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Joshua 24

Joshua 24:1

Joshua Reviews Israel’s History · Joshua 24:1–13
Read Joshua 24

Translations

Modern
Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges, and officers of Israel, and they presented themselves before God.
Traditional
And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.
Literal
And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and he called for the elders of Israel, and for its heads, and for its judges, and for its officers; and they presented themselves before the face of God.
Latin
Congregavitque Josue omnes tribus Israël in Sichem, et vocavit majores natu, ac principes, et judices, et magistros: steteruntque in conspectu Domini,

Original

Hebrew
English
Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges, and officers of Israel, and they presented themselves before God.

Notes

Joshua 24:1

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

Joshua 24:1–13

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

Joshua 24:1–27

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Joshua God’s Covenants Shechem The Broken Covenant

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Joshua: Moses' assistant who led Israel into Canaan

Places

Shechem: City in Canaan, later allotted to Ephraim

Glossary

Amorites Covenant Joshua, Book of King Rest Shechem (Place) Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs Tribe of Dan

Topics

Government: Mosaic: Closely Associated with Moses and Subsequent Leaders Israel: Covenant Renewed, Death of Joshua Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Exhortation of, Before his Death Shechem: Joshua Assembled the Tribes of Israel At