Tyndale Open Study NotesJoshua 24

Joshua reminded the people of the many ways God had shown grace to Israel throughout their history.

In both its form and its content, this covenant statement is similar to an ancient Near Eastern suzerain–vassal treaty (a treaty between a powerful ruler and a weaker people). The suzerain protects them and provides benefits, and in return, the weaker people (the vassal) owe loyalty and obedience.

The covenant begins with a preamble, which identifies the speaker (24:2). It then includes a historical prologue. This section recounts the suzerain’s gracious acts, describing what God had done for the people in the past (24:3–13).

Next, the covenant lists the stipulations, or required obligations, that the people must follow (24:14–15). It also warns of curses and promises blessings, depending on whether the people obey or disobey (24:19–20).

Finally, the passage notes where the covenant text was recorded so it could be read again in the future (implied in 24:26). It also names witnesses who confirmed the covenant agreement (24:22, 27). See also study note on Exodus 20:1–23:33.

Shechem was where Israel first confirmed the covenant soon after entering Canaan (see 8:30–35 and corresponding study notes).

Terah: See Genesis 11:27–32.

"I took … I gave … I sent … I brought": Joshua repeated God's words. This reminded the Israelites to remain loyal to God. Israel's faith always began with God's actions.

• Abraham lived at Haran in Mesopotamia beyond the Euphrates with his father Terah (Genesis 11:31–32).

• God led him through … Canaan: See Genesis 12:1–9.

• Jacob and Esau: See Genesis 25:19–26.

• Mount Seir was in the center of Edom, where those who descended from Esau lived (Genesis 36:8–9).

The exodus from Egypt, which reached its climax when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, was the central act of salvation in Israel’s history. Many psalms, several later prophets, and a number of New Testament writers all pointed back to this event and celebrated its importance.

Red Sea: See study note on Exodus 13:18.

Even though the older Israelites present here had been children at the time of the exodus, they had seen the events with their very own eyes.

Amorites … their land: See Numbers 21:21–35.

See Numbers 22–25 and 31:1–54.

See study note on 3:10.

Israel’s victories did not come from their swords, bows, or any military strength. God alone brought about their success.

land … cities … and vineyards and olive groves: The Israelites received wealth they had not earned or created.

cast aside the gods: Israel had not fully turned away from the old polytheistic traditions (the worship of many gods) of Mesopotamia, east of the Euphrates River. While living in Egypt, some Israelites had even added other gods to the ones they already worshiped.

Joshua used his influential leadership and achievements to support his declaration to serve the Lord.

The people realized that God saved them, protected them, and drove out the Amorites.

The people responded strongly, showing their determination to follow Joshua's leadership in obeying the Lord.

Joshua challenged the Israelites from another perspective to show how serious their commitment needed to be. He wanted to make sure they were not responding only out of excitement in the moment.

• He is a holy God: See “God’s Absolute Holiness” Theme Note.

• He is a jealous God: He created every human to have a relationship with him.

You are witnesses against yourselves: Joshua commanded the people to repeat their declaration as a legal confirmation and commitment. This made them witnesses to their own decision.

Some Israelites had continued to worship idols since they left Egypt and after experiencing 40 years of God’s love and power. Joshua directed them to destroy the idols and turn their hearts to the Lord to serve him alone.

made a covenant: This phrase is literally “cut a covenant.” It refers to an ancient practice in which people made a binding agreement by cutting animals as part of a formal ceremony. This act showed how serious and lasting the agreement was (see study note on 9:15).

• the Book of the Law: This book was a scroll that contained the writings of Moses (see study note on 1:8). It was probably taken to Shiloh and stored with other documents that were important for the nation.

• the large stone: This stone was probably a stela (a standing stone monument). Joshua may have had words carved into it as a memorial inscription to mark the covenant event.

it has heard all the words: See study note on 22:27.

The tombs of a respected ancestor and two honored leaders served as a final sign that Canaan truly belonged to Israel. Even so, much work still remained. The people would need to stay alert, and at times they would still need to fight.

Joshua's ancestor Joseph also lived to be 110 years old. Ancient Egyptians considered this the ideal length of life.

Timnath-serah: See 19:49–51.

Joshua’s leadership left a lasting impact. Israel remained faithful to God during his lifetime and during the lives of the elders who lived longer than he did.

• The people of Israel took the bones of Joseph from Egypt to Canaan to honor his wish to be buried in the land God promised them (Genesis 50:25; Exodus 13:19).

• Shechem was part of the land given to those descended from Joseph, located between Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob bought this land centuries earlier for 100 pieces of silver.

• Eleazar, the high priest, stood beside Joshua while they divided the land among the tribes of Israel.

• They buried Joshua, Joseph, and Eleazar in Ephraim, in the central part of the newly conquered land. Their burial was a final sign that God fulfilled his promise to give Israel the land.