March 8, 2025
The End of an Era
Joshua 21-24
Katie Sherrod
Big Book Idea
God's instruction is given intentionally and leads to flourishing.
Key Verse | Joshua 24:31
Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua and had known all the work that the LORD did for Israel.
Joshua 21-24
Chapter 21
Cities and Pasturelands Allotted to Levi
1 Then the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites came to Eleazar the priest and to Joshua the son of Nun and to the heads of the fathers' houses of the tribes of the people of Israel. 2 And they said to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities to dwell in, along with their pasturelands for our livestock.” 3 So by command of the LORD the people of Israel gave to the Levites the following cities and pasturelands out of their inheritance.
4 The lot came out for the clans of the Kohathites. So those Levites who were descendants of Aaron the priest received by lot from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin, thirteen cities.
5 And the rest of the Kohathites received by lot from the clans of the tribe of Ephraim, from the tribe of Dan and the half-tribe of Manasseh, ten cities.
6 The Gershonites received by lot from the clans of the tribe of Issachar, from the tribe of Asher, from the tribe of Naphtali, and from the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.
7 The Merarites according to their clans received from the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.
8 These cities and their pasturelands the people of Israel gave by lot to the Levites, as the LORD had commanded through Moses.
9 Out of the tribe of the people of Judah and the tribe of the people of Simeon they gave the following cities mentioned by name, 10 which went to the descendants of Aaron, one of the clans of the Kohathites who belonged to the people of Levi; since the lot fell to them first. 11 They gave them Kiriath-arba (Arba being the father of Anak), that is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, along with the pasturelands around it. 12 But the fields of the city and its villages had been given to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as his possession.
13 And to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasturelands, Libnah with its pasturelands, 14 Jattir with its pasturelands, Eshtemoa with its pasturelands, 15 Holon with its pasturelands, Debir with its pasturelands, 16 Ain with its pasturelands, Juttah with its pasturelands, Beth-shemesh with its pasturelands—nine cities out of these two tribes; 17 then out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with its pasturelands, Geba with its pasturelands, 18 Anathoth with its pasturelands, and Almon with its pasturelands—four cities. 19 The cities of the descendants of Aaron, the priests, were in all thirteen cities with their pasturelands.
20 As to the rest of the Kohathites belonging to the Kohathite clans of the Levites, the cities allotted to them were out of the tribe of Ephraim. 21 To them were given Shechem, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, Gezer with its pasturelands, 22 Kibzaim with its pasturelands, Beth-horon with its pasturelands—four cities; 23 and out of the tribe of Dan, Elteke with its pasturelands, Gibbethon with its pasturelands, 24 Aijalon with its pasturelands, Gath-rimmon with its pasturelands—four cities; 25 and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Taanach with its pasturelands, and Gath-rimmon with its pasturelands—two cities. 26 The cities of the clans of the rest of the Kohathites were ten in all with their pasturelands.
27 And to the Gershonites, one of the clans of the Levites, were given out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with its pasturelands, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah with its pasturelands—two cities; 28 and out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishion with its pasturelands, Daberath with its pasturelands, 29 Jarmuth with its pasturelands, En-gannim with its pasturelands—four cities; 30 and out of the tribe of Asher, Mishal with its pasturelands, Abdon with its pasturelands, 31 Helkath with its pasturelands, and Rehob with its pasturelands—four cities; 32 and out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its pasturelands, the city of refuge for the manslayer, Hammoth-dor with its pasturelands, and Kartan with its pasturelands—three cities. 33 The cities of the several clans of the Gershonites were in all thirteen cities with their pasturelands.
34 And to the rest of the Levites, the Merarite clans, were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with its pasturelands, Kartah with its pasturelands, 35 Dimnah with its pasturelands, Nahalal with its pasturelands—four cities; 36 and out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with its pasturelands, Jahaz with its pasturelands, 37 Kedemoth with its pasturelands, and Mephaath with its pasturelands—four cities; 38 and out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with its pasturelands, the city of refuge for the manslayer, Mahanaim with its pasturelands, 39 Heshbon with its pasturelands, Jazer with its pasturelands—four cities in all. 40 As for the cities of the several Merarite clans, that is, the remainder of the clans of the Levites, those allotted to them were in all twelve cities.
41 The cities of the Levites in the midst of the possession of the people of Israel were in all forty-eight cities with their pasturelands. 42 These cities each had its pasturelands around it. So it was with all these cities.
43 Thus the LORD gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. 44 And the LORD gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the LORD had given all their enemies into their hands. 45 Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.
