Joshua 24:27

Translations

Modern

And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.”

Traditional

And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the Lord which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.

Literal

And Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be to us a witness, for it has heard all the words of YHWH that He spoke to us. And it will be for a witness against you, lest you deny your God.”

Latin

…et dixit ad omnem populum: En lapis iste erit vobis in testimonium, quod audierit omnia verba Domini, quæ locutus est vobis: ne forte postea negare velitis, et mentiri Domino Deo vestro.

Original

Hebrew

English

And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.”

Notes

Joshua 24:27

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

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 The Limitations of Law

Related verses

Luke 19:40
“I tell you,” He answered, “if they remain silent, the very stones will cry out.”
Joshua 22:34
So the Reubenites and Gadites named the altar Witness, for they said, “It is a witness between us that the LORD is God.”
Deuteronomy 31:26
“Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, so that it may remain there as a witness against you.
Joshua 22:27–28
Rather, let it be a witness between us and you and the generations to come, that we will worship the LORD in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings.’ Then in the future, your descendants cannot say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD!’
Matthew 10:33
But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.
Deuteronomy 32:1
Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
Proverbs 30:9
Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God.
Isaiah 1:2
Listen, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: “I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me.
Job 31:23
For calamity from God terrifies me, and His splendor I cannot overpower.
1 Samuel 7:12
Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”
2 Timothy 2:12–13
…if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us;
Deuteronomy 31:21
And when many troubles and afflictions have come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants. For I know their inclination, even before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them.”

Parallels

Deuteronomy 10:12–22

People

Joshua: Moses' assistant who led Israel into Canaan

Glossary

Covenant Joshua, Book of Judges, Book of King Mount Gerizim Rest Tribe of Dan Witness

Topics

Backsliders: General Scriptures Concerning Covenant of Man with God: Joshua Pillar by Joshua, at Shechem Shechem: Joshua Assembled the Tribes of Israel At

Joshua 24:27

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