Joshua 24:26
Joshua 24:26 in Multiple Translations
Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was near the sanctuary of the LORD.
¶ And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.
And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a great stone, and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of Jehovah.
And Joshua put these words on record, writing them in the book of the law of God; and he took a great stone, and put it up there under the oak-tree which was in the holy place of the Lord.
Joshua recorded this in the Book of the Law of God, and he set up a large stone under the oak tree near the Lord's sanctuary.
And Ioshua wrote these woordes in the booke of the Lawe of God, and tooke a great stone, and pitched it there vnder an oke that was in the Sanctuarie of the Lord.
And Joshua writeth these words in the Book of the Law of God, and taketh a great stone, and raiseth it up there under the oak which [is] in the sanctuary of Jehovah.
Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a great stone, and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.
And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.
And he wrote all these things in the volume of the law of the Lord: and he took a great stone, and set it under the oak that was in the sanctuary of the Lord.
He wrote all those laws on a scroll. He called it ‘The laws of God’. Then he told some men to set up a large stone there at Shechem, under the large oak tree near the place where they worshiped Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 24:26
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joshua 24:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּכְתֹּ֤ב
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙
אֶת
הַ/דְּבָרִ֣ים
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
בְּ/סֵ֖פֶר
תּוֹרַ֣ת
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
וַ/יִּקַּח֙
אֶ֣בֶן
גְּדוֹלָ֔ה
וַ/יְקִימֶ֣/הָ
שָּׁ֔ם
תַּ֚חַת
הָֽ/אַלָּ֔ה
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
בְּ/מִקְדַּ֥שׁ
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יִּכְתֹּ֤ב
kâthab
H3789
to write
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דְּבָרִ֣ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
בְּ/סֵ֖פֶר
çêpher
H5612
scroll
Prep | N-ms
תּוֹרַ֣ת
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fs
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
וַ/יִּקַּח֙
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶ֣בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fs
גְּדוֹלָ֔ה
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
וַ/יְקִימֶ֣/הָ
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
שָּׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
תַּ֚חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
הָֽ/אַלָּ֔ה
ʼallâh
H427
oak
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/מִקְדַּ֥שׁ
miqdâsh
H4720
sanctuary
Prep | N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 24:26
וַ/יִּכְתֹּ֤ב
kâthab
H3789
"to write"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
"Joshua"
N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/דְּבָרִ֣ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
בְּ/סֵ֖פֶר
çêpher
H5612
"scroll"
Prep | N-ms
This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.
Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.
תּוֹרַ֣ת
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַ/יִּקַּח֙
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֶ֣בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
גְּדוֹלָ֔ה
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
וַ/יְקִימֶ֣/הָ
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
שָּׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
תַּ֚חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
הָֽ/אַלָּ֔ה
ʼallâh
H427
"oak"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to a strong tree, often an oak. In the Bible, it is sometimes used as a landmark or a meeting place. The prophet Abraham had an encounter with God by an oak tree in Genesis 18:1.
Definition: 1) oak 2) terebinth
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: oak. See also: Joshua 24:26.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/מִקְדַּ֥שׁ
miqdâsh
H4720
"sanctuary"
Prep | N-ms
A sanctuary or holy place, like a temple or palace, set apart for God or idols, a sacred space.
Definition: 1) sacred place, sanctuary, holy place 1a) sanctuary 1a1) of the temple 1a2) of the tabernacle 1a3) of Ezekiel's temple 1a4) of Jehovah
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: chapel, hallowed part, holy place, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 15:17; Lamentations 1:10; Psalms 68:36.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Joshua 24:26
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Context — Choose Whom You Will Serve
24So the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey His voice.”
25On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he established for them a statute and ordinance.
26Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was near the sanctuary of the LORD.
