<p>Sabbath Afternoon</p><p><em>Read for This Week’s Study:</em> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=%20Joshua%2024%3B%20%20Gen.%2012%3A7%3B%20%20Deut.%2017%3A19%3B%20%20Deut.%205%3A6%3B%20%201%20Kings%2011%3A2%2C%204%2C%209%3B%20%202%20Tim.%204%3A7-8&version=NKJV" target="_self">Joshua 24; Gen. 12:7; Deut. 17:19; Deut. 5:6; 1 Kings 11:2, 4, 9; 2 Tim. 4:7-8</a></p><p><em>Memory Text: </em>“ ‘And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . . But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD’ ” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2024:15&version=KJV&src=tools" target="_self">Joshua 24:15</a>, NKJV).</p><p>The final chapter of Joshua is set in the context of a covenant renewal ceremony, but this time conducted by the aged leader of Israel. Although not a covenant itself but rather a report of a covenant renewal ceremony, the chapter has the elements of ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties: (1) a preamble in which the suzerain, the initiator of the treaty, is identified; (2) the historical prologue, which describes the relationship between the overlord and the vassal; (3) the covenant stipulations asking the vassal to manifest total allegiance to the suzerain based on, and motivated by, gratitude; (4) blessings for obedience and curses for breaking the covenant; (5) witnesses to the pledge of the vassal; (6) deposition of the document for future reading; and (7) ratification of the covenant.</p><p>Joshua is close to the end of his life; no replacement is on the horizon. The covenant renewal is a reminder to Israel that their king is Yahweh Himself and that, if they remain loyal to Him, they will enjoy His protection. Israel does not need a human king. As a theocratic nation, they have to ever keep in mind that their only king is the Lord.</p><p>* Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, December 27.</p><p></p>