Joshua 23:2

KJV

And Joshua called for all Israel, [and] for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old [and] stricken in age:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} called {H7121} for all Israel {H3478}, and for their elders {H2205}, and for their heads {H7218}, and for their judges {H8199}, and for their officers {H7860}, and said {H559} unto them, I am old {H2204} and stricken {H935} in age {H3117}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua summoned all Isra'el - their leaders, heads, judges and officials - and said to them, "I am old; age is taking its toll.

Berean Standard Bible

he summoned all Israel, including its elders, leaders, judges, and officers. “I am old and well along in years,” he said,

American Standard Version

that Joshua called for all Israel, for their elders and for their heads, and for their judges and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and well stricken in years:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 23:2 initiates a profoundly significant moment in Israelite history, marking the commencement of Joshua's final, solemn address to the nation. As an aged and venerable leader, Joshua meticulously gathers a comprehensive representation of the Israelite community—including their elders, heads, judges, and officers—to deliver a crucial farewell discourse. This pivotal assembly underscores the gravity and national scope of his message, which serves as a poignant reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises and a pressing charge to the people to remain steadfast in their loyalty as they transition into a new era without his direct, charismatic leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 23:2 serves as the narrative and theological gateway to Joshua's valedictory address, which encompasses chapters 23 and 24. This discourse functions as a climactic conclusion to the book of Joshua, intentionally echoing the structure and thematic weight of Moses' farewell speeches in [Deuteronomy 31-32](/deuteronomy/31-32 "Deuteronomy 31 - Moses' Final Instructions and Song"). Having successfully fulfilled his divine commission to lead the Israelites in the conquest and initial distribution of the Promised Land (as detailed in [Joshua 1:6](/joshua/1-6 "Joshua 1:6 - Joshua's Commission to Conquer")), Joshua is now nearing the end of his life. His address is designed as a final covenant renewal ceremony, a powerful call to remember God's past faithfulness, and a stern warning against the perils of future apostasy. The deliberate enumeration of various leadership roles in this verse underscores the comprehensive nature of the assembly, ensuring that Joshua's critical message would be disseminated throughout all tribal and family units, permeating every level of Israelite society.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Israelite social and political structure, the titles "elders," "heads," "judges," and "officers" represented distinct yet often overlapping spheres of authority and responsibility. **Elders** (Hebrew: *zĕqēnîm*) were respected community leaders, typically older men who provided wisdom, counsel, and often served as local arbiters, representing the foundational social fabric. **Heads** (Hebrew: *rā’šîm*) likely referred to tribal or clan chiefs, embodying the genealogical and territorial organization of Israel. **Judges** (Hebrew: *šōpṭîm*) were responsible for resolving legal disputes and administering justice, while **officers** (Hebrew: *šōṭĕrîm*) served as administrative assistants, scribes, or enforcers of judicial decisions, ensuring the practical implementation of law. The summoning of such a comprehensive group signifies a formal, national assembly, likely held at a central sanctuary like Shiloh (where the tabernacle was located, as mentioned in [Joshua 18:1](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - The Tabernacle at Shiloh")) or Shechem (where Joshua later conducts a covenant renewal in [Joshua 24:1](/joshua/24-1 "Joshua 24:1 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem")). This gathering emphasizes the corporate responsibility of the nation and its leaders to uphold the Mosaic covenant, a particularly crucial task as the generation who experienced the wilderness wanderings and the initial conquest was passing away.