27And 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.” 28Then Joshua sent the people away, each to his own inheritance.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 9:6 | Then all the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo gathered beside the oak at the pillar in Shechem and proceeded to make Abimelech their king. |
| 2 | Genesis 35:4 | So they gave Jacob all their foreign gods and all their earrings, and Jacob buried them under the oak near Shechem. |
| 3 | Joshua 4:20–24 | And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan. Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’ you are to tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as He did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and so that you may always fear the LORD your God.” |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 31:24–26 | When Moses had finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD: “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. |
| 5 | Genesis 28:18–22 | Early the next morning, Jacob took the stone that he had placed under his head, and he set it up as a pillar. He poured oil on top of it, and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear, so that I may return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God. And this stone I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give You a tenth.” |
| 6 | Exodus 24:4 | And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. |
| 7 | Genesis 35:8 | Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oak below Bethel. So Jacob named it Allon-bachuth. |
| 8 | Joshua 4:3–9 | and command them: ‘Take up for yourselves twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan where the priests were standing, carry them with you, and set them down in the place where you spend the night.’” So Joshua summoned the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, “Cross over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of Israel, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.” Thus the Israelites did as Joshua had commanded them. They took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each tribe of Israel, just as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them to the camp, where they set them down. Joshua also set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, in the place where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant stood. And the stones are there to this day. |
Joshua 24:26 Summary
[Joshua 24:26 is about Joshua writing down the history and laws of the Israelites and setting up a stone to remind them of their promise to follow God. This stone was like a witness to their commitment, just like the stones set up in Joshua 4:6-7. By doing this, Joshua was helping the people remember their covenant with God, which is similar to the concept of covenant seen in Exodus 19:5-6. This reminds us that our own relationship with God is built on promises and faithfulness, and we can use reminders like the stone to help us stay committed to following Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Book of the Law of God mentioned in Joshua 24:26?
The Book of the Law of God refers to the written record of God's commands and covenant with His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:9-13 and Joshua 8:34-35. It contains the history and laws given to the Israelites.
Why did Joshua set up a large stone under the oak tree?
Joshua set up the stone as a witness to the covenant the people made with God, as explained in Joshua 24:27. This stone served as a reminder of their commitment to follow God's laws and obey His voice, similar to the stones set up in Joshua 4:6-7 to commemorate the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan River.
What is the significance of the oak tree near the sanctuary of the Lord?
The oak tree near the sanctuary of the Lord is likely the same tree mentioned in Genesis 35:4, where Jacob buried the foreign gods of his household. This location held spiritual significance for the Israelites and was a place of worship and remembrance.
How does this verse relate to the concept of covenant in the Bible?
This verse is part of a larger narrative about the covenant between God and the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6 and Deuteronomy 29:1-13. The covenant is a promise of faithfulness and obedience between God and His people, and Joshua's actions in this verse serve to reinforce and commemorate this covenant.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can commemorate my own covenant with God, just as Joshua set up the stone as a witness?
- How can I use everyday objects or rituals to remind myself of God's promises and my commitment to follow Him, as seen in Joshua 24:27?
- What are some ways I can apply the principles of Joshua 24:26 to my own life, such as recording my own spiritual journey or setting up reminders of God's faithfulness?
- How can I use this verse as a reminder to obey God's voice and follow His laws, just as the Israelites promised in Joshua 24:24?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 24:26
And Joshua wrote these words,.... Which had passed between him and the people: in the book of the law of God; written by Moses, and which he ordered to be put in the side of the ark, and that being
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 24:26
And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 24:26