Chapter 22
The Eastern Tribes Return Home
1 At that time Joshua summoned the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, 2 and said to them, “You have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you and have obeyed my voice in all that I have commanded you. 3 You have not forsaken your brothers these many days, down to this day, but have been careful to keep the charge of the LORD your God. 4 And now the LORD your God has given rest to your brothers, as he promised them. Therefore turn and go to your tents in the land where your possession lies, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side of the Jordan. 5 Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” 6 So Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their tents.
7 Now to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given a possession in Bashan, but to the other half Joshua had given a possession beside their brothers in the land west of the Jordan. And when Joshua sent them away to their homes and blessed them, 8 he said to them, “Go back to your tents with much wealth and with very much livestock, with silver, gold, bronze, and iron, and with much clothing. Divide the spoil of your enemies with your brothers.” 9 So the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh returned home, parting from the people of Israel at Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go to the land of Gilead, their own land of which they had possessed themselves by command of the LORD through Moses.
The Eastern Tribes' Altar of Witness
10 And when they came to the region of the Jordan that is in the land of Canaan, the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by the Jordan, an altar of imposing size. 11 And the people of Israel heard it said, “Behold, the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built the altar at the frontier of the land of Canaan, in the region about the Jordan, on the side that belongs to the people of Israel.” 12 And when the people of Israel heard of it, the whole assembly of the people of Israel gathered at Shiloh to make war against them.
13 Then the people of Israel sent to the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, in the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, 14 and with him ten chiefs, one from each of the tribal families of Israel, every one of them the head of a family among the clans of Israel. 15 And they came to the people of Reuben, the people of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, in the land of Gilead, and they said to them, 16 “Thus says the whole congregation of the LORD, ‘What is this breach of faith that you have committed against the God of Israel in turning away this day from following the LORD by building yourselves an altar this day in rebellion against the LORD? 17 Have we not had enough of the sin at Peor from which even yet we have not cleansed ourselves, and for which there came a plague upon the congregation of the LORD, 18 that you too must turn away this day from following the LORD? And if you too rebel against the LORD today then tomorrow he will be angry with the whole congregation of Israel. 19 But now, if the land of your possession is unclean, pass over into the LORD's land where the LORD's tabernacle stands, and take for yourselves a possession among us. Only do not rebel against the LORD or make us as rebels by building for yourselves an altar other than the altar of the LORD our God. 20 Did not Achan the son of Zerah break faith in the matter of the devoted things, and wrath fell upon all the congregation of Israel? And he did not perish alone for his iniquity.’”
21 Then the people of Reuben, the people of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh said in answer to the heads of the families of Israel, 22 “The Mighty One, God, the LORD! The Mighty One, God, the LORD! He knows; and let Israel itself know! If it was in rebellion or in breach of faith against the LORD, do not spare us today 23 for building an altar to turn away from following the LORD. Or if we did so to offer burnt offerings or grain offerings or peace offerings on it, may the LORD himself take vengeance. 24 No, but we did it from fear that in time to come your children might say to our children, ‘What have you to do with the LORD, the God of Israel? 25 For the LORD has made the Jordan a boundary between us and you, you people of Reuben and people of Gad. You have no portion in the LORD.’ So your children might make our children cease to worship the LORD. 26 Therefore we said, ‘Let us now build an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice, 27 but to be a witness between us and you, and between our generations after us, that we do perform the service of the LORD in his presence with our burnt offerings and sacrifices and peace offerings, so your children will not say to our children in time to come, “You have no portion in the LORD.”’ 28 And we thought, ‘If this should be said to us or to our descendants in time to come, we should say, “Behold, the copy of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifice, but to be a witness between us and you.”’ 29 Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD and turn away this day from following the LORD by building an altar for burnt offering, grain offering, or sacrifice, other than the altar of the LORD our God that stands before his tabernacle!”
30 When Phinehas the priest and the chiefs of the congregation, the heads of the families of Israel who were with him, heard the words that the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the people of Manasseh spoke, it was good in their eyes. 31 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said to the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the people of Manasseh, “Today we know that the LORD is in our midst, because you have not committed this breach of faith against the LORD. Now you have delivered the people of Israel from the hand of the LORD.”
32 Then Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the chiefs, returned from the people of Reuben and the people of Gad in the land of Gilead to the land of Canaan, to the people of Israel, and brought back word to them. 33 And the report was good in the eyes of the people of Israel. And the people of Israel blessed God and spoke no more of making war against them to destroy the land where the people of Reuben and the people of Gad were settled. 34 The people of Reuben and the people of Gad called the altar Witness, “For,” they said, “it is a witness between us that the LORD is God.”
