Serving God—A Household Affair (Josh 24:14-15) Dr. Paul Manuel—2013

What does it mean to serve someone? A common setting for service is in a marriage relationship, as one spouse serves the needs of the other. It is an opportunity to demonstrate one party’s love and devotion. A woman accompanied her husband to the doctor’s office for his checkup. Afterwards, the doctor took the man’s wife aside and said, “Unless you do the following things, your husband will surely die.” The doctor went on to say, “Every morning make sure you serve him a good, healthy breakfast. Pack a lunch for him each day that is a well balanced meal. When he arrives home at night, feed him a good, hot supper. Don’t overburden him with any stressful conversation, and don’t ask him to perform any chores. Keep the house spotless and clean, so he doesn’t get exposed to any threatening germs.” On the way home, the husband asked his wife what the doctor had said. She replied, “He said…you're going to die.”

A common setting for service is in a marriage relationship, as one spouse serves the needs of the other. Another common setting is in a person’s relationship with the Lord, such as Joshua describes in the book that bears his name, where Serving God [is] A Household Affair. The book of Joshua deals with events after the death of Moses, as God’s people are about to enter the Promised Land. The book falls neatly into two parts. Chapters 1-12 describe Israel’s conquest of Canaan, and chapters 13-24 describe Israel’s settlement of Canaan, as the people divide the land among the twelve tribes. From the Plains of Moab east of Canaan, Israelite forces under Joshua’s command cross the Jordan River, attacking the fortified cities of Jericho then Ai. The first battle is a complete success, as the walls of Jericho fall. Only Rahab and her family survive, because she had sheltered the Israelite reconnaissance patrol. The second encounter requires two attempts, because Achan’s sin at Jericho, stealing what properly belongs to the Lord, causes God to withdraw His support for the initial attack against Ai. After the judgment of Achan, Joshua does well against the Canaanites. Following a number of further battles, the Israelites control much of central hill country and change to focus of their efforts from conquest to settlement. Please turn to chapter 24, where Joshua summons the elders of the people to renew their covenant with the LORD (so also Woudstra 1981:340). Joshua reviews briefly the nation’s past, recalling how God took Abraham from a family that “worshiped other gods” (v. 2), so that he and his descendants could know the true God. Joshua recounts God’s redemption of Israel from Egypt and His provision for the nation in the wilderness. Then, in v. 14, we read… I.

Joshua’s Exhortation (v. 14)

Serving God—A Household Affair (Josh 24:14-15)

Josh 24:14 "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.

Joshua exhorts the people to make a break with their idolatrous past, and… A. He calls on the Israelites to serve the LORD. We rarely consider the religious orientation of Abraham’s parentage, yet v. 2 of this chapter suggests that his father did not worship the true God.1 Abraham may, in fact, have been the first in his family to break with idolatry. That break did not, however, preclude later flirtations with idolatry by his descendants: • Rachel’s family had idols, which she stole when she left her father’s house;2 • Aaron made a golden calf for the people at Mt. Sinai;3 • Many Israelites worshiped Moabite gods in the wilderness;4 and • The numerous prohibitions God issues against such pagan practices suggest that idolatry was a chronic problem in Israel.5 Here, Joshua calls the elders to leave behind their past dealings with those that are not God and to serve the LORD exclusively. Joshua’s influence is limited, though, and… B. He recognizes that he cannot compel them. Whatever exhortation he might issue, the people will go their own way. He also knows that the Israelites are not all of the same mind, that, as with any large group, the extent of each individual’s commitment is different. In other words, they are not all convinced devotion and loyalty to God need to be exclusive. After all, the Canaanite gods are not that demanding, so why should the LORD be? Joshua recognizes the limited influence he has over the Israelites.6 No matter how much he cajoles, it is their decision. So it is with you. As you have contact with people, even those who claim to be Christians but who are not living as they should, you must recognize the limit of your influence. Depending on how well you know them, how much they trust and value what you have to say, the affect of your words will vary.7 In any case, you can call people to serve the LORD, but you cannot compel them. It is their decision.

