November 22, 2024

Joshua 8:30-35 (HCSB)
Renewed Commitment to the Law
30 At that time Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal to the Lord, the God of Israel, 31 just as Moses the Lord’s servant had commanded the Israelites. He built it according to what is written in the book of the law of Moses: an altar of uncut stones on which no iron tool has been used. Then they offered burnt offerings to the Lord and sacrificed fellowship offerings on it. 32 There on the stones, Joshua copied the law of Moses, which he had written in the presence of the Israelites. 33 All Israel, foreigner and citizen alike, with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on either side of the ark of the Lord’s covenant facing the Levitical priests who carried it. As Moses the Lord’s servant had commanded earlier, half of them were in front of Mount Gerizim and half in front of Mount Ebal, to bless the people of Israel. 34 Afterward, Joshua read aloud all the words of the law—the blessings as well as the curses—according to all that is written in the book of the law. 35 There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read before the entire assembly of Israel, including the women, the little children, and the foreigners who were with them.

Jessica Collier
Ok, I’ll be honest, the part of this passage that stuck out was “including the women and children.” Can you imagine trying to keep a child quiet and still while someone read Leviticus from a mountain top? You know it was a hot mess. Babies crying, Momma’s talking through their gritted teeth at wiggly giggly kids and only half paying attention to what was said. I wonder what “straighten up or I’m taking you to the bathroom,” translates to in Hebrew? Despite Momma's best efforts I’m sure the people around them got annoyed. I’m sure she wondered if she and the kids should even be there. How could she be obedient to the book of Law if she couldn't even hear it? But maybe the obedience God wanted from her was just to show up and bring her babies. I guess obedience looks different for everyone. We can’t all be action movie heroes. Whether it’s laying siege on a city or me tackling my 3rd graders math homework, all life's battles should begin and end with Him.