Chapter 23
Joshua's Charge to Israel's Leaders
1 A long time afterward, when the LORD had given rest to Israel from all their surrounding enemies, and Joshua was old and well advanced in years, 2 Joshua summoned all Israel, its elders and heads, its judges and officers, and said to them, “I am now old and well advanced in years. 3 And you have seen all that the LORD your God has done to all these nations for your sake, for it is the LORD your God who has fought for you. 4 Behold, I have allotted to you as an inheritance for your tribes those nations that remain, along with all the nations that I have already cut off, from the Jordan to the Great Sea in the west. 5 The LORD your God will push them back before you and drive them out of your sight. And you shall possess their land, just as the LORD your God promised you. 6 Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left, 7 that you may not mix with these nations remaining among you or make mention of the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them, 8 but you shall cling to the LORD your God just as you have done to this day. 9 For the LORD has driven out before you great and strong nations. And as for you, no man has been able to stand before you to this day. 10 One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the LORD your God who fights for you, just as he promised you. 11 Be very careful, therefore, to love the LORD your God. 12 For if you turn back and cling to the remnant of these nations remaining among you and make marriages with them, so that you associate with them and they with you, 13 know for certain that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you, but they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good ground that the LORD your God has given you.
14 And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things 1 23:14 Or words; also twice in verse 15 that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed. 15 But just as all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you have been fulfilled for you, so the LORD will bring upon you all the evil things, until he has destroyed you from off this good land that the LORD your God has given you, 16 if you transgress the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them. Then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you, and you shall perish quickly from off the good land that he has given to you.”
Chapter 24
The Covenant Renewal at Shechem
1 Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel. And they presented themselves before God. 2 And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Long ago, your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, 2 24:2 Hebrew the River Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods. 3 Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River 3 24:3 That is, the Euphrates; also verses 14, 15 and led him through all the land of Canaan, and made his offspring many. I gave him Isaac. 4 And to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. And I gave Esau the hill country of Seir to possess, but Jacob and his children went down to Egypt. 5 And I sent Moses and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt with what I did in the midst of it, and afterward I brought you out.
6 ‘Then I brought your fathers out of Egypt, and you came to the sea. And the Egyptians pursued your fathers with chariots and horsemen to the Red Sea. 7 And when they cried to the LORD, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians and made the sea come upon them and cover them; and your eyes saw what I did in Egypt. And you lived in the wilderness a long time. 8 Then I brought you to the land of the Amorites, who lived on the other side of the Jordan. They fought with you, and I gave them into your hand, and you took possession of their land, and I destroyed them before you. 9 Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel. And he sent and invited Balaam the son of Beor to curse you, 10 but I would not listen to Balaam. Indeed, he blessed you. So I delivered you out of his hand. 11 And you went over the Jordan and came to Jericho, and the leaders of Jericho fought against you, and also the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And I gave them into your hand. 12 And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out before you, the two kings of the Amorites; it was not by your sword or by your bow. 13 I gave you a land on which you had not labored and cities that you had not built, and you dwell in them. You eat the fruit of vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant.’
Choose Whom You Will Serve
14 Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods, 17 for it is the LORD our God who brought us and our fathers up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight and preserved us in all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed. 18 And the LORD drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.”
19 But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. 20 If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good.” 21 And the people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the LORD.” 22 Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” 23 He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the LORD, the God of Israel.” 24 And the people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.” 25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and put in place statutes and rules for them at Shechem. 26 And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God. And he took a large stone and set it up there under the terebinth that was by the sanctuary of the LORD. 27 And Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the LORD that he spoke to us. Therefore it shall be a witness against you, lest you deal falsely with your God.” 28 So Joshua sent the people away, every man to his inheritance.
Joshua's Death and Burial
29 After these things Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being 110 years old. 30 And they buried him in his own inheritance at Timnath-serah, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, north of the mountain of Gaash.
31 Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua and had known all the work that the LORD did for Israel.
32 As for the bones of Joseph, which the people of Israel brought up from Egypt, they buried them at Shechem, in the piece of land that Jacob bought from the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of money. 4 24:32 Hebrew for a hundred qesitah; a unit of money of unknown value It became an inheritance of the descendants of Joseph.
33 And Eleazar the son of Aaron died, and they buried him at Gibeah, the town of Phinehas his son, which had been given him in the hill country of Ephraim.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Joshua
Timeline
Author and Date
While this book mentions Joshua writing (8:32; 24:26), it does not claim he wrote the book. The repeated references to something existing “to this day” (see 4:9; 5:9; 6:25; etc.) seem to suggest that there was a significant lapse of time between the events recorded in the book and the time when the writing of the book was completed. The final writing may have taken place in the time of the exile (post-587 B.C.), but the writing probably began much earlier.
