Joshua 24:25

KJV

So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Joshua {H3091} made {H3772} a covenant {H1285} with the people {H5971} that day {H3117}, and set {H7760} them a statute {H2706} and an ordinance {H4941} in Shechem {H7927}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Y'hoshua made a covenant with the people that day, laying down for them laws and rulings there in Sh'khem.

Berean Standard Bible

On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he established for them a statute and ordinance.

American Standard Version

So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:25 marks a foundational moment in Israel's post-conquest history, recording the formal establishment of a renewed covenant between the LORD and His people under Joshua's leadership. This pivotal event, set in the historically significant location of Shechem, solidified Israel's collective and public commitment to exclusive worship and unwavering obedience to God, thereby laying down the essential legal and spiritual framework for their ongoing existence as a distinct and holy nation in the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic and formal conclusion to the profound covenant renewal ceremony detailed in [Joshua chapter 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Joshua's Farewell Address and Covenant Renewal"). It immediately follows Joshua's powerful and poignant farewell address, where he meticulously recounted God's unwavering faithfulness from the divine call of [Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1 - The Call of Abraham") to the successful fulfillment of the land promise. The preceding verses capture the people's emphatic and unanimous declaration to serve the LORD alone, a direct and passionate response to Joshua's challenging ultimatum: "[choose you this day whom ye will serve](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve")". Their subsequent affirmation, "[The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey](/joshua/24-24 "Joshua 24:24 - Israel's Pledge of Obedience")!" is then legally and spiritually ratified in [Joshua 24:25](/joshua/24-25 "Joshua 24:25 - The Covenant Formalized at Shechem"), transforming their verbal pledge into a binding national agreement. This act represents the final major spiritual undertaking of Joshua's leadership before his death, ensuring the nation's spiritual trajectory.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The strategic choice of Shechem as the site for this covenant renewal was deeply intentional, resonating with profound historical and religious significance for the Israelite people. It was at Shechem that [Abraham first built an altar](/genesis/12-6 "Genesis 12:6 - Abraham at Shechem") upon entering Canaan, establishing an early connection to the land and divine promise. Later, Jacob purified his household and buried their foreign gods beneath an oak near Shechem ([Genesis 35:2-4](/genesis/35-2 "Genesis 35:2-4 - Jacob's Purification at Shechem")), signifying a cleansing and renewed commitment to Yahweh. Most notably, Shechem was nestled between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, the very mountains from which the blessings and curses of the Mosaic Law were pronounced upon Israel after crossing the Jordan River, as commanded in [Deuteronomy 27:11-13](/deuteronomy/27-11 "Deuteronomy 27:11-13 - Blessings and Curses at Shechem"). This location powerfully underscored the continuity of God's covenant promises and the solemnity required for their renewed commitment. Culturally, the act of "making a covenant" and "setting a statute and an ordinance" mirrored ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaty practices, where a powerful king (suzerain) would establish terms with a lesser king or people (vassal). However, uniquely in Israel, this covenant was fundamentally based on divine grace and required faithful, exclusive obedience from the vassal people.

* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 24:25](/joshua/24-25 "Joshua 24:25 - The Covenant Formalized at Shechem") powerfully encapsulates several core themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Israelite narrative. The foremost theme is **Covenant Renewal and Commitment**, emphasizing Israel's voluntary, public, and decisive reaffirmation of their allegiance to the LORD. This act echoes the foundational covenant established at Sinai ([Exodus 24:7-8](/exodus/24-7 "Exodus 24:7-8 - The Ratification of the Mosaic Covenant")), highlighting the reciprocal nature of the covenant: God's unwavering faithfulness demands Israel's exclusive devotion. Secondly, the verse underscores **Divine Authority and Law**, as Joshua, acting as God's chosen representative, "set them a statute and an ordinance." This signifies the enduring relevance and binding nature of God's Torah, which serves as the foundational legal and moral framework for their national life in the Promised Land, guiding their worship, justice, and daily conduct, as comprehensively detailed in books like [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Book of the Law"). Finally, it speaks to **Leadership and Legacy**, demonstrating Joshua's faithful stewardship in ensuring Israel's continued spiritual vitality and adherence to God's ways before his own passing, thereby securing the future of the nation's unique relationship with Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From the root `בָּרָה` (in the sense of cutting), this term refers to a solemn, binding agreement or compact, often established through a ritual involving the cutting of flesh (as in passing between pieces of a sacrificed animal). In biblical theology, it signifies the unique, divinely initiated relationship between God and His people, characterized by divine promises and mutual obligations. Here, it denotes the formal re-establishment and solemnization of the sacred bond between the LORD and Israel, emphasizing their renewed commitment to exclusive worship and obedience.
* **Statute (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** Derived from `חָקַק` (meaning "to engrave" or "to carve out"), a _chôq_ denotes an enactment, a prescribed rule, or a fixed decree. It implies something firmly set, unchangeable, and authoritative, representing the specific, unalterable divine requirements and regulations that God had laid down for Israel's conduct, worship, and societal structure. It emphasizes the immutability of God's commands.
* **Ordinance (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From `שָׁפַט` (meaning "to judge"), this term primarily signifies a verdict, a judgment, or a customary law. It often carries the connotation of a legal decision or a standard of justice. In this context, _mishpâṭ_ refers to the practical application of God's righteous character in their daily lives, encompassing both ethical principles and legal precedents that would govern their society, ensuring justice and equity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day":** This clause highlights Joshua's authoritative role as God's divinely appointed leader and mediator. The phrase "that day" emphasizes the immediate, decisive, and public formalization of the people's verbal commitment, transforming their spoken pledge into a legally and spiritually binding national covenant. It underscores a pivotal moment of national spiritual reckoning and profound renewal, marking a clear turning point in their history.
* **"and set them a statute and an ordinance":** This phrase illuminates the practical and legal implications of the covenant. Joshua did not merely elicit a promise; he established concrete, binding laws and regulations derived from God's revealed will. The pairing of "statute" (_chôq_) and "ordinance" (_mishpâṭ_) signifies the comprehensive nature of these directives, encompassing both fixed, unchangeable decrees and the practical, just applications of God's law in their daily lives, societal structure, and judicial proceedings. It implies a complete framework for righteous living.
* **"in Shechem":** The geographical detail is profoundly significant. Shechem was not merely a convenient meeting place; it was a site steeped in Israelite history and covenant memory. Its selection lent immense weight and symbolic resonance to the proceedings, connecting this present act of renewal to the foundational promises made to Abraham, the purification undertaken by Jacob, and the solemn pronouncements of the Law at Mount Ebal and Gerizim. This location rooted the new commitment firmly in their sacred past and future obligations.

#### Literary Devices
The text employs several literary devices to convey the gravity and profound significance of this moment. The use of **Formal Language** with terms like "covenant," "statute," and "ordinance" elevates the event beyond a simple gathering, framing it as a solemn, legal, and theological transaction. This precise, legalistic vocabulary underscores the binding and enduring nature of the agreement between God and Israel. **Symbolism** is powerfully present in the deliberate choice of Shechem as the location; it is not merely a setting but a symbolic anchor, connecting the present covenant renewal to the foundational moments of Israel's history—Abraham's first altar, Jacob's purification, and the pronouncement of blessings and curses from the surrounding mountains. This geographical symbolism reinforces the continuity of God's covenant faithfulness and Israel's enduring responsibility. Furthermore, the narrative employs a sense of **Climax and Resolution**, as this verse serves as the culmination of Joshua's farewell address and the people's renewed commitment, providing a decisive and definitive end to the period of establishing the nation in the land before the narrative shifts to Joshua's death and the subsequent era.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 24:25 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's covenant with humanity and the requisite human response of commitment. It underscores that God's relationship with His people is not arbitrary but is founded upon His gracious initiative, sustained by His faithfulness, and requires their obedient fidelity. The establishment of "statute and ordinance" highlights the enduring truth that divine love is intrinsically expressed through divine law, providing a clear, comprehensive framework for righteous living and a just society. This act at Shechem reaffirms the principle that true faith is always active and finds its most authentic expression in a life lived in conscious, wholehearted submission to God's revealed will. It is a powerful reminder that God's covenant demands an exclusive and unwavering devotion, shaping every aspect of individual and corporate life.

