Joshua 24:13

KJV

And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I have given {H5414} you a land {H776} for which ye did not labour {H3021}, and cities {H5892} which ye built {H1129} not, and ye dwell {H3427} in them; of the vineyards {H3754} and oliveyards {H2132} which ye planted {H5193} not do ye eat {H398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I gave you a land where you had not worked and cities you had not built, and you live there. You eat fruit from vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.'

Berean Standard Bible

So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities that you did not build, and now you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’

American Standard Version

And I gave you a land whereon thou hadst not labored, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell therein; of vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:13 stands as a profound declaration within Joshua’s valedictory address, encapsulating the boundless grace and unwavering faithfulness of God in fulfilling His ancient promises to the Israelite nation. This verse powerfully underscores that the Israelites’ possession of the Promised Land, with its fertile fields, established cities, and abundant produce, was not the fruit of their own toil or merit, but an unearned, sovereign gift from the Lord, intended to inspire enduring gratitude and exclusive devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 24 forms the climax of the book of Joshua, serving as the patriarch's final, pivotal address to the assembled tribes of Israel at Shechem. Following the successful conquest and division of the land, Joshua, nearing the end of his life, gathers the nation to renew their covenant with Yahweh. The chapter begins with a sweeping historical prologue (Joshua 24:2-13), recounting God's redemptive acts from Abraham's call through the Exodus, wilderness wanderings, and the conquest of Canaan. This historical review culminates in the specific declaration of divine provision in [Joshua 24:13](/joshua/24-13 "Joshua 24:13 - God's Unearned Gift"), which sets the stage for Joshua’s subsequent challenge to "choose this day whom you will serve" (as seen in [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve")). The verse thus functions as the ultimate proof point of God's faithfulness, providing the foundational rationale for Israel's required loyalty and obedience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting at Shechem was highly symbolic; it was where Abraham first built an altar to the Lord upon entering Canaan (as recorded in [Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham's First Altar at Shechem")), and where the covenant was renewed after the conquest (as detailed in [Joshua 8:30-35](/joshua/8-30 "Joshua 8:30-35 - Covenant Renewal at Mount Ebal and Gerizim")). The Israelites, having endured generations of slavery and forty years in the wilderness, were now dwelling in a land that had been cultivated for centuries by various Canaanite peoples. The mention of "cities which ye built not" and "vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not" directly refers to the physical infrastructure and agricultural bounty inherited from the dispossessed inhabitants. This highlights the stark contrast between their previous nomadic existence and the immediate, effortless enjoyment of a settled, prosperous life, emphasizing the miraculous and unearned nature of their inheritance in a land flowing with milk and honey, as promised in [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")).

* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 24:13](/joshua/24-13 "Joshua 24:13 - God's Generous Provision") powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Provision and Unmerited Grace**. The repeated negations ("did not labour," "built not," "planted not") emphatically convey that the land, its cities, and its produce were a pure, unearned gift from God, highlighting His overwhelming generosity and unmerited favor. This contrasts sharply with human effort and merit, positioning God as the sole initiator and provider of their blessings. Secondly, the verse signifies the **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises**. It represents the culmination of centuries of divine pledges, particularly the Abrahamic covenant, in which God promised to give his descendants the land of Canaan (see [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham") and [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - The Abrahamic Covenant Ratified")). The verse serves as tangible proof of God's unwavering faithfulness to His word. Lastly, this immense, unearned blessing serves as the **Foundation for Obedience and Gratitude**. By reminding Israel of God's profound provision, Joshua lays the groundwork for his subsequent challenge for them to choose to serve the Lord alone, motivating their loyalty out of a deep sense of thanksgiving rather than obligation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Given (Hebrew, _nātattî'_):** This verb, derived from the root נָתַן (natan), means "to give, put, set." In [Joshua 24:13](/joshua/24-13 "Joshua 24:13 - God's Gift of the Land"), it is in the Qal perfect first common singular, "I have given." The perfect tense signifies a completed action with ongoing results, emphasizing God's definitive and accomplished act of bestowing the land upon Israel. This highlights the divine initiative and the irrevocable nature of the gift, underscoring that Israel's possession was entirely dependent on God's sovereign will and power, not their own efforts or military prowess.
* **Labour (Hebrew, _ʿāmaltem'_):** From the root עָמַל (amal), meaning "to toil, labor, work hard." The use of the negative "did not labour" (לֹא עֲמַלְתֶּם, _lo ʿāmaltem_) emphatically contrasts Israel's experience with the strenuous effort typically required to establish a nation, build cities, and cultivate land. This negation underscores the effortless nature of their inheritance, highlighting God's miraculous provision that bypassed the usual human processes of development and construction. It reinforces the theme of unmerited favor.
* **Eat (Hebrew, _tōʾkēlû'_):** From the root אָכַל (akhal), meaning "to eat, consume." The phrase "do ye eat" (וַתֹּאכְלוּ, _wattōʾkēlû_) signifies the present enjoyment and benefit derived from the land's bounty. This emphasizes the immediate and tangible blessings Israel received. Coupled with the preceding negations, it highlights that their sustenance and prosperity were directly from God's hand, without the preparatory work typically associated with agriculture.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin of Israel's inheritance. The "I" refers to Yahweh, emphasizing His active role as the Giver. The "land" is Canaan, the Promised Land. The phrase "for which ye did not labour" is crucial, highlighting that the very foundation of their national existence and prosperity was not earned through their own sweat or effort. It was a pre-prepared gift, a testament to God's prior work and provision.
* **"and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them":** This expands on the nature of the unearned gift. The Israelites did not have to undergo the arduous process of constructing urban centers. They inherited existing cities, fully formed and ready for habitation. The phrase "and ye dwell in them" signifies the immediate and effortless enjoyment of these established infrastructures, further emphasizing the completeness of God's provision and the absence of any preparatory work on their part.
* **"of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat":** This final clause specifies the agricultural bounty, the source of their sustenance and wealth. Vineyards and oliveyards were vital components of the ancient Near Eastern economy, requiring significant long-term investment and cultivation. The declaration that Israel "planted not" these but "do ye eat" from them powerfully illustrates the depth of God's provision. They enjoyed the mature fruits of others' labor, underscoring the richness and completeness of their unearned inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
[Joshua 24:13](/joshua/24-13 "Joshua 24:13 - God's Unearned Gift") employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine grace. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the repeated use of negation: "did not labour," "built not," "planted not." This insistent negation serves to underscore and amplify the idea that Israel's inheritance was entirely unearned and unmerited, placing the focus squarely on God's sovereign act of giving. This rhetorical device creates a powerful emphasis, leaving no doubt about the gratuitous nature of their blessings. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the comprehensive scope of the unearned provisions (land, cities, vineyards, oliveyards), which serves to magnify the extent of God's generosity and the completeness of His fulfillment of promises. While Israel did engage in some battles, the overall picture painted is one of effortless reception of a prepared inheritance. Finally, the entire verse can be seen as a **Metaphor** for God's grace, where the physical land and its bounty represent the spiritual blessings and salvation that are freely given by God, not earned by human works.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 24:13 is a foundational text for understanding the biblical concept of grace. It unequivocally asserts that Israel's possession of the Promised Land was not a reward for their righteousness or a result of their military prowess, but a pure, unmerited gift from God. This divine provision, given without their labor or construction, serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham. It highlights God's initiative in salvation history, demonstrating that He acts on behalf of His people out of His own character and commitment, not based on their performance. This principle of unearned blessing lays the groundwork for all subsequent understanding of God's redemptive work, emphasizing His sovereignty and benevolence as the ultimate source of all good.