* **Key Themes:** This verse immediately introduces several pivotal themes that resonate throughout Joshua's final address and the broader biblical narrative. The theme of **Leadership Transition and Legacy** is paramount, as Joshua, much like [Moses before him](/deuteronomy/31-7 "Deuteronomy 31:7 - Moses' Charge to Joshua"), prepares to pass the mantle of leadership. His actions emphasize the continuity of God's covenant and the critical need for faithful leadership in the ensuing generation. The specific calling of various leaders highlights the theme of **Corporate and Individual Accountability**, underscoring that the well-being and covenant fidelity of the nation rest on the faithfulness of its leaders and, by extension, all its people. Furthermore, Joshua's poignant acknowledgment of being "old and stricken in age" implicitly points to the overarching theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment of Promises**. His long life and successful leadership are tangible, living proof of God's steadfastness in bringing His people into the Promised Land, a promise explicitly reiterated and celebrated throughout the book (e.g., [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Fulfillment of Promises")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joshua (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ'_):** This name, meaning "Jehovah-saved" or "the Lord is salvation," is highly significant. It connects Joshua directly to the divine purpose of leading Israel into the Promised Land, a task that required God's saving power. His name foreshadows the greater salvation brought by Jesus, whose name shares the same Hebrew root.
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** This verb denotes a formal, deliberate summons. It implies more than a casual invitation; it is a serious convocation, often with the intent to proclaim, appoint, or address a significant matter. Here, it underscores the authority of Joshua and the gravity of the assembly.
* **elders (Hebrew, _zâqên'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be old," this term refers to respected, aged individuals who held positions of authority and wisdom within the community. They were crucial figures in Israelite society, responsible for counsel, judgment, and maintaining order, representing the foundational leadership structure of the tribes and clans.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua called for all Israel,"**: This opening clause establishes Joshua's initiative and the broad, national scope of his summons. It signifies a formal convocation of the entire covenant community, emphasizing the importance of the message he is about to deliver.
* **"[and] for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers,"**: This detailed enumeration specifies the representative nature of "all Israel." It highlights the hierarchical and administrative structure of the nation, ensuring that leaders from every level—from local community figures and tribal chiefs to judicial authorities and administrative assistants—were present to hear and disseminate Joshua's final charge.
* **"and said unto them,"**: This simple conjunction introduces the direct address, signaling that the primary purpose of this grand assembly is for Joshua to speak. It sets the stage for the weighty words that follow, indicating a formal and serious discourse rather than a casual conversation.
* **"I am old [and] stricken in age:"**: This personal declaration by Joshua serves as the immediate context and justification for his farewell address. It communicates his advanced years and impending death, underscoring the urgency and finality of his message and preparing the people for the inevitable transition of leadership. The phrase "stricken in age" is an idiom indicating a life lived fully and brought to a complete and honorable conclusion.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 23:2 employs several significant literary devices that enhance its impact and meaning. The prominent use of **Enumeration** in listing the various categories of Israelite leaders ("elders," "heads," "judges," and "officers") serves to emphasize the comprehensive and representative nature of the assembly, highlighting that Joshua's message was intended for the entire nation through its appointed authorities. This detailed listing also functions as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the gravity and formality of the occasion, signaling that this is a moment of national importance. Joshua's opening statement, "I am old and stricken in age," functions as **Foreshadowing**, signaling his impending death and the end of an era of direct, divinely appointed leadership, thereby preparing the audience for the themes of transition and legacy that dominate the subsequent chapters. Furthermore, the phrase "stricken in age" is a well-known **Idiom** in Hebrew, carrying a deeper meaning than mere chronological age; it implies a life lived fully, blessed by God, and brought to a complete and honorable conclusion, adding a layer of gravitas and wisdom to Joshua's final words. The entire scene also establishes a clear **Parallelism** with Moses' farewell speeches in Deuteronomy, framing Joshua as the faithful successor who, like Moses, delivers a final, crucial charge to the covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 23:2 serves as a profound theological touchstone, marking a critical juncture in Israel's history—the transition from a generation of conquest under charismatic leadership to one of settled existence and the ongoing challenge of maintaining covenant fidelity. Joshua's acknowledgment of his advanced age underscores the transient nature of human leadership and the enduring, unchanging faithfulness of God. His gathering of "all Israel" through its appointed leaders highlights the corporate responsibility of the covenant community to remember God's past acts of salvation and to remain obedient to His commands. This moment is not merely a personal farewell but a national call to reaffirm their commitment to the Lord, recognizing that their continued blessing and prosperity in the land depend entirely on their unwavering devotion to the One who brought them into it and continues to sustain them.

* [Deuteronomy 31:1-8](/deuteronomy/31-1-8 "Deuteronomy 31:1-8 - Moses' Final Charge and Commission of Joshua")
* [1 Kings 2:1-4](/1_kings/2-1-4 "1 Kings 2:1-4 - David's Charge to Solomon")
* [Acts 20:28-32](/acts/20-28-32 "Acts 20:28-32 - Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 23:2 offers timeless wisdom for both leaders and individuals navigating life's inevitable transitions. For leaders, it underscores the profound importance of intentional succession planning and the sacred responsibility to impart wisdom, recount God's faithfulness, and provide clear, compelling guidance for those who will follow. A true leader understands that their most enduring legacy is not merely in what they accomplish, but in how effectively they prepare and empower the next generation to carry the vision and mission forward with integrity and faithfulness. For individuals, this verse calls us to reflect deeply on the seasons of our own lives, acknowledging the passing of time and the imperative to steward our remaining days with purpose and intentionality. Like Joshua, we are invited to look back on God's unwavering faithfulness, recognizing His sovereign hand in every season, every challenge, and every triumph. We are also called to look forward with renewed commitment to His divine will, allowing this reflection to strengthen our faith and equip us to encourage and mentor others, ensuring that the invaluable lessons learned from our journey are passed on for the spiritual benefit of the community and future generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you intentionally prepare for significant transitions in your own life, career, or in the organizations you are part of?**
* **What specific legacy of faith, wisdom, or values are you purposefully building or passing on to those who will follow you, whether in your family, church, or community?**
* **In what practical ways can you, like Joshua, gather and encourage those around you to recount God's faithfulness and impart guidance for the future, especially during times of change?**
* **How does reflecting on your own "stricken in age" moments (periods of significant life change, endings, or nearing a conclusion) deepen your trust in God's ongoing faithfulness and sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joshua call for so many different types of leaders (elders, heads, judges, officers)?**

