Joshua gathers all Israel's tribes to Shechem and recounts the LORD's mighty acts: calling Abraham from beyond the Euphrates, giving Isaac and Jacob, bringing Israel through Egypt and the Red Sea, leading them through the wilderness, giving them the land of the Amorites, delivering them from Balak and Balaam, and conquering Jericho and the Canaanite kings. He challenges them to choose this day whom they will serve—the gods their fathers served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites—declaring that he and his house will serve the LORD. The people covenant to serve the LORD alone; Joshua writes these words in the Book of God's Law and sets up a great stone witness under the oak at Shechem. Joshua dies at 110 and is buried at Timnath-serah; Israel serves the LORD all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua; Joseph's bones, brought from Egypt, are buried at Shechem in Jacob's purchased plot.
Read Joshua Chapter 24 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
Successor of Moses who led Israel in conquering and settling the Promised Land
Faithful spy who received Hebron as his inheritance at age 85
Canaanite woman who hid the spies and was saved with her family
Israelite who sinned by taking devoted things from Jericho, causing Israel's defeat at Ai
First High Priest of the Second Temple
Father of Many Nations
Son of Abraham
Father of the Twelve Tribes of Israel
Twin Brother of Jacob
Prophet and Lawgiver
First High Priest
Prophet whose Donkey Spoke
The One Who Buried Jesus
Places in This Chapter
First city conquered, whose walls fell miraculously after Israel marched around them
Miraculously crossed on dry ground, marking Israel's entry into the Promised Land
Canaan was the Promised Land, the territory God promised to Abraham and his descendants. It stretched from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. The Israelites conquered Canaan under Joshua after the Exodus. The land was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel.
Egypt plays a significant role throughout the Bible, from the time of Abraham to the flight of the Holy Family. Joseph was sold into slavery there and rose to become second to Pharaoh, saving his family during famine. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses in the Exodus. Jesus' family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod, fulfilling the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son."
The Red Sea (Hebrew: Yam Suph, "Sea of Reeds") was miraculously parted by God to allow the Israelites to escape from Egypt. The waters then returned to drown Pharaoh's army. This event became central to Israel's identity and is celebrated throughout Scripture as God's mighty act of salvation.
The wilderness refers to the desert regions of Sinai and Judea. Israel wandered here for 40 years after the Exodus. John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea, and Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days. It represents testing, preparation, and encounter with God.
Position in Book
Eastern tribes return home, Joshua's farewell address, covenant renewal at Shechem, and Joshua's death.
Bible Bites
Choose this day whom you will serve
Joshua 24 records Joshua's final challenge to Israel at Shechem, where he famously declared, 'As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.' This covenant renewal ceremony took place at the very location where Abraham first received God's promise in Canaan.
Joshua 24:15