(a) Give account of Joshua's farewell address: [11 marks] (b) Outline two leadership qualities which he manifested during this occasion. [4 marks]

Answer Details

(a) Joshua's farewell address (Joshua 23-24)

When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, after the LORD had given Israel rest from all their enemies, he summoned all Israel, their elders, heads, judges and officers, and delivered his farewell charge.

• He reminded them of all that the LORD their God had done, fighting for them and driving out great nations before them, so that not one of God's good promises had failed.
• He charged them to be very strong and courageous, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, turning aside neither to the right hand nor to the left.
• He warned them not to mix with the remaining nations, not to mention the names of their gods, not to serve or bow down to them, but to cleave (hold fast) to the LORD.
• At Shechem he rehearsed the history of Israel from Abraham, through the deliverance from Egypt, the wilderness, and the conquest of Canaan, showing that it was God's grace, not their own strength, that gave them the land.
• He then challenged them, "Choose this day whom you will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
• The people responded that they too would serve the LORD. Joshua warned them of God's holiness and jealousy, made a covenant with them, set up a great stone as a witness, and dismissed them each to his inheritance.

(b) Two leadership qualities Joshua manifested

1. Godliness and personal commitment (exemplary faith): He led by example, publicly committing himself and his household to serve the LORD, thereby inspiring the people to do the same.
2. Courage and firm, visionary guidance: He boldly challenged the people to make a decisive choice, warned them plainly of the consequences of disobedience, and provided clear moral and spiritual direction for the nation's future.