Joshua 24:10

Translations

Modern

…but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand.

Traditional

But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand.

Literal

And I was not willing to listen to Balaam, and he blessed you again and again. And I delivered you out of his hand.

Latin

…et ego nolui audire eum, sed e contrario per illum benedixi vobis, et liberavi vos de manu ejus.

Original

Hebrew

English

…but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand.

Notes

Joshua 24:9–10

See Numbers 22–25 and 31:1–54.

Joshua 24:3–13

"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.

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

Related verses

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.
Numbers 24:5–10
How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!
Deuteronomy 23:5
Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.
Numbers 22:11–12
‘Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps I may be able to fight against them and drive them away.’”
Numbers 23:3–12
“Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone,” Balaam said to Balak. “Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you.” So Balaam went off to a barren height,
Numbers 22:35
But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
Numbers 23:15–26
Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your burnt offering while I meet the LORD over there.”
Numbers 22:18–20
But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God.

People

Balaam: A prophet hired to curse Israel but blessed them instead

Glossary

Amorites Balak Covenant Euphrates River Joshua, Book of King Rest Shechem (Place) Tribe of Dan

Topics

Prayer of Balaam Shechem: Joshua Assembled the Tribes of Israel At

Joshua 24:10

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