1) Most see this as a covenant ceremony, a renewing or creation of a bond of god and the people, perhaps, perhaps, similar to political documents in the ancient near east of the mutual obligations of the ruler and the ruled. Shechem is a cultic site according to Gen. 12, 33, 35. this is a good place to explore bi. archaeology when it may fit biblical material and when it may well conflict with it.
The other side of the flood is literally other side of the river. Either translation could make a nice image for preaching or spiritual life on one’s boundaries.
2) why do you think we detect such a strong note of antipathy toward idolatry here? could it be a preview of apostasy?
3) How effective is the rhetorical device, for me and my house, we will serve the Lord?
4) what do you think of Joshua telling the people that they will be unable to follow god fully at 19?
5) at v. 22 how chilling do you find it to have the people be witnesses against themselves for a future divine trial? Should one generation be able to bind another?
6) I realize that I go beyond the lectionary listing here but the standing stone could be a good image, especially with the spate of public memorials we have been erecting of late.
7) why is god so jealous about rivals, real or potential?
8) Breuggemann’s considerations in the Land of in the more recent Theol. Intro to the OT (with others) is a great place to reflect on the meaning of the land as a construct, as a reality, as history, as promise and threat.
9) Listen to Springsteen in The Promised Land or his citing of it in the great Thunder Road.
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