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Serving God—A Household Affair (Josh 24:14-15) Simply calling people to service, however, may not be enough. They may dismiss it as too big an issue to face, because there are so many other things going on in their lives. It is easier to put off this decision until those other matters settle down or sort themselves out. The people of Israel have been very busy with the conquest and settlement, and the job is by no means complete. There are still Canaanite enclaves resistant to Israel’s presence in the land. The daily provision of manna ceased when they entered Canaan, so the people have to secure and develop new food sources. The families remained on the other side of the Jordan River when Israelite forces crossed into Canaan. Now that Israel has established a strong foothold in the land, the women and children are coming, intent upon having a settled existence at last, after more than forty years on the move and in temporary quarters. With all this to manage, much of it demanding immediate attention, the religious issue Joshua raises may not have been uppermost in their minds and was probably not very clearly focused. So… II.

Joshua’s Explanation (v. 15a-b)

…brings the matter into sharp relief, relating precisely what they have to consider. Look at… Josh 24:15a-b But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living.

Joshua realizes that he can give the people direction in the decision-making process, and… A. He clarifies for the Israelites their options. • Option #1: They can serve the gods of their ancestors. • Option #2: They can serve the gods of their enemies. • Option #3: They can serve the God of their redemption. Actually, there are only two options: serving the true God or serving some other god. Joshua underscores the importance of this issue by impressing upon them its urgency: “choose…this day.”. Despite everything else that is happening, all of which demand their attention, they dare not put off this decision, but…. B. He recognizes that he cannot choose for them.

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Serving God—A Household Affair (Josh 24:14-15) Once again, Joshua knows his limitations. He can help them sort through the issues and reduce the number of options; he can even stress the immediacy of this matter; but he cannot choose for them. It is their decision. So it may be with you. Is there someone you know and trust, someone whose experience with God and faith in God you respect, someone like Joshua who can offer you the benefit of his perspective? …Cultivate that relationship. On the other hand, do you function in that capacity for someone else, providing perspective on a problem? Like Joshua, though, there may be limit to what you can advise, because you can clarify for people their options, but you cannot choose for them. It is their decision.8 Having called Israel to serve the LORD and having clarified the alternatives, there is little more Joshua can do. He can neither compel them nor choose for them. All that remains is to lead them with… III.

Joshua’s Example (v. 15c)

Josh 24:15c But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Part of the respect Joshua has among the people stems from his unwavering commitment to God throughout his life. He served God’s previous spokesman, his predecessor Moses, with distinction.9 As part of the original reconnaissance team that investigated the Promised Land, he was one of the few to trust the Lord rather than fear the Canaanites. As a result, he received God’s commendation as well as His protection and, later, His support.10 Joshua has a reputation for having “followed the LORD wholeheartedly” (Num 32:12). He has demonstrated a humble dependence on God and a concern for promoting God’s word among the people.11 Joshua made mistakes. He failed to consult God when the Gibeonite emissaries deceptively made a treaty with Israel.12 Nevertheless, Joshua’s devotion to the LORD has been firm, and… A. He commends to the Israelites his example of serving God. … Moreover… B. He commits his household as a model of service.

