Choice 1: Joshua 7-24. “Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve”

1.    Read Joshua 10:12-14 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Joshua 10:12-14,

“Did the Sun Really Stand Still in the Heavens?” (pg. 240). Did the sun really stand still in the heavens? Write a paragraph how you could explain these verses to someone who says he or she won’t believe the Bible because of this obvious contradiction with science.

 The Book of Mormon makes it clear that the earth, not the sun was involved in Joshua’s miracle.  God will cause the earth to stop in its rotation to lengthen the day.  In D&C 29:14 and D&C 45:40-42 and D&C 133:49 it explains at the second coming there will be more celestial bodies moved.  Joshua’s miracle has no comparison to what will happen when Jesus Christ comes again.  Because the moon’s light is reflected off the sun, only the sun needs to be darkened and both will lose light. 

1.    Read the chapter summaries of Joshua 7-22. Make two lists—one that identifies Israel’s successes and another that identifies Israel’s failures.

 Successes: Israel takes Ai, and slays inhabitants.  Israel and Gibeonites obtain a league.  Israel defeats the Amorites and their allies.  Joshua and Israel conquer the whole land, destroying many cities and nations. Two kings on the east of the Jordan and thirty-one on the west are conquered by Israel.  The land is divided by lot among 9 ½ tribes- Caleb inherits Hebron as a special reward for his faithfulness.  Judah is given an inheritance in Canaan.  The children of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) receive their inheritances.  Manasseh and Ephraim both receive an additional inheritance.  The tabernacle of the congregation is set up at Shiloh.  Benjamin receives and inheritance by lot.  Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan receive their inheritances by lot. Six cities of refuge are appointed for those guilty of manslaughter.  The Levites receive forty-eight cities with their suburbs.  The Lord fulfills all his promises and gives Israel rest.  The 2 ½ tribes are dismissed with a blessing.    

Failures: Israel is defeated by the people of Ai.  There remained some lands yet to be possessed. 

1.    Read Joshua 23-24 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Joshua 24:1-28, “Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve” (pg. 242). What do you think was the major theme of Joshua’s final address to his people? Based on the lists you created from Joshua 7-22, write a paragraph that explains why Joshua chose to deliver his final address on this particular topic.

Joshua tells Israel to be courageous, keep the commandments, love the Lord, and not marry among nor cleave unto the remnants of the Canaanites who remain in the land. Israel was told that if they serve other gods, they will be curse and dispossessed.  Joshua recites how the Lord has blessed and led Israel.  Joshua and all the people covenant to choose the Lord and serve Him only.  Joshua was getting rid of the blood off himself and onto Israel.  Joshua reminded what God had done for them and challenged them to choose whom they would serve.   Joshua chose to deliver his final address this way because he was going to die and not be their leader anymore.  Joshua was trying to remind them that in the past they will be destroyed if they are wicked.