Theme
Joshua records part two of God’s grandest work of redemption in the OT period. In part one (the Pentateuch), the Lord redeemed his people out of slavery in Egypt and formalized his covenantal love for them at Sinai. Moses led the people during that time. Now in part two, under the leadership of Joshua, the Lord brings his people into the Land of Promise and gives them rest.
Purpose and Background
The book of Joshua seeks to explain God’s purpose in the events surrounding Israel’s capture of and settlement in Canaan. Those events are seen as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Such an account would have been relevant to ancient Israel from its earliest arrival in Canaan, and to every generation of God’s people to the present day.
Joshua comes immediately after the Pentateuch and in many ways completes its story. The theme of the first five books of the Bible is the progressive fulfillment of the “patriarchal promise,” made first to Abraham (Gen. 12:1–3) and repeated to his son Isaac (Gen. 26:2–4) and his grandson Jacob (Gen. 28:13–15; etc.). The Lord promised Abraham and his descendants that they would be blessed and would become a blessing to others, that they would grow to become a great nation, and that they would be given a land of their own—and that these blessings would be enjoyed within a close covenant relationship with God.
By the end of the Pentateuch, Israel has been brought into a covenant relationship with the Lord and has become a great people. But they remain outside the Land of Promise, on the plains of Moab. Forty years before, the Lord had chosen Moses to lead his people out of slavery in Egypt and to bring them to the land he had promised (Ex. 3:6–8; 6:2–8). Now, after so many years of wandering, Joshua, the “new Moses” (Josh. 1:1–9), is to lead God’s people into the land, take it, and divide it among them as their inheritance from the Lord.
Key Themes
- The Lord’s continuing presence as the key to strength and courage (e.g., 1:5, 9).
- The importance of the Lord’s instructions for succeeding in one’s mission and acting with wisdom (1:7–8).
- The ability of the Lord to save the “outsider” (Rahab), and the danger of the “insider” falling away (Achan; see chs. 2 and 7).
- The Lord as divine Warrior and the reality of judgment (e.g., 10:42; 11:19–20).
- The danger of failing to ask the Lord (e.g., 9:14).
- The Lord as Protector of the covenant (e.g., 10:1–15, especially v. 11).
- The unity of the people of God (18:1–10; 22:34).
- The sovereignty of God in giving his people a place and rest (1:13; 11:23; 21:43–45).
- The faithfulness of God in fulfilling all his good promises (1:2; 21:43–45).
- The necessity of removing false gods and worshiping God alone (ch. 24).
Outline
- Crossing into the Land (1:1–5:15)
- Taking the Land (6:1–12:24)
- Dividing the Land (13:1–21:45)
- Serving the Lord in the Land (22:1–24:33)
The Setting of Joshua
c. 1406 B.C.
The book of Joshua recounts Israel’s conquest of the land of Canaan under Joshua’s command. The book opens with Joshua being commissioned by the Lord as the leader of the Israelites. It tells of his victories over the Canaanite kings and how he allotted the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. The book ends with Joshua encouraging the people to remain faithful to the Lord.
Fact: Dividing the spoils
Dividing the spoils after a war or battle was a very common practice. Livestock, precious metals, clothing, and even people could be taken as spoils. These things were considered gifts from the victor’s gods. In the case of the Israelites, they were considered gifts from the Lord. All gifts were to be shared with allies no matter how much or how little they helped in winning the victory.
Fact: Shechem
Shechem was an important center of pagan worship before and during the time of Joshua. It also became important for Israel as the place where they renewed their covenant with the Lord.
The Setting of Joshua
c. 1406 B.C.
The book of Joshua recounts Israel’s conquest of the land of Canaan under Joshua’s command. The book opens with Joshua being commissioned by the Lord as the leader of the Israelites. It tells of his victories over the Canaanite kings and how he allotted the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. The book ends with Joshua encouraging the people to remain faithful to the Lord.
