Choices have consequences. Glory days happen when we make good choices and trouble happens when we don’t. This is the headline message delivered by Joshua in the nationwide assembly in the Valley of Shechem. Joshua brought the invasion to a halt and every person to the Valley of Shechem. Once they reached the valley, Joshua set about the task of building an altar.

In Joshua 8:32 we read, “And there, in the presence of the children of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses.” The secret to the successful campaign of the Hebrews was not the strength of the army but the resolve of the people to keep God’s commandments. Heeding God’s Word is more critical than fighting God’s war. In fact, heeding God’s Word is fighting God’s war. Conquest happens as the covenant is honored.