* [Deuteronomy 6:10-11](/deuteronomy/6-10 "Deuteronomy 6:10-11 - Enjoying Unearned Blessings")
* [Psalm 105:43-45](/psalm/105-43 "Psalm 105:43-45 - God's Faithful Provision")
* [Nehemiah 9:24-25](/nehemiah/9-24 "Nehemiah 9:24-25 - Israel's Inheritance of a Rich Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:13 serves as a profound mirror for contemporary believers, inviting us to reflect on the unearned blessings in our own lives, both spiritual and material. Just as Israel received a land they did not labor for, we often find ourselves recipients of grace in countless forms – salvation, spiritual gifts, relationships, and daily provisions – none of which we have merited. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of profound humility and gratitude, recognizing God as the ultimate source of every good and perfect gift. It challenges us to move beyond a transactional view of faith, where we strive to earn God's favor, towards a relational one, where our obedience flows from a heart overwhelmed by His generosity. Understanding the depth of God's unmerited favor should not lead to complacency, but rather ignite a passionate desire to live lives that honor Him, serving Him faithfully out of love and thanksgiving for His boundless, unearned provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you experienced blessings that you clearly did not earn or labor for?**
* **How does recognizing God as the sole source of these unmerited gifts impact your sense of gratitude and humility?**
* **Does understanding God's unearned provision motivate you more towards obedience out of love, rather than obligation or a desire to earn favor?**
* **How can you more consistently acknowledge and express thanks for the "vineyards and oliveyards" in your own life that you "did not plant"?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the repeated phrase "did not labour," "built not," and "planted not" in Joshua 24:13?**

Answer: The repeated negations in [Joshua 24:13](/joshua/24-13 "Joshua 24:13 - God's Unearned Gift") are highly significant, serving as a powerful rhetorical device to emphasize the completely gratuitous and unmerited nature of Israel's inheritance. By stating that they did not labor for the land, build the cities, or plant the vineyards and oliveyards, Joshua underscores that their possession of the Promised Land was not a result of their own effort, merit, or military might, but solely a sovereign act of God's grace and faithfulness. This repetition removes any possibility of human boasting and directs all credit and glory to Yahweh, who alone fulfilled His ancient promises. It highlights the theme of divine provision and unearned blessing, setting the stage for Joshua's call to exclusive worship and obedience based on profound gratitude for God's overwhelming generosity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 24:13, with its vivid portrayal of an unearned inheritance, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and "rest" that believers receive in Christ. Just as Israel entered a physical land prepared for them, believers enter a spiritual reality of salvation and eternal life that they did not labor for, build, or plant. Our salvation is entirely a gift of God’s grace, "not by works, so that no one can boast," as articulated in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Christ Himself is our true "land," our ultimate inheritance, providing a spiritual "rest" that surpasses the physical rest Israel found in Canaan (as discussed in [Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - The Promise of Rest")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus has secured for us "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (as described in [1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - Our Living Hope and Inheritance")). We "eat" from the spiritual "vineyards and oliveyards" that Christ planted through His perfect life, death, and resurrection, receiving forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life without any prior merit or effort on our part. Thus, Joshua 24:13 serves as a beautiful Old Testament echo of the profound, unearned grace found in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

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

Deuteronomy 6:10

And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,

Deuteronomy 6:12

[Then] beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

Deuteronomy 8:7

For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;

Joshua 21:45

There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.

Proverbs 13:22

¶ A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.

Joshua 11:13

But [as for] the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; [that] did Joshua burn.