Joshua 1:1–9 as a “Table of Contents” for the Rest of the Book
| “Table of Contents” Item: | Corresponds To: |
|---|---|
| “arise, go over this Jordan . . . into the land that I am giving . . . to the people of Israel” (1:2–5) | Israel conquers Canaan (1:10–12:24) |
| “you shall cause this people to inherit the land” (1:6) | Israel’s inheritance distributed (chs. 13–21) |
| “be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law . . .” (1:7–9) | Covenant renewal (chs. 22–24) |
Seven Stone Memorials in the Land
| 4:20 | Gilgal | a reminder of God’s faithfulness in bringing Israel safely across the Jordan into the Promised Land |
| 7:26 | over Achan | a reminder of Israel’s potential for unfaithfulness and of the dire consequences that result |
| 8:28–29 | over the king of Ai | a monument to Israel’s second chance and restoration |
| 8:30–32 | Joshua engraves a copy of the law | a reminder of Israel’s duty to live in obedience to the divine “Torah,” or “instruction” |
| 10:27 | over Amorite kings at Gibeon | a reminder of God’s gracious action in defending Israel’s covenant with a Canaanite city |
| 22:34 | peace in the land of Gilead | a witness to the unity of the Transjordanian tribes with Israel west of the Jordan |
| 24:26–27 | covenant renewal at Shechem | a reminder of Israel’s duty to serve the Lord, who fulfilled every promise in bringing them into the land |
The Covenant Renewal Ceremony at Shechem (Josh. 24:2–27) Compared with Other Ancient Treaties
| Element | Function | Verses |
|---|---|---|
| preamble | introduces the suzerain (i.e., the sovereign) | v. 2 |
| historical prologue | recounts the suzerain’s past gracious dealings with the vassal (i.e., the subordinate) | vv. 2–13 |
| stipulations | outlines the vassal’s consequent responsibilities in respect to the suzerain | vv. 14–24 |
| written record | preserves the covenant agreement | v. 26 |
| witnesses | named | vv. 26–27; see v. 22 |
| blessings and curses | considered | implicit throughout, esp. in v. 20 |
Josh. 21:1–41 In Num. 35:1–8, the LORD commanded through Moses that 48 cities (including the six cities of refuge) be assigned to the Levites. Taking cities and their pasturelands from each of the tribes would scatter the Levites throughout the whole of Israel (see Gen. 49:7) so that they could fulfill their duties of teaching the Israelites. They were grouped by their relation to one of Levi’s three sons (see Gen. 46:11). The Kohathites (Josh. 21:4), from whom Aaron and his line descended (Ex. 6:16–20), received cities in the center and the south. The Gershonites (Josh. 21:6) and Merarites (v. 7) received cities in the north and east.
13:1–21:45 Dividing the Land. In this third major section the Lord instructs Joshua in dividing and assigning the land. It is packed with geographical details.
Josh. 20:1–21:45 The designation of six cities of refuge (ch. 20) and 48 Levitical cities (21:1–42) demonstrates the Lord’s concern that the land be a place where justice prevails and true worship is encouraged.
Josh. 21:43–45 These verses should be understood as a summary statement emphasizing the Lord’s decisive action on behalf of Israel. They are not saying that all of Israel’s enemies had been removed from the land. Although Israel had taken possession of the land and settled there, much work remained to be done (see 23:5). Still, the Lord has been utterly true to his good promises.
Josh. 22:8 Divide the spoil . . . with your brothers. The spoils of victory are regarded as gifts from the Lord. They are to be shared with allies, or covenant partners, regardless of their actual role in the conflict (see Num. 31:25–31; 1 Sam. 30:24).
Fact: Dividing the spoils
Dividing the spoils after a war or battle was a very common practice. Livestock, precious metals, clothing, and even people could be taken as spoils. These things were considered gifts from the victor’s gods. In the case of the Israelites, they were considered gifts from the Lord. All gifts were to be shared with allies no matter how much or how little they helped in winning the victory.
Josh. 22:10–11 As they returned to their homes east of the Jordan, the eastern tribes built an altar of imposing size, apparently on the western shore of the Jordan (on the side that belongs to the people of Israel) but large enough to be seen from either side.
Josh. 22:13–20 Fearing that the altar means the eastern tribes have strayed from following God, the tribes west of the Jordan send a group to confront them. Phinehas the son of Eleazar. See Num. 25:1–9. Given its communal responsibility, all Israel can suffer for the sins of a few or even just one. The group rightly fears that the Lord may become angry with the whole congregation of Israel (Josh. 22:18).
Josh. 22:21–31 The group from the western tribes is relieved that the altar built by the eastern tribes is only a copy of the altar of the LORD (v. 28). It is not intended to rival the altar at Shiloh. It is only to serve as a witness (v. 28), a visible monument to counter any suggestion (now or in the future) that the eastern tribes have no portion in the LORD (v. 25).
Josh. 22:1–34 The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the eastern half of Manasseh are released to return to their homes east of the Jordan River. They have fulfilled their duties to their fellow Israelites west of the Jordan (see Numbers 32).
