Joshua's final speech uniquely transforms him from military commander to covenant mediator, echoing Moses' farewell discourse while establishing Israel's worship identity at Abraham's first altar site.
Joshua 24
The Covenant Renewal at Shechem
1Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, for their heads, for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.
2Joshua said to all the people, “The LORD, the God of Israel, says, ‘Your fathers lived of old time beyond the River, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nahor. They served other gods.
3I took your father Abraham from beyond the River, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his offspring, and gave him Isaac.
4I gave to Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave to Esau Mount Seir, to possess it. Jacob and his children went down into Egypt.
5“‘I sent Moses and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did among them: and afterward I brought you out.
6I brought your fathers out of Egypt: and you came to the sea. The Egyptians pursued your fathers with chariots and with horsemen to the Red Sea.
7When they cried out to the LORD, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea on them, and covered them; and your eyes saw what I did in Egypt. You lived in the wilderness many days.
8“‘I brought you into the land of the Amorites, that lived beyond the Jordan. They fought with you, and I gave them into your hand. You possessed their land, and I destroyed them from before you.
9Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel. He sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you,
10but I would not listen to Balaam; therefore he blessed you still. So I delivered you out of his hand.
11“‘You went over the Jordan, and came to Jericho. The men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Girgashite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; and I delivered them into your hand.
12I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; not with your sword, nor with your bow.
13I gave you a land on which you had not labored, and cities which you didn’t build, and you live in them. You eat of vineyards and olive groves which you didn’t plant.’
14“Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth. Put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, in Egypt; and serve the LORD.
15If it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose today whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
16The people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;
17for it is the LORD our God who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and who did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way in which we went, and among all the peoples through the middle of whom we passed.
18The LORD drove out from before us all the peoples, even the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD; for he is our God.”
19Joshua said to the people, “You can’t serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God. He will not forgive your disobedience nor your sins.
20If you forsake the LORD, and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you evil, and consume you, after he has done you good.”
21The people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the LORD.”
22Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD yourselves, to serve him.” They said, “We are witnesses.”
23“Now therefore put away the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to the LORD, the God of Israel.”
24The people said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God, and we will listen to his voice.”
25So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and made for them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.
26Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a great stone, and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.
27Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the LORD’s words which he spoke to us. It shall be therefore a witness against you, lest you deny your God.”
28So Joshua sent the people away, each to his own inheritance.
The Deaths of Joshua and Eleazar
29After these things, Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being one hundred ten years old.
30They buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathserah, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, on the north of the mountain of Gaash.
31Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, and had known all the work of the LORD, that he had worked for Israel.
32They buried the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, in Shechem, in the parcel of ground which Jacob bought from the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of silver. They became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.
33Eleazar the son of Aaron died. They buried him in the hill of Phinehas his son, which was given him in the hill country of Ephraim.
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Theme
In his final act as leader, Joshua gathers all Israel at Shechem for a covenant renewal ceremony, recounting God's faithfulness from Abraham through the conquest of Canaan. He challenges the people to choose whom they will serve, declaring his own household's commitment to the LORD, and the people solemnly pledge their allegiance to God alone. The chapter concludes with the deaths of Joshua and Eleazar, marking the end of an era as Israel's founding generation passes away.
Context
This chapter serves as the climactic conclusion to the book of Joshua, transitioning from the conquest narrative to the period of the judges that follows.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-13 Joshua's Historical Recital Joshua recounts God's mighty acts from Abraham through the conquest, emphasizing divine initiative and faithfulness.
- 14-15 The Challenge to Choose Joshua calls Israel to abandon foreign gods and serve the LORD, making his famous declaration about his household's commitment.
- 16-24 The People's Covenant Commitment Israel pledges loyalty to God, and Joshua formalizes their commitment with a covenant ceremony at Shechem.
- 25-28 Covenant Ratification and Dismissal Joshua establishes the covenant terms, sets up a memorial stone, and sends the tribes to their territories.
- 29-33 Deaths and Burials The deaths of Joshua and Eleazar are recorded, along with the burial of Joseph's bones, concluding the conquest era.
The Covenant Renewal at Shechem
24:1–24:28 narrative speech solemn
Joshua leads Israel in covenant renewal at Shechem, recounting God's faithfulness throughout history and calling the people to choose whom they will serve.
person_contrast
Joshua's final speech uniquely transforms him from military commander to covenant mediator, echoing Moses' farewell discourse while establishing Israel's worship identity at Abraham's first altar site.