These words, i.e. this covenant or agreement of the people with the Lord. In the book of the law of God, i. e. in that volume which was kept in the ark, ,26, whence it was taken and put into this book of Joshua. This he did, partly, for the perpetual remembrance of this great and solemn action; partly, to lay the greater obligation upon the people to be true to their engagement; and partly, as a witness for God, and against the people, if afterwards he severely punished them for their detection from God, to whom they had so solemnly and freely obliged themselves. Set it up there, as a witness and monument of this great transaction, according to the custom of those ancient times, as 31:45 35:14 8:32. Possibly this agreement was written upon this stone, as was then usual. Under an oak that was by the sanctuary of the Lord, i.e. near to the place where the ark and tabernacle then were; for though they were forbidden to plant a grove of trees near unto the altar, , as the Gentiles did, yet they might for a time set up an altar, or the ark, near a great tree which had been planted there before.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 24:26
Joshua 24:26 And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that [was] by the sanctuary of the LORD.Ver. 26. And Joshua wrote these words.] This whole book, or the most part of it, and particularly the Acts of this present Parliament. Under an oak.] Which was therehence called The Oak or Plain of the Pillar.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 24:26
(26) And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God.—Primarily “these words” appear to refer to the transaction just recorded. But it must be observed that this is also the second signature among the sacred writers of the Old Testament. The first is that of Moses, in Deuteronomy 31:9 : “Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests,” &c. The next signature after Joshua’s is that of Samuel (1 Samuel 10:25): “Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in the [not a] book, and laid it up before the Lord.” We have here a clue to the authorship of the Old Testament, and to the view of the writers who succeeded Moses in what they did. They did not look upon themselves as writers of distinct books, but as authorised to add their part to the book already written, to write what was assigned to them “in the book of the law of God.” The unity of Holy Scripture is thus seen to have been an essential feature of the Bible from the very first.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 24:26
26. And Joshua wrote] As Moses at Sinai wrote all the words that Jehovah had spoken in a book, probably a papyrus-roll (Exodus 24:4), so Joshua now inscribed “minutes” of the transactions connected with this renewal of the covenant at Shechem. in the book of the law of God] This protocol he placed inside the roll of the Law of Moses. and took a great stone] Like (a) The stone which Jacob set up at Bethel (Genesis 28:18); (b) The pillar of stones which the same patriarch set up on his return from Padan-aram (Genesis 31:44-46); (c) The twelve pillars which Moses set up at Sinai (Exodus 24:4); (d) The twelve stones set up to mark the passage of the Jordan (Joshua 4:3). under an oak] Or rather, under the oak which was in the sanctuary of Jehovah. See above, ch. Joshua 24:1. “This spot, called in Genesis 12:6 and Genesis 35:4, ‘Allon-Moreh,’ ‘the oak of Moreh’ or of Shechem, is called by the Samaritans Ahron-Moreh, ‘the Ark of Moreh,’ from a supposition that in a vault underneath is buried the Ark. The Mussulmans call it ‘Rigad el Amad,’ ‘the place of the Pillar,’ or ‘Sheykh-el-Amad,’ ‘the Saint of the Pillar.’ ” Stanley’s Lectures, i. 280, n. Possibly beside the old consecrated oak of Abraham and Jacob their altar was still remaining, and it is to be remembered that Joshua himself had built an altar on Mount Ebal, and therefore close to Shechem (Joshua 8:30). Thus many reasons conspired to give a sacred character to “the border of the sanctuary,” the mountain “which the right hand of the Lord had purchased” (Psalms 78:54) at Shechem.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 24:26
Consult the marginal references. That was by the sanctuary of the Lord - i. e. the spot where Abraham and Jacob had sacrificed and worshipped, and which might well be regarded by their posterity as a holy place or sanctuary.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 24:26
26. Joshua wrote these words — A description of all that occurred at Shechem in this solemn renewal of the covenant.
Sermons on Joshua 24:26
| Sermon | Description | |
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Are the Rabbis Right? by Michael L. Brown | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God's decrees and how they can be overruled by the majority. He shares a story from the Talmud about a woman who mistakenly acc |
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Isaiah (Part 3) - Asset or Liability? by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Isaiah, specifically chapter 43. The speaker begins by referencing Deuteronomy and Isaiah 43:27, where God accuses the people of |
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Living a Life of Double Portion Pt. 1 by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life in Christ and understanding the ways of God. He highlights the dichotomy between those who walk in faith and |
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Spiritual House - Part 1 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that we are no longer dealing with shadows, but with the reality of God's desires for us. He highlights the gathering of people from every na |
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The Anointing by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of the anointing in the life of a believer, illustrating its transformative power through biblical examples such as Jacob's anointing, the |
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Twelve Pillars of Witness by G.W. North | G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the twelve pillars Moses erected at Sinai, symbolizing Israel's covenant with God and their identity as a people dedicated to worship. He |
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Only One Altar by G.W. North | G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the altar in the relationship between God and humanity, illustrating how God established a singular altar as the official means of access |