* [Exodus 24:7-8](/exodus/24-7 "The Ratification of the Mosaic Covenant")
* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "The Great Commandment to Love God")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "God's Word as a Lamp and Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:25 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine the depth and sincerity of our own commitment to God. Just as Israel was called to a decisive and public act of covenant renewal, so too are followers of Christ called to a conscious, ongoing decision to serve the Lord alone. This verse reminds us that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, active surrender to God's lordship, expressed through obedience to His "statutes and ordinances"—His revealed Word. In a world of competing allegiances, the call to exclusive devotion to the one true God remains paramount. Our lives, both private and public, should reflect this unwavering commitment, demonstrating that our faith is not just a personal belief but a guiding principle for all our actions and relationships, shaping our values, priorities, and ultimate allegiance. This commitment should lead to a life that honors God and blesses others, reflecting the justice and righteousness of our covenant-keeping God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "covenants" or commitments have I made to God, and how consistently am I living them out in my daily life?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to re-evaluate my allegiance and recommit to serving the Lord exclusively and wholeheartedly?**
* **How does God's Word (His "statute and ordinance") practically guide my daily decisions, shape my character, and influence my interactions with others?**
* **What is the significance of public declarations of faith and commitment in my life or within my faith community today, and how can I participate more fully?**

### FAQ
**Why was Shechem chosen for this covenant renewal, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Shechem was chosen for its profound historical and religious significance to the nation of Israel. It was the very first place [Abraham built an altar](/genesis/12-6 "Genesis 12:6 - Abraham at Shechem") upon entering Canaan, and where God first appeared to him to confirm the covenant promise of land. Later, Jacob purified his household there and buried their foreign gods beneath an oak ([Genesis 35:2-4](/genesis/35-2 "Genesis 35:2-4 - Jacob's Purification at Shechem")), signifying a cleansing and renewed commitment to Yahweh. Most importantly, Shechem lay strategically between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, the mountains from which the blessings and curses of the Law were pronounced upon Israel, as commanded in [Deuteronomy 27](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - Curses from Mount Ebal"). This rich and layered history made Shechem the ideal, powerful backdrop for a national reaffirmation of the covenant, connecting the present generation to their foundational past and the solemnity of God's law.

**What is the difference between "statute" and "ordinance" in this context?**

Answer: While often used together and sometimes overlapping, "statute" (Hebrew: _chôq_) generally refers to a fixed, prescribed rule or decree, something established and unchangeable, like a foundational law. It implies a divine imperative that is "carved out" or firmly set, emphasizing its immutability. "Ordinance" (Hebrew: _mishpâṭ_), on the other hand, often denotes a judgment, a customary law, or a just regulation derived from God's character and applied to specific cases. It speaks to the practical implementation of justice and righteousness in daily life and societal structure, ensuring fairness and equity. Together, they represent the comprehensive nature of God's law—both its unchangeable principles and its just application—which Israel committed to uphold as their way of life, as seen throughout the legal sections of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Laws") and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of the Law").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 24:25, with its profound emphasis on covenant, divine law, and Israel's solemn commitment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and glorious transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Joshua mediated a covenant that required human obedience to statutes and ordinances, a covenant Israel continually struggled to perfectly uphold, Christ inaugurated a New Covenant. This New Covenant is not based on the law written on stone tablets, but on grace, supernaturally written on the heart by the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")). The perfect obedience to God's "statute and ordinance" that eluded Israel was perfectly fulfilled by Jesus, who declared He came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Through His sacrificial death, Christ became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), establishing a covenant sealed by His own precious blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")). Now, through faith in Him, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in true obedience, not out of fear of curses, but out of love for the One who perfectly kept the covenant on our behalf and offers us eternal life and righteousness ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")). Thus, the call to "choose whom you will serve" in Joshua's day is ultimately answered by choosing Christ, the mediator of a superior, everlasting, and perfectly fulfilled covenant.

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

Exodus 15:25

And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, [which] when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,

2 Chronicles 23:16

And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD'S people.

2 Kings 11:17

¶ And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD'S people; between the king also and the people.

Nehemiah 9:38

And because of all this we make a sure [covenant], and write [it]; and our princes, Levites, [and] priests, seal [unto it].

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.

2 Chronicles 15:12

And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;

Nehemiah 10:28

And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;