The Deaths of Joshua and Eleazar
24:29–24:33 narrative narration solemn
The deaths of Joshua and Eleazar are recorded, along with the burial of Joseph's bones, marking the end of an era of faithful leadership in Israel.
person_contrast
Joshua's death at 110 years mirrors Moses' lifespan pattern, while the burial of Joseph's bones finally fulfills the 400-year-old oath from Genesis 50:25.
Insights
Joshua's death at 110 years mirrors Moses' lifespan pattern, while the burial of Joseph's bones finally fulfills the 400-year-old oath from Genesis 50:25.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Joshua 24:1 5 references
Lexicals 5
Numbers 11:16 Lexical
The LORD said to Moses, “Gather to me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people…
Joshua 23:2 Lexical
Joshua called for all Israel, for their elders and for their heads, and for their judges and for their officers, and sai…
Joshua 8:33 Lexical
All Israel, with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on both sides of the ark before the Levitical priests, who ca…
Deuteronomy 16:18 Lexical
You shall make judges and officers in all your gates, which the LORD your God gives you, according to your tribes; and t…
Deuteronomy 31:28 Lexical
Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call hea…
Joshua 24:2 5 references
Lexicals 5
Genesis 11:25 Lexical
Nahor lived one hundred nineteen years after he became the father of Terah, and became the father of more sons and daugh…
Genesis 11:26 Lexical
Terah lived seventy years, and became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
1 Chronicles 1:26 Lexical
Serug, Nahor, Terah,
Genesis 11:24 Lexical
Nahor lived twenty-nine years, and became the father of Terah.
Genesis 11:27 Lexical
Now this is the history of the generations of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran became th…
Joshua 24:3 5 references
Lexicals 5
Genesis 35:12 Lexical
The land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac, I will give it to you, and to your offspring after you I will give the land.…
Deuteronomy 34:4 Lexical
The LORD said to him, “This is the land which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to you…
Deuteronomy 1:8 Lexical
Behold, I have set the land before you. Go in and possess the land which the LORD swore to your fathers—to Abraham, to I…
Genesis 21:12 Lexical
God said to Abraham, “Don’t let it be grievous in your sight because of the boy, and because of your servant. In all tha…
Exodus 33:1 Lexical
The LORD spoke to Moses, “Depart, go up from here, you and the people that you have brought up out of the land of Egypt,…
Joshua 24:4 5 references
Lexicals 5
Deuteronomy 2:22 Lexical
as he did for the children of Esau who dwell in Seir, when he destroyed the Horites from before them; and they succeeded…
Deuteronomy 2:12 Lexical
The Horites also lived in Seir in the past, but the children of Esau succeeded them. They destroyed them from before the…
Genesis 25:28 Lexical
Now Isaac loved Esau, because he ate his venison. Rebekah loved Jacob.
Genesis 28:5 Lexical
Isaac sent Jacob away. He went to Paddan Aram to Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and E…
Genesis 35:29 Lexical
Isaac gave up the spirit and died, and was gathered to his people, old and full of days. Esau and Jacob, his sons, burie…
Joshua 24:6 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 14:23 Lexical
The Egyptians pursued, and went in after them into the middle of the sea: all of Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his…
Exodus 14:9 Lexical
The Egyptians pursued them. All the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, and his army overtook them encamping b…
Deuteronomy 11:4 Lexical
and what he did to the army of Egypt, to their horses, and to their chariots; how he made the water of the Red Sea to ov…
Exodus 14:17 Lexical
Behold, I myself will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will go in after them. I will get myself honor over P…
Exodus 14:18 Lexical
The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD when I have gotten myself honor over Pharaoh, over his chariots, and over hi…
Joshua 24:8 5 references
Lexicals 5
Deuteronomy 4:47 Lexical
They took possession of his land and the land of Og king of Bashan, the two kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the J…
Joshua 9:1 Lexical
When all the kings who were beyond the Jordan, in the hill country, and in the lowland, and on all the shore of the grea…
Joshua 9:10 Lexical
and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon and to Og king…
Judges 10:8 Lexical
They troubled and oppressed the children of Israel that year. For eighteen years they oppressed all the children of Isra…
Joshua 2:10 Lexical
For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you di…
Joshua 24:9 5 references
Lexicals 5
Numbers 22:10 Lexical
Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has said to me,
Micah 6:5 Lexical
My people, remember now what Balak king of Moab devised, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim to Gi…
Judges 11:25 Lexical
Now are you anything better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever strive against Israel, or did he eve…
Numbers 22:16 Lexical
They came to Balaam, and said to him, “Balak the son of Zippor says, ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me,
Numbers 22:4 Lexical
Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this multitude will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass…
Joshua 24:11 5 references
Lexicals 5
Joshua 3:10 Lexical
Joshua said, “By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive the Canaanite…
Deuteronomy 7:1 Lexical
When the LORD your God brings you into the land where you go to possess it, and casts out many nations before you—the Hi…
Joshua 9:1 Lexical
When all the kings who were beyond the Jordan, in the hill country, and in the lowland, and on all the shore of the grea…
Nehemiah 9:8 Lexical
found his heart faithful before you, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Am…
Exodus 34:11 Lexical
Observe that which I command you today. Behold, I will drive out before you the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Hittite, the…
Joshua 24:12 2 references
Joshua 24:13 5 references
Lexicals 5
Deuteronomy 6:11 Lexical
and houses full of all good things which you didn’t fill, and cisterns dug out which you didn’t dig, vineyards and olive…
Ecclesiastes 2:4 Lexical
I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards.
