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Joshua 24

Joshua 24:25

Choose Whom You Will Serve · Joshua 24:14–28
Read Joshua 24

Translations

Modern
On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he established for them a statute and ordinance.
Traditional
So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.
Literal
And Joshua cut a covenant with the people that day, and he set for them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.
Latin
Percussit ergo Josue in die illo fœdus, et proposuit populo præcepta atque judicia in Sichem.

Original

Hebrew
English
On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he established for them a statute and ordinance.

Notes

Joshua 24:25

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).

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.

Parallels

Deuteronomy 10:12–22

People

Joshua: Moses' assistant who led Israel into Canaan

Places

Shechem: City in Canaan, later allotted to Ephraim

Glossary

Covenant Joshua, Book of Judges, Book of King Mount Gerizim Rest Shechem (Place) Tribe of Dan Witness

Topics

Backsliders: General Scriptures Concerning Covenant of Man with God: Joshua Decision: Israelites Government: Mosaic: Closely Associated with Moses and Subsequent Leaders Pillar by Joshua, at Shechem Shechem: Joshua Assembled the Tribes of Israel At Stones: Memorial Pillars of