Josh. 22:34 called the altar Witness. This sixth monument in the land (see note on 4:20) bears witness to the unity of the Israelite tribes on both sides of the Jordan.
Seven Stone Memorials in the Land
| 4:20 | Gilgal | a reminder of God’s faithfulness in bringing Israel safely across the Jordan into the Promised Land |
| 7:26 | over Achan | a reminder of Israel’s potential for unfaithfulness and of the dire consequences that result |
| 8:28–29 | over the king of Ai | a monument to Israel’s second chance and restoration |
| 8:30–32 | Joshua engraves a copy of the law | a reminder of Israel’s duty to live in obedience to the divine “Torah,” or “instruction” |
| 10:27 | over Amorite kings at Gibeon | a reminder of God’s gracious action in defending Israel’s covenant with a Canaanite city |
| 22:34 | peace in the land of Gilead | a witness to the unity of the Transjordanian tribes with Israel west of the Jordan |
| 24:26–27 | covenant renewal at Shechem | a reminder of Israel’s duty to serve the Lord, who fulfilled every promise in bringing them into the land |
Josh. 23:1 A long time afterward. Probably more than 25 years has elapsed since Israel first crossed the Jordan into the land.
Josh. 23:4–5 I have allotted . . . those nations that remain. Joshua reminds Israel’s leaders of the Lord’s promise to drive . . . out the remaining peoples and their own responsibility to possess their land (see 13:1).
Josh. 23:7–8 Allegiance to the gods of other nations continued to be the primary threat Israel faced while living among (mix with) the nations (compare Ps. 106:34–39).
Josh. 23:1–16 The next generation of leaders is charged in terms echoing the charge to Joshua in ch. 1.
Josh. 23:15–16 Key Mosaic descriptions of blessings and curses are in Lev. 26:14–46 and Deut. 28:15–68.
Josh. 24:1 Shechem. See 8:30–33 and Judges 9.
Fact: Shechem
Shechem was an important center of pagan worship before and during the time of Joshua. It also became important for Israel as the place where they renewed their covenant with the Lord.
Josh. 24:2 Thus says the LORD. Joshua relays the Lord’s word, just as Moses did (Deut. 5:27; 18:15–19).
Josh. 24:12 It seems best to take the hornet as a symbol for the sting of fear that the Lord inflicts on his enemies. See Ex. 23:27–28, where “hornet” parallels “my terror.” Compare also Deut. 7:20. The focus in all three contexts where “hornet” appears is on the Lord’s driving out Israel’s enemies.
Josh. 24:14 Having seen the Lord’s faithfulness, Israel is called to fear the LORD—implying reverence and true devotion—and serve him.
Josh. 24:15 choose this day whom you will serve. Joshua has urged the people to serve the Lord alone, and to put away the false gods (v. 14). Now he makes his admonition even sharper: if it is evil in their eyes to serve the LORD, then they must choose between two different categories of false gods: (1) their ancestral gods from Mesopotamia (beyond the River), or (2) the gods worshiped by the peoples they have dispossessed in Canaan.
Josh. 24:19–21 You are not able to serve the LORD. Joshua is not saying that it is impossible to truly serve the Lord. Rather, he is saying it cannot be done casually or without divine assistance. It is troubling that the people simply reassert their claim—No, but we will serve the LORD—rather than ask for further instruction or prayer. Joshua’s warning that he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins is not to suggest that God is unforgiving but that he cannot allow unfaithfulness to go uncorrected.
Josh. 24:23 The mention of foreign gods . . . among you makes the reader wonder how these idols could have been tolerated up to this point. Perhaps, as in vv. 14–15, Joshua is referring to the inner attitudes of the people’s hearts.
Josh. 24:26–27 The title Book of the Law of God occurs elsewhere only in Neh. 8:18, where it is explicitly identified with the “Book of the Law of Moses” (Neh. 8:1) and “Book of the Law” (Neh. 8:3). Those same titles are also found in Joshua (see “Book of the Law” [Josh. 1:8] and note on 1:5–9, and “Book of the Law of Moses” [8:31] and note on 8:32). It is likely that “Book of the Law of God” in Joshua refers to the particular covenant enacted by Joshua with the people in 24:25. This writing has not survived, except as mentioned here. a large stone . . . a witness. This seventh monument in the land (see note on 4:20) reminds Israel to serve the Lord, who fulfilled every promise in bringing them into the land.
