The next section of Old Testament Biblical books are the histories, starting with the book of Joshua. According to the New Oxford Annotated Study Bible, Joshua describes the Israelite’s conquest of the land of Canaan, including well know stories like the capture of the city of Jericho and continued religious instructions as the people have now entered the Holy Land. It continually reminds the people to uphold their side of the covenant, outlined in earlier books in order to stay within this blessed land by God.

Joshua 24:15-18

¹⁵Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” ¹⁶Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; ¹⁷for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; ¹⁸and the Lord drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.” 

Prayer

Gracious Lord, as I hear again the story of your people and their choosing to serve you and you alone, I pray that it is a confirmation of my faith as well. May I experience your presence in the blessings of my life. Amen.