewise be rehearsed before the people because Satan is working to make of no effect what comes from God and to unsettle confidence.