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Serving God—A Household Affair (Josh 24:14-15) The impression we get from Joshua’s statement is that his family is as loyal to God as he is, and that he is citing their example along with his own as what the Israelites should emulate.13 Unfortunately, the Bible says little about Joshua’s family.14 Therefore, we can evaluate his own life in this matter but cannot verify the devotion of his family. We can only assume that, as much as he was able, Joshua conducted the affairs of his clan as he conducted his own, and that he saw to the loyalty of its members so they were as committed to God as he was. My father had that portion of v. 15 on a plastic sign by the front door of our home as long as I can remember. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. We never talked about it as I was growing up; it was just there. One Christmas, Linda cross-stitched the verse for him, which he hung in its place, obviously pleased. Dad did not talk much about his faith, but he did live it all his life. Some parents send their children to church; he took us…every week, and because it was important to him, it became important for us. How does the head of a household motivate his family to serve the LORD? Scripture indicates two ways that he can accomplish this, through good leadership and good administration. • First, the head of a household must lead the family in the right direction, making good decisions because of the profound impact they can have on others. There is a concept theologians call “corporate solidarity,” which refers to the way the actions of an individual can affect the group of which he is a part. • A positive example of corporate solidarity was Rahab’s decision to help the Israelite spies. In so doing, she preserved not only her own life but the lives of her entire family, when everyone else in Jericho perished.15 • A negative example of corporate solidarity was Achan’s decision to keep for himself some of the spoil from Jericho, contrary to God’s command. In so doing, he condemned himself and his entire family to death.16 The point is that we must not view our actions as isolated, affecting only us. What we do almost always has repercussions on other people, usually on those closest to us and, especially, on our family.17 Hence, God expects the head of a household to make good decisions—to lead the family in the right direction, most importantly in serving the Lord.18

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Serving God—A Household Affair (Josh 24:14-15) •

Second, the head of a household must administer the family in the right way, exerting an influence at home that discourages sin and encourages righteousness.19 • Jacob demonstrates good management when he exhorts his household to get rid of “the foreign gods” some members of the family had kept.20 • In a church, it is a requirement for both elders and deacons (as well as for young widows) that they manage their families well and that their children show proper respect.21 • Parents are, thus, responsible for the children living in their house,22 which includes their training to prepare them for life as adults.23 (The Book of Proverbs is especially helpful in this regard, because it contains instructions for children as well as for their parents.) 24 The head of a household must not just see to the material needs of the family but guide the course a family takes. This is not a democratic process but neither is it entirely dictatorial, for the goal is to promote a righteousness that ultimately comes from within each member. God expects the head of a household to manage it well—to administer the family in the right way. Good leadership and good administration give the head of a household credibility and respect, which are qualities that can help motivate a family to serve God.25 This enables you to have an impact on others. You can commend to people your example of serving God, and you can conduct your household as a model of service. Joshua uses what is probably his last opportunity to address the nation as the occasion to call on the Israelites to serve the LORD and to clarify for them their options. Conscious of the fact that he cannot compel them or choose for them, Joshua commends to them his own example as well as the example of his house. No matter what anyone else decides, he and his family will serve the LORD. Tradition holds that Joshua was about 85 years old in this chapter (Geden 1915:1750), which would mean that Israelites had 25 more years (cf. v. 29) to witness the good affect of his words. We read in v. 31 that… Josh 24:31 Israel served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the LORD had done for Israel.

Your testimony may not have that prolonged or profound an impact, but you can still live as Joshua did, demonstrating that Serving God [is] A Household Affair.

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Serving God—A Household Affair (Josh 24:14-15) Bibliography Geden, A.S. 1915 “Joshua, Book of.” ISBE 3:1749-1751. Woudstra, M.H. 1981 The Book of Joshua. NICOT. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

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Serving God—A Household Affair (Josh 24:14-15) Endnotes 1

