Joshua 8-9

“Joshua wrote on stones a copy of the law of Moses ... Both the foreigners living among them and the native-born were there” (8:32-33). Joshua and the Israelites were not in a war against a particular ethnic group, but rather against God’s enemies. As demonstrated by Rahab’s choice to side with the Israelites when Jericho was attacked, God accepted everyone who made him their refuge. After the defeat of Ai, Joshua led the people to make a new stone copy of the Law, calling to the same obedience both native Israelites and foreigners among them (8:35).

“Do not be afraid” (8:1). Wherever we come from, God welcomes us through the same grace and faith and calls us to the same courageous obedience.