Answer: Joshua's comprehensive summons of "all Israel" through their elders, heads, judges, and officers was critical for several profound reasons. First, it ensured that his final, weighty message would be heard by a truly representative cross-section of the entire nation, from the tribal and clan leaders to those responsible for local justice and administration. This formal assembly underscored the national scope and gravity of the covenant renewal and the solemn warnings he was about to deliver. Second, by specifically addressing these established groups, Joshua was entrusting the preservation and dissemination of his charge to those with recognized authority and influence within their respective communities. These leaders were responsible for upholding the law, maintaining social order, and guiding the people in their walk with God. Their collective presence signified a corporate commitment to the Mosaic covenant, ensuring that the message would filter down to every family and individual, thereby emphasizing the collective responsibility of the entire nation to remain faithful to Yahweh. This strategic gathering aimed to secure the spiritual and social stability of Israel after his departure, as also seen in [Deuteronomy 29:10-15](/deuteronomy/29-10-15 "Deuteronomy 29:10-15 - All Israel Stands Before the Lord").

**What is the significance of Joshua stating, "I am old and stricken in age"?**

Answer: Joshua's declaration, "I am old and stricken in age," is far more than a simple statement of his chronological years; it carries deep theological, practical, and symbolic significance. The Hebrew idiom "stricken in age" (literally, "come in days," from H935 `bôwʼ` and H3117 `yôwm`) conveys a sense of a life that has been lived to its fullest, blessed by God, and brought to a complete and honorable conclusion. It signals that Joshua's time of active, direct leadership is drawing to an end, creating an urgent and poignant context for his final address. This statement prepares the people for an inevitable leadership transition, much like [Moses' farewell](/deuteronomy/31-2 "Deuteronomy 31:2 - Moses' Age and Impending Death") before him, reminding them that human leaders are temporary, but God's covenant endures. Furthermore, Joshua's long and successful life, marked by divine guidance and victory, serves as an implicit testament to God's unwavering faithfulness: his very age and accomplishments are tangible proof that God fulfills His promises. His advanced age underscores the wisdom and authority with which he speaks, urging the people to heed his final exhortations based on a lifetime of intimate experience with God's power and provision, similar to the wisdom imparted by [aged patriarchs like Abraham](/genesis/24-1 "Genesis 24:1 - Abraham, Old and Well Stricken in Age").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 23:2, with its poignant depiction of an aging leader preparing his people for a new era and his own departure, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Joshua, whose very name (Yeshua) is the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus, faithfully led Israel into the promised earthly inheritance, but his leadership, like his life, was finite and temporary. He was "old and stricken in age," signifying the transient nature of human leadership and the inherent need for a successor. In profound contrast, Jesus is the ultimate and eternal Leader, the true and greater Joshua who leads His people not merely into a temporal land, but into an eternal, heavenly inheritance and perfect rest (cf. [Hebrews 4:8-9](/hebrews/4-8-9 "Hebrews 4:8-9 - The True Rest in Christ")). While Joshua prepared Israel for his physical absence, Jesus, before His ascension, assured His disciples of His perpetual, spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit (cf. [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Promise of Presence")). His "farewell discourse" (e.g., [John 14-16](/john/14-16 "John 14 - Jesus' Farewell Discourse")) was not a sign of His weakness or impending end, but a powerful promise of His continued work through His church, empowered by the Spirit, until He returns in glory (cf. [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Joshua's transition points forward to Christ, whose leadership is everlasting, whose promises are unfailing, and who truly brings His people into the fullness of God's eternal rest and salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 24:1

¶ And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.

1 Chronicles 28:1

¶ And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.

Deuteronomy 31:28

Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them.

Acts 20:17

¶ And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

Acts 20:35

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.