Day 88: Joshua's Last Words to Israel


Joshua 22:1-8 The tribes of Transjordan were encouraged to remain faithful to the Lord and to his Commandments just as they had been faithful in their promises to engage in battle alongside the other tribes of Israel.


Ch 22:9-34 A misunderstanding broke out after the Transjordan tribes erected an altar along the Jordan on the border with the rest of Israel. They were accused by other tribes of adding another place of sacrifice in violation of the Law, which called for one place of sacrifice. This problem was resolved when the three tribes clearly explained that the altar was not designated for sacrificial offerings but was simply a symbol of their unity with the rest of Israel across the Jordan to ensure that future generations dwelling in the Transjordan would never forget their inclusion among the Chosen People. (CCC 212)


Ch 24:29-31 At Joshua’s death, he was reckoned as “the servant of the Lord,” a title of honor previously applied only to Moses. Today, in the canonization process of the Catholic Church, the title “Servant of God” is given to one whose cause is being considered, and “Venerable Servant of God,” for those determined to have demonstrated heroic virtue. 


Psalm 132 This psalm celebrates the transfer of the Ark of the Covenant-the ornate structure that held the tablets of the Commandments and other artifacts, representing the presence of God-to the city of Jerusalem. With this powerful reminder and sign of God’s presence among his people, they were confident to be blessed richly with ample harvests, salvation from their foes, and a life of joy. Furthermore, from David through his descendants, the Anointed One (Messiah, or Christ) would be born. The ark of your might: This verse has long been seen in Church tradition as a figure of Mary (TYPOLOGY!!), who conceived and bore the protagonist of the New Covenant, Jesus Christ, our Savior. (Cf. Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, September 21, 2005) 

(*The Didache Bible RSV-CE Ignatius Edition, 2006)


Joshua’s Last Advice 


Back to Shechem 

(*Walking With God: A Journey Through The Bible by Tim Gray and Jeff Cavins)



Prayer by Fr. Mike: “Father in Heaven we give you praise and glory. We thank you so much for bringing us through the Book of Joshua, and bringing us through this story, this history of the way in which you have fought for your people, and the way in which you are calling us to faithfulness, the way you are reminding us of the dignity of being your sons and daughters, the dignity of being chosen by you, but also the responsibility of being chosen by you, to be faithful, to trust in you. Father, we ask you to please help us. Help us to trust in you. Help us to be faithful to you, because you are faithful. Your love is unstoppable. And we ask you to please help us to live and walk in that love every day. Especially this day. We make this prayer in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”