Amos 5:11 Lexical
Therefore, because you trample on the poor and take taxes from him of wheat, you have built houses of cut stone, but you…
Deuteronomy 28:30 Lexical
You will betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her. You will build a house, and you won’t dwell in it. You will…
Ezekiel 28:26 Lexical
They will dwell in it securely. Yes, they will build houses, plant vineyards, and will dwell securely when I have execut…
Joshua 24:14 2 references
Joshua 24:16 5 references
Lexicals 5
2 Chronicles 7:19 Lexical
But if you turn away and forsake my statutes and my commandments which I have set before you, and go and serve other god…
Jeremiah 16:11 Lexical
then you shall tell them, ‘Because your fathers have forsaken me,’ says the LORD, ‘and have walked after other gods, hav…
1 Kings 9:9 Lexical
and they will answer, ‘Because they abandoned the LORD their God, who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt, an…
2 Chronicles 7:22 Lexical
They shall answer, ‘Because they abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt…
Jeremiah 22:9 Lexical
Then they will answer, ‘Because they abandoned the covenant of the LORD their God, worshiped other gods, and served them…
Joshua 24:19 1 reference
Joshua 24:20 1 reference
Joshua 24:23 2 references
Joshua 24:25 2 references
Lexicals 2
Joshua 24:26 5 references
Lexicals 5
Joshua 8:31 Lexical
as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses: an…
Deuteronomy 17:18 Lexical
It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write himself a copy of this law in a book, out of…
Deuteronomy 31:24 Lexical
When Moses had finished writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,
Deuteronomy 28:58 Lexical
If you will not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious a…
2 Kings 14:6 Lexical
but the children of the murderers he didn’t put to death, according to that which is written in the book of the law of M…
Joshua 24:29 1 reference
Joshua 24:30 5 references
Lexicals 5
Judges 2:9 Lexical
They buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath Heres, in the hill country of Ephraim, on the north of the m…
Joshua 17:9 Lexical
The border went down to the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook. These cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of…
Joshua 17:10 Lexical
Southward it was Ephraim’s, and northward it was Manasseh’s, and the sea was his border. They reached to Asher on the no…
Joshua 16:8 Lexical
From Tappuah the border went along westward to the brook of Kanah; and ended at the sea. This is the inheritance of the…
Joshua 16:5 Lexical
This was the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families. The border of their inheritance eastward was…
Joshua 24:31 1 reference
Joshua 24:32 5 references
Lexicals 5
Genesis 33:19 Lexical
He bought the parcel of ground where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for…
Genesis 34:13 Lexical
The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father with deceit when they spoke, because he had defiled Dinah their…
Genesis 34:6 Lexical
Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to talk with him.
Genesis 25:10 Lexical
the field which Abraham purchased from the children of Heth. Abraham was buried there with Sarah, his wife.
Genesis 50:13 Lexical
for his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bo…
Joshua 24:33 5 references
Lexicals 5
Numbers 25:7 Lexical
When Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from the middle of the congregation,…
Numbers 25:11 Lexical
“Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, in tha…
Exodus 6:25 Lexical
Eleazar Aaron’s son took one of the daughters of Putiel as his wife; and she bore him Phinehas. These are the heads of t…
Judges 20:28 Lexical
and Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days), saying, “Shall I yet again go out to…
Ezra 7:5 Lexical
the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest—
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Lemma
Morphology
Semantic Range
Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages
Historical Context
Places and events in this chapter
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Timeline
Exodus
c. 1446 BCIsrael's miraculous deliverance from Egyptian slavery under Moses' leadership, including the ten plagues and Red Sea crossing. This foundational event established Israel as God's chosen nation.
Joshua recounts God's deliverance from Egypt as foundational evidence of divine faithfulness.
The Covenant Renewal at Shechem