According to a popular Jewish story… Abraham’s father carried on a substantial trade in idols. One day he left the shop in charge of his son. Soon a customer came in, wanting to buy an idol. Abraham asked him, “How old are you?” “Fifty,” answered the customer. “You should be ashamed of yourself,” Abraham replied. “How can a man of your age bow down before an image that was just finished yesterday?” The seeds of truth were thus planted in the heart of the idolater. Later, a woman came in with a bowl of flour and placed it before the idols as an offering. After she left, Abraham took a stick and broke all the idols. He left only the largest one undamaged and placed the stick in its hand. Abraham’s father eventually returned and, seeing the destruction of his goods, demanded to know what happened. Abraham told him that a woman had come with an offering and that, when she left, a fierce battle erupted among the idols, as each tried to claim the flour. While they squabbled, the biggest one picked up a stick and smashed all the others. “That’s ridiculous,” his father exclaimed. “They can’t do anything!” …Abraham replied, “May your ears hear what your mouth has said.” (Adapted from Ausubel 1948:455; and Bialik and Ravnitzky 1992:32) 2 She managed to hide the theft from both Laban and Jacob, but her regard for other gods could only have a negative impact on the family. Gen 31:19 When Laban had gone to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father's household gods…. 32c …Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the gods…. 34 …Rachel had taken the household gods and put them inside her camel's saddle and was sitting on them. Laban searched through everything in the tent but found nothing. 3 This act of apostasy almost destroyed the nation. Exod 32:1a When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, "Come, make us gods who will go before us…." 3 So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt." …9 "I have seen these people," the LORD said to Moses, "and they are a stiff-necked people. 10a Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them…." 4 This attraction to idolatry may stem from its association with immorality. Num 25:1 While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women, 2 who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate and bowed down before these gods. 3 So Israel joined in worshiping the Baal of Peor. And the LORD's anger burned against them. God addresses the problem in legislation for the Day of Atonement. Lev 17:7a They must no longer offer any of their sacrifices to the goat idols to whom they prostitute themselves. There are also statements to Israel about the Lord’s superiority to the gods of Egypt, as if to win people who had been worshiping those gods. Exod 12:12 On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn— both men and animals—and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.

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Serving God—A Household Affair (Josh 24:14-15)

Exod 15:11 Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? Exod 18:11 Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for he did this to those who had treated Israel arrogantly." Num 33:3b They marched out boldly in full view of all the Egyptians, 4 who were burying all their firstborn, whom the LORD had struck down among them; for the LORD had brought judgment on their gods. Through Moses God even warns them against worshiping new gods, unknown to their ancestors. Deut 11:28 the curse if you disobey the commands of the LORD your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known. Deut 13:2 and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," …6 If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, "Let us go and worship other gods" (gods that neither you nor your fathers have known, …13 that wicked men have arisen among you and have led the people of their town astray, saying, "Let us go and worship other gods" (gods you have not known), Moses foresees that the Israelites will not heed God’s warning and will suffer the consequences. Deut 28:64 Then the LORD will scatter you among all nations…. There you will worship other gods—gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your fathers have known. Deut 29:26 They went off and worshiped other gods and bowed down to them, gods they did not know, gods he had not given them. Deut 32:17 They sacrificed to demons, which are not God—gods they had not known, gods that recently appeared, gods your fathers did not fear. 6 The apostle Paul’s instruction to the church at Corinth may reflect a similar recognition. Because he is not physically present, he cannot prohibit outright the use of tongues in worship. The best he can hope is to limit its use. 1 Cor 14:27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 7 Israel held Joshua in great esteem. Deut 34:9 Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses. Josh 1:16 Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17a Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you…. 18a Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey your words, whatever you may command them, will be put to death…." Josh 3:7 And the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. Josh 4:14 That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses. 8 These are not the options most people face today, deciding which deity they will serve. They either think there is no god or admit there is one God, but the opportunity to choose among a list of gods is lost to our enlightened society. In one sense, that is unfortunate because it is the contrast between the LORD and pagan deities that helped God’s people to appreciate the one they

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Serving God—A Household Affair (Josh 24:14-15)

