The final chapters of the Book of Joshua, Joshua 21 to 24, wrap up the story of Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land and solidify their new home as a place of inheritance, rest, and covenant renewal. These chapters focus on the distribution of land to the Levites, the resolution of a potential conflict among the tribes, and Joshua’s farewell address that reminds the Israelites to remain faithful to God.
Joshua 21: The Inheritance of the Levites
In Joshua 21, the focus shifts to the Levites, the tribe set apart for priestly duties. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites do not receive a large territorial inheritance. Instead, they are given cities scattered throughout the territories of all the other tribes. The Levites are assigned 48 cities, along with their surrounding pasturelands. This arrangement allows the Levites to serve as spiritual leaders and teachers throughout Israel, rather than being confined to one specific area.
The chapter concludes with a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness. It states that the Lord fulfilled every promise He made to Israel, giving them all the land He had sworn to their forefathers. They were able to settle in the land, and their enemies could not stand before them because the Lord had fought for Israel. This declaration of fulfillment emphasizes the success of Israel’s conquest and the establishment of their new life in the land.
Joshua 22: The Return of the Eastern Tribes and the Altar of Witness
In Joshua 22, Joshua releases the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to return to their land east of the Jordan River. These tribes had faithfully assisted in the conquest of Canaan, as they had promised Moses and Joshua. Now, having completed their task, they return to their own territories, where they had settled before the conquest began.
Before crossing back over the Jordan, the eastern tribes build a large altar by the river. This action causes immediate alarm among the other Israelite tribes, who fear the altar represents an act of rebellion against God. They gather at Shiloh to prepare for war, concerned that this altar could lead to idolatry and bring God’s judgment upon the entire nation.
However, when a delegation is sent to confront the eastern tribes, they explain that the altar is not for sacrifices, but rather a witness between them and the rest of Israel. It is meant to serve as a reminder that they are part of the covenant community, even though they live across the Jordan. The explanation satisfies the western tribes, and they praise God for preventing a civil war. The altar is named Ed, meaning “witness,” symbolizing the unity of the nation despite geographical separation.
Joshua 23: Joshua’s Farewell Address
Joshua 23 records Joshua’s first farewell speech to the leaders of Israel. Now an old man, Joshua reminds the Israelites of all that God has done for them. He emphasizes that it was the Lord who fought for them and gave them the land, not their own strength or power.
Joshua urges the people to remain faithful to God, warning them not to turn away and worship the gods of the surrounding nations. He encourages them to love the Lord with all their hearts and to obey His commands. Joshua warns that if they turn from God and follow other gods, they will lose the land and face destruction, just as the nations before them did.
This address is a call to faithfulness, with Joshua pointing out that God has been with them every step of the way. However, he also reminds them that God’s blessings are conditional upon their obedience. If they forsake the covenant, they will experience the consequences of disobedience.
Joshua 24: Covenant Renewal at Shechem
Joshua 24 brings the narrative to a close with Joshua’s second farewell address, this time to all the people of Israel, gathered at Shechem. In this final chapter, Joshua recounts Israel’s history, beginning with the calling of Abraham and tracing the journey from Egypt to the conquest of Canaan. Joshua reminds the Israelites of God’s faithfulness throughout their journey, emphasizing how the Lord has protected and provided for them at every stage.
In this solemn moment, Joshua calls the people to make a choice: either serve the Lord, who brought them out of Egypt and gave them the land, or follow the gods of the surrounding nations. Joshua famously declares, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
The people respond by affirming their commitment to serve the Lord alone, rejecting the gods of their ancestors and the idols of the Canaanites. Joshua establishes a covenant with the people that day, setting up a stone as a witness to the renewal of the covenant at Shechem. This moment echoes the covenant made at Mount Sinai, with the people once again pledging their loyalty to God.
After this significant event, Joshua dies at the age of 110 and is buried in the land of his inheritance, Timnath-serah. The chapter also records the death of Eleazar, the high priest, marking the end of an era in Israel’s history.
Conclusion
The closing chapters of Joshua mark a significant turning point in the history of Israel. The land has been conquered, the people have received their inheritances, and they are now faced with the challenge of maintaining their covenant relationship with God. Joshua’s final speeches remind the people that while God has been faithful, they must remain committed to Him if they want to continue enjoying the blessings of the Promised Land.
Through the establishment of the cities of refuge, the inheritance of the Levites, and the renewal of the covenant, these chapters emphasize the importance of justice, spiritual leadership, and faithfulness. As Israel enters a new chapter in their national story, the legacy of Joshua’s leadership and the call to obedience to God will echo throughout the generations.
