(SEE 12:5)
We may think we are doing the right thing, but the LORD always knows what is in our hearts.
Israel, for forty years you wandered in the desert, without bringing offerings or sacrifices to me.
These will remind you that you must obey my laws and teachings. And when you do, you will be dedicated to me and won't follow your own sinful desires.
God turned his back on his people and left them. Then they worshiped the stars in the sky, just as it says in the Book of the Prophets, "People of Israel, you didn't offer sacrifices and offerings to me during those forty years in the desert.
Joshua spoke to the people: Come here and listen to what the LORD our God said he will do!
(SEE 5:4)
This was before kings ruled Israel, so all the Israelites did whatever they thought was right.
In those days Israel wasn't ruled by a king, and everyone did what they thought was right.