Seven Stone Memorials in the Land
| 4:20 | Gilgal | a reminder of God’s faithfulness in bringing Israel safely across the Jordan into the Promised Land |
| 7:26 | over Achan | a reminder of Israel’s potential for unfaithfulness and of the dire consequences that result |
| 8:28–29 | over the king of Ai | a monument to Israel’s second chance and restoration |
| 8:30–32 | Joshua engraves a copy of the law | a reminder of Israel’s duty to live in obedience to the divine “Torah,” or “instruction” |
| 10:27 | over Amorite kings at Gibeon | a reminder of God’s gracious action in defending Israel’s covenant with a Canaanite city |
| 22:34 | peace in the land of Gilead | a witness to the unity of the Transjordanian tribes with Israel west of the Jordan |
| 24:26–27 | covenant renewal at Shechem | a reminder of Israel’s duty to serve the Lord, who fulfilled every promise in bringing them into the land |
The Covenant Renewal Ceremony at Shechem (Josh. 24:2–27) Compared with Other Ancient Treaties
| Element | Function | Verses |
|---|---|---|
| preamble | introduces the suzerain (i.e., the sovereign) | v. 2 |
| historical prologue | recounts the suzerain’s past gracious dealings with the vassal (i.e., the subordinate) | vv. 2–13 |
| stipulations | outlines the vassal’s consequent responsibilities in respect to the suzerain | vv. 14–24 |
| written record | preserves the covenant agreement | v. 26 |
| witnesses | named | vv. 26–27; see v. 22 |
| blessings and curses | considered | implicit throughout, esp. in v. 20 |
Josh. 24:29 Now at the end of his life, and for the first time, Joshua is called the servant of the LORD like Moses (see note on 1:1).
Josh. 24:31 Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and . . . elders. But what will happen in the next generation? See Judg. 2:6–15.
Josh. 24:32 Burying the bones of Joseph . . . at Shechem brings the book of Joshua (and the patriarchal history) to a fitting close. Joseph’s final wish is granted (Gen. 50:25; Ex. 13:19). All three aspects of God’s promise to the patriarchs are, at least in part, fulfilled. Israel has become a great nation; it stands in a blessed relationship to the Lord; and it has a land of its own.
Josh. 22:1–24:33 Serving the Lord in the Land. In this final section, with the Lord having fulfilled all his “good promises” (21:45), it is now Israel’s turn to respond. In his old age, Joshua charges the people to unite and serve the Lord alone.
Josh. 24:1–33 Joshua again called for an assembly at Shechem for a ceremony of covenant renewal (compare 8:30–35; Deut. 11:26–30; 27:1–28:68).
Josh. 24:33 Eleazar the son of Aaron died. Given Eleazar’s importance (see note on 14:1) both in the Pentateuch and in Joshua, his death is one more sign of an era ending.
Joshua 1:1–9 as a “Table of Contents” for the Rest of the Book
| “Table of Contents” Item: | Corresponds To: |
|---|---|
| “arise, go over this Jordan . . . into the land that I am giving . . . to the people of Israel” (1:2–5) | Israel conquers Canaan (1:10–12:24) |
| “you shall cause this people to inherit the land” (1:6) | Israel’s inheritance distributed (chs. 13–21) |
| “be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law . . .” (1:7–9) | Covenant renewal (chs. 22–24) |
The Setting of Joshua
c. 1406 B.C.
The book of Joshua recounts Israel’s conquest of the land of Canaan under Joshua’s command. The book opens with Joshua being commissioned by the Lord as the leader of the Israelites. It tells of his victories over the Canaanite kings and how he allotted the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. The book ends with Joshua encouraging the people to remain faithful to the Lord.
Introduction to Joshua
Timeline
Author and Date
While this book mentions Joshua writing (8:32; 24:26), it does not claim he wrote the book. The repeated references to something existing “to this day” (see 4:9; 5:9; 6:25; etc.) seem to suggest that there was a significant lapse of time between the events recorded in the book and the time when the writing of the book was completed. The final writing may have taken place in the time of the exile (post-587 B.C.), but the writing probably began much earlier.
Theme
Joshua records part two of God’s grandest work of redemption in the OT period. In part one (the Pentateuch), the Lord redeemed his people out of slavery in Egypt and formalized his covenantal love for them at Sinai. Moses led the people during that time. Now in part two, under the leadership of Joshua, the Lord brings his people into the Land of Promise and gives them rest.
Purpose and Background
The book of Joshua seeks to explain God’s purpose in the events surrounding Israel’s capture of and settlement in Canaan. Those events are seen as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Such an account would have been relevant to ancient Israel from its earliest arrival in Canaan, and to every generation of God’s people to the present day.