did choose to serve. Today, there is almost a complete absence of divine competition, even of the most meager sort, which means that we have no points of comparison, no way of measuring the greatness of our God. As a result, we often take for granted His power or His mercy. The devout Israelite could look at his Canaanite neighbor, who served Baal, and say, “I serve a God who is entirely different. The LORD is omnipotent and gracious. Baal is neither.” 9 Joshua’s previous post as a military commander prepared him for his current responsibilities. Exod 17:10a So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered…. Josh 4:10a Now the priests who carried the ark remained standing in the middle of the Jordan until everything the LORD had commanded Joshua was done by the people, just as Moses had directed Joshua. Josh 8:30 Then Joshua built on Mount Ebal an altar to the LORD, the God of Israel, 31a as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the Israelites. Josh 11:12 Joshua took all these royal cities and their kings and put them to the sword. He totally destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded…. 15 As the LORD commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses…. 23a So Joshua took the entire land, just as the LORD had directed Moses…. 10 Joshua receives several indications of God’s support. • God’s commendation Num 14:8 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them…. 30 Not one of you will enter the land…except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. • God’s protection Num 14:38 Of the men who went to explore the land, only Joshua…and Caleb…survived. • God’s support Josh 10:12b Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: "O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon." 13a So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies…. 14a There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. 11 Joshua is a staunch advocate for the Lord. • Recognizing God’s sovereignty Josh 5:14b Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence…. Josh 7:6a Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD…. • Promoting God’s word Josh 8:34 …Joshua read all the words of the law…just as it is written in the Book of the Law. 35a There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel…. Josh 23:6 …be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses…. He also had the anointing of God’s Spirit and the public recognition of his leadership.

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Serving God—A Household Affair (Josh 24:14-15)

Num 27:18 So the LORD said to Moses, "Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him. 19 Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. 20 Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him…. 22a Moses did as the LORD commanded him…. 23 Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD instructed through Moses. Deut 3:28 But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see." Deut 31:7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them…. 14 The LORD said to Moses… "Call Joshua and present yourselves at the Tent of Meeting, where I will commission him." So Moses and Joshua came and presented themselves at the Tent of Meeting. 12 Such an action violated God’s explicit prohibition. Josh 9:14 The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD. 15 Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath. Cf. Deut 20:10 When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace. 11 If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you. 12 If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city…. 15 This is how you are to treat all the cities that are at a distance from you and do not belong to the nations nearby. 16 However, in the cities of the nations the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes…. 18 Otherwise, they will teach you to follow all the detestable things they do in worshiping their gods, and you will sin against the LORD your God. 13 Another possibility is that Joshua is here committing his family to serve the LORD. 14 Apart from his lineage in the tribe of Ephraim and a reference to the “inheritance” of territory he acquired after the conquest, which he presumably passed on to the members of his household, there is no information about his descendants. • Joshua’s lineage Num 13:8 from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea son of Nun… 16b Moses gave Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua. 1 Chr 7:27 Nun his son and Joshua his son. • Joshua’s inheritance Josh 19:49b …the Israelites gave Joshua son of Nun an inheritance among them, 50 as the LORD had commanded. They gave him the town he asked for—Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim. And he built up the town and settled there. Judg 2:8 Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died at the age of a hundred and ten. 9 And they buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath Heres in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. 15 Whether or not she was actually the head of her house, she spoke for her family and must have had considerable influence over them to preserve the secret of the spies and to convince her family members of their safety in her home (see “all who belonged to her” Josh 6:23).

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Serving God—A Household Affair (Josh 24:14-15)

Josh 2:12 Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign 13 that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them…. Josh 6:21a They devoted the city to the LORD and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it…. 25a But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her…. Another example of a good decision that had a positive affect on others was Obed-Edom’s willingness to accept temporary possession of the ark. 1 Chr 13:14 The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and the LORD blessed his household and everything he had. 16 Achan’s sin affected his entire household, people as well as property. Josh 7:24 Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold wedge, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and all that he had, to the Valley of Achor. 25 Joshua said, "Why have you brought this trouble on us? The LORD will bring trouble on you today." Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them. Despite Gideon’s initial success, his later idolatry led many astray. Judg 8:27 Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family. Another example of a bad decision that had a negative affect on others was the distortion of God’s word by corrupt prophets and priests. Jer 23:34 If a prophet or a priest or anyone else claims, 'This is the oracle of the LORD,' I will punish that man and his household. 17 The affect can also extend beyond the next generation. Exod 20:5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. [= Deut 5:9-10] Exod 34:7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation." Lev 26:39 Those of you who are left will waste away in the lands of their enemies because of their sins; also because of their fathers' sins they will waste away. Num 14:18 'The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.' Ps 79:8 Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. Jer 32:18 You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the fathers' sins into the laps of their children after them. Nevertheless, the affect is not without limit. Deut 24:16 Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.