Joshua comes immediately after the Pentateuch and in many ways completes its story. The theme of the first five books of the Bible is the progressive fulfillment of the “patriarchal promise,” made first to Abraham (Gen. 12:1–3) and repeated to his son Isaac (Gen. 26:2–4) and his grandson Jacob (Gen. 28:13–15; etc.). The Lord promised Abraham and his descendants that they would be blessed and would become a blessing to others, that they would grow to become a great nation, and that they would be given a land of their own—and that these blessings would be enjoyed within a close covenant relationship with God.
By the end of the Pentateuch, Israel has been brought into a covenant relationship with the Lord and has become a great people. But they remain outside the Land of Promise, on the plains of Moab. Forty years before, the Lord had chosen Moses to lead his people out of slavery in Egypt and to bring them to the land he had promised (Ex. 3:6–8; 6:2–8). Now, after so many years of wandering, Joshua, the “new Moses” (Josh. 1:1–9), is to lead God’s people into the land, take it, and divide it among them as their inheritance from the Lord.
Key Themes
- The Lord’s continuing presence as the key to strength and courage (e.g., 1:5, 9).
- The importance of the Lord’s instructions for succeeding in one’s mission and acting with wisdom (1:7–8).
- The ability of the Lord to save the “outsider” (Rahab), and the danger of the “insider” falling away (Achan; see chs. 2 and 7).
- The Lord as divine Warrior and the reality of judgment (e.g., 10:42; 11:19–20).
- The danger of failing to ask the Lord (e.g., 9:14).
- The Lord as Protector of the covenant (e.g., 10:1–15, especially v. 11).
- The unity of the people of God (18:1–10; 22:34).
- The sovereignty of God in giving his people a place and rest (1:13; 11:23; 21:43–45).
- The faithfulness of God in fulfilling all his good promises (1:2; 21:43–45).
- The necessity of removing false gods and worshiping God alone (ch. 24).
Outline
- Crossing into the Land (1:1–5:15)
- Taking the Land (6:1–12:24)
- Dividing the Land (13:1–21:45)
- Serving the Lord in the Land (22:1–24:33)
The Setting of Joshua
c. 1406 B.C.
The book of Joshua recounts Israel’s conquest of the land of Canaan under Joshua’s command. The book opens with Joshua being commissioned by the Lord as the leader of the Israelites. It tells of his victories over the Canaanite kings and how he allotted the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. The book ends with Joshua encouraging the people to remain faithful to the Lord.
How do we understand God's character in Joshua?
Listen NowDive Deeper | Joshua 21-24
I love how God empowered Joshua to be a strong, confident leader who practically possessed and verbally passed Truth. He gathers the Israelites at this historic location for a specific purpose as he reminds, exhorts, and boldly challenges them to wholeheartedly follow the Lord, in word and deed, as a loving response to the faithfulness and greatness of their God. Many were drifting away from their devotion to God with disobedience and other loves. Joshua reminds them of what God has graciously chosen to do for them, firmly proclaims his uncommon conviction, and simply asks what they will choose. He is "putting the ball in their court." He calls them to action—surrendered allegiance to the deepest Lover of their souls.
I can relate with the Israelites, as I often get distracted and "too busy" with the meaningless tasks of my day, losing vision of the bigger, beautiful picture of who I am, whose I am, and why I exist. I need constant redirecting. I need a convicting question to challenge what I'm chasing after. We are created for God's purposes and glory. With the unfolding of His story, He is sanctifying and conforming us into His image. We have reason to trust in our promise-keeping God.
Too frequently, I forget the greatness of my God, not allowing my will to be swallowed up by His. "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it." I am easily distracted by lesser gods even though I've tasted and seen His goodness. What does my lifestyle reveal about the deepest love of my life? My husband says that despite our words, "Our children know our priorities by what we plan for, pay for, and praise." I agree, we live what we believe.
Oh, how we need bold challenge and encouragement among the body of Christ as we spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). May we lead by example as we follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1) and be a flourishing people as we respond with life-changing obedience to the intentional instruction of the truth of God's Holy Word.
This month's memory verse
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
– 1 Samuel 16:7
Discussion Questions
1. In what ways do you practically live out the faith you possess? Do others see the difference Christ has made in your life by what you plan for, pay for, and praise?
2. Are you verbally passing your faith to those around you? Whom do you need to lovingly encourage and challenge?
3. How are you remembering the past faithfulness of God and all He has graciously done? How does this fuel your passion and obedience?
4. In what ways have you drifted in your devotion to Jesus? What do you need to do to get back on track?
5. How are you allowing the truth of God's Word to transform your thoughts and actions? How can you boldly take a stand on your uncommon conviction to serve the Lord in your places of influence?