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Serving God—A Household Affair (Josh 24:14-15)

2 Kgs 14:6 Yet he did not put the sons of the assassins to death, in accordance with what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses…: "Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sins." Jer 31:29 "In those days people will no longer say, 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge.' 30 Instead, everyone will die for his own sin; whoever eats sour grapes—his own teeth will be set on edge. Ezek 18:2 "What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: "'The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'? 3 "As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. 4 For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son—both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die…. 19 "Yet you ask, 'Why does the son not share the guilt of his father?' Since the son has done what is just and right and has been careful to keep all my decrees, he will surely live. 20 The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him. John 9:2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 18 Parents set an example that can influence the decisions their children make. Unfortunately, most references to this practice in scripture are negative. 1 Kgs 15:3 [Abijah] committed all the sins his father had done before him; his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his forefather had been. 1 Kgs 15:26 [Nadab] did evil in the eyes of the LORD, walking in the ways of his father and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit. 1 Kgs 22:52 [Ahaziah] did evil in the eyes of the LORD, because he walked in the ways of his father and mother and in the ways of Jeroboam son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin. 2 Kgs 15:9 [Zechariah] did evil in the eyes of the LORD, as his fathers had done. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit. 2 Kgs 17:41 Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did. 2 Kgs 21:20 [Amon] did evil in the eyes of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done. 2 Kgs 23:32 [Jehoahaz] did evil in the eyes of the LORD, just as his [fore]fathers had done [yet unlike his father Josiah]. 2 Kgs 23:37 [Jehoiakim] did evil in the eyes of the LORD, just as his [fore]fathers [and his father Jehoahaz] had done. 2 Kgs 24:9 [Jehoiachin] did evil in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father had done. 2 Chr 30:7 Do not be like your fathers and brothers, who were unfaithful to the LORD, the God of their fathers, so that he made them an object of horror, as you see. 8a Do not be stiffnecked, as your fathers were; submit to the LORD. Ps 78:57 Like their fathers they were disloyal and faithless…. Ps 106:6a We have sinned, even as our fathers did…. Jer 9:14 Instead, they have followed the stubbornness of their hearts; they have followed the Baals, as their fathers taught them." Jer 16:12a But you have behaved more wickedly than your fathers.

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Serving God—A Household Affair (Josh 24:14-15)

Ezek 20:18 I said to their children in the desert, "Do not follow the statutes of your fathers …or defile yourselves with their idols…. 24b [T]heir eyes lusted after their fathers' idols. Acts 7:51 You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: Far fewer statements are positive. 1 Kgs 22:43a [= 2 Chr 20:32] In everything [Jehoshaphat] walked in the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. 2 Kgs 15:3 [= 2 Chr 26:4] [Azariah/Uzziah] did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. 2 Kgs 15:34 [= 2 Chr 27:2a] [Jotham] did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done. 19 Management also includes a proper use of finances. Ezek 44:30 The best of all the firstfruits and of all your special gifts will belong to the priests. You are to give them the first portion of your ground meal so that a blessing may rest on your household. 20 These may have included the ones Rachel stole (see n. 2). Gen 35:2 So Jacob said to his household… "Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes…." 4 So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had and the rings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the oak at Shechem. Samuel issues a similar exhortation. 1 Sam 7:4 And Samuel said… "If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines." 21 These requirements are for the sake of the church’s reputation in the community. 1 Tim 3:4 [An overseer] must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect…. 12 A deacon…must manage his children and his household well. 1 Tim 5:14 So I counsel younger widows…to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 22 Illustrations of parental responsibility for those in their house include: Num 30:3 When a young woman still living in her father's house makes a vow to the LORD or obligates herself by a pledge 4 and her father hears about her vow or pledge but says nothing to her, then all her vows and every pledge…will stand. 5 But if her father forbids her when he hears about it, none of her vows or the pledges…will stand; the LORD will release her because her father has forbidden her. 23 Children, even after they reach adulthood, still have a responsibility toward their parents. Exod 20:12 [= Deut 5:16] Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Exod 21:15 Anyone who attacks his father or his mother must be put to death. Exod 21:17 [= Lev 20:9a] Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death. Lev 19:3a Each of you must respect his mother and father…. Matt 15:4 For God said, 'Honor your father and mother' and 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.' 5 But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, 'Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is a gift devoted to God,' 6 he is not to 'honor his father' with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.

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Serving God—A Household Affair (Josh 24:14-15)

1 Tim 5:4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God…. 8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever…. 16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them…. 24 Parents must educate and discipline, not just one or the other. Prov 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. Prov 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Isa 38:19b …fathers tell their children about your faithfulness. Eph 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Col 3:21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Children must learn and obey. Prov 1:8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Prov 3:1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Col 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 25 Biblical examples do not generally include the method employed, but leadership and administration by the head of the household are doubtless factors that prepare the way. Jer 35:18 Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Recabites, "You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered. 19 Therefore, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'Jonadab son of Recab will never fail to have a man to serve me.'" John 4:53 Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he and all his household believed. Acts 16:15 When [Lydia] and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us. Acts 16:31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God— he and his whole family. There is not guarantee, of course, that the members of a house, especially children, will cooperate in this venture. God recognizes that they will ultimately choose their own way and will not always follow in their parents’ footsteps. 2 Kgs 3:2 [Joram] did evil in the eyes of the LORD, but not as his father and mother had done. 2 Kgs 14:3 [Amaziah] did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not as his [fore]father David had done. In everything he followed the example of his father Joash.

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Serving God—A Household Affair (Josh 24:14-15)

Depending on the kind of parents they have, such independence can be good or bad. Again, most examples are negative. Judg 2:17b Unlike their fathers, they quickly turned from the way in which their fathers had walked, the way of obedience to the LORD's commands…. 19a But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their fathers…. 1 Kgs 11:4 As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been…. 6 So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done. 2 Kgs 16:2b [= 2 Chr 28:1b] Unlike David his [fore]father [and Jotham his father], [Ahaz] did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God. 2 Chr 21:12 Jehoram received a letter from Elijah the prophet, which said: "This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: 'You have not walked in the ways of your father Jehoshaphat or of Asa king of Judah. There is provision in the law for parents who have a particularly unruly child in unrepentant rebellion, to bring him before a judge who, upon reviewing the case, could sentence him to death. Deut 21:18 If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him, 19 his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town. 20 They shall say to the elders, "This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a profligate and a drunkard." 21 Then all the men of his town shall stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid. God holds the rebellious child responsible for his actions. Ezek 18:10 "Suppose he has a violent son, who sheds blood or does any of these other things 11a (though the father has done none of them) …. 13b Will such a man live? He will not! Because he has done all these detestable things, he will surely be put to death and his blood will be on his own head. However tempting such a penalty might be to parents today, it is not an option, but it does indicate how seriously God regards disobedience. This principle also works the other way in that God looks with favor on children who do not follow in the footsteps of unrighteous parents. Ezek 18:14 "But suppose this son has a son who sees all the sins his father commits, and though he sees them, he does not do such things…. 17c. He will not die for his father's sin; he will surely live. 18 But his father will die for his own sin, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother and did what was wrong among his people. Examples include: 1 Kgs 15:11 Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his [fore]father David had done [and unlike his father Abijah]. 2 Kgs 18:3 [= 2 Chr 29:2] [Hezekiah] did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his [fore]father David had done [and unlike his father Ahaz]. 2 Kgs 22:2 [= 2 Chr 34:2] [Josiah] did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his [fore]father David [and unlike his father Manasseh], not turning aside to the right or to the left.

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