Joshua 24:26

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} wrote {H3789} these words {H1697} in the book {H5612} of the law {H8451} of God {H430}, and took {H3947} a great {H1419} stone {H68}, and set it up {H6965} there under an oak {H427}, that was by the sanctuary {H4720} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua wrote these words in the book of the Torah of God. Then he took a big stone and set it up there under the oak next to the sanctuary of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:26 records the solemn acts of Joshua following Israel's covenant renewal at Shechem, where the people reaffirmed their commitment to serve the Lord. By inscribing their vows in the "book of the law of God" and erecting a monumental stone "by the sanctuary of the LORD," Joshua established an enduring, divinely sanctioned testament to the covenant, ensuring its permanence and serving as a perpetual witness to future generations of Israel's pledge and God's unwavering expectations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 24:26 concludes a pivotal chapter that serves as the theological and narrative climax of the Book of Joshua. The preceding verses [Joshua 24:1-25](/joshua/24-1) detail Joshua's farewell address to the assembled tribes at Shechem, a powerful challenge to choose between serving the Lord or the gods of their ancestors. This discourse culminates in Israel's emphatic declaration, "The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice will we obey" [Joshua 24:24](/joshua/24-24). Verse 26, therefore, acts as the formal ratification and memorialization of this renewed covenant, solidifying the verbal commitment with tangible, enduring markers. It mirrors the covenant-making ceremonies found elsewhere in the Pentateuch, particularly Moses' actions at Sinai, emphasizing continuity in God's dealings with His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this event, Shechem, held profound historical and cultural significance for Israel. It was the first place Abraham built an altar upon entering Canaan [Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6), and where Jacob buried the foreign idols of his household [Genesis 35:4](/genesis/35-4). This rich heritage made Shechem an ideal location for a covenant renewal, linking the present generation to their patriarchal roots and past acts of purification. The practice of erecting stones as witnesses to treaties, agreements, or significant events was common in the ancient Near East, as seen in the covenant between Jacob and Laban [Genesis 31:45-48](/genesis/31-45). These stones served as enduring, visible reminders of solemn oaths, binding parties to their commitments. The "book of the law of God" refers to the Torah, the divine instruction given through Moses, underscoring the legal and theological weight of the written word in ancient Israelite society.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 24:26 powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the Book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. **Covenant Ratification** is central, as Joshua's actions formally inscribe and memorialize Israel's renewed pledge to God, echoing Moses' recording of the covenant in [Exodus 24:7](/exodus/24-7 "Exodus 24:7 - The Book of the Covenant"). This act underscores the **Permanence of God's Word and Covenant**, emphasizing that divine stipulations are not fleeting but enduring. The erection of the stone highlights the theme of **Witness and Remembrance**, providing a tangible, silent testimony to the solemn agreement made before God. Furthermore, the placement of the stone "by the sanctuary of the LORD" emphasizes the **Sacredness of the Oath** and the **Divine Presence** in the covenant-making process, asserting God's ultimate authority over His people's commitments. This verse also implicitly carries the theme of **Human Responsibility**, reminding Israel of their obligation to uphold the vows they have publicly made.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wrote (Hebrew, _katav'_):** This verb signifies more than simply transcribing; it denotes the act of formally inscribing, establishing, and giving legal and enduring authority to a document. In the context of ancient Near Eastern treaties and divine law, writing down stipulations ensured their permanence, accessibility, and binding nature. Joshua's act here parallels Moses' recording of the covenant in [Exodus 24:4](/exodus/24-4 "Exodus 24:4 - Moses writes the words of the LORD"), underscoring the continuity of divine revelation and the solemnity of covenant agreements.
* **Book of the law of God (Hebrew, _sepher torat Elohim'_):** This phrase refers to the divinely revealed instruction (Torah) given through Moses, encompassing the commandments, statutes, and ordinances that governed Israel's relationship with God. The addition of "these words" (the covenant renewal vows) to this sacred collection signifies that Israel's pledge was not merely a human agreement but was integrated into the authoritative, divinely inspired body of God's revealed will. It conferred ultimate theological and legal weight to their commitment, placing it under the direct authority of God Himself.
* **Stone (Hebrew, _even'_):** In ancient Israelite culture and the broader ancient Near East, large stones often served as enduring memorials or witnesses to significant events, treaties, or boundaries. Unlike perishable documents, a stone offered a visible, tangible, and long-lasting reminder of an agreement. Here, it functions as a "witness stone," a silent but powerful testament to the covenant made between God and Israel, intended to remind future generations of the solemn promises exchanged at Shechem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God":** This clause emphasizes the formal and authoritative documentation of the covenant renewal. "These words" refer to the stipulations of the covenant and Israel's solemn pledge to serve the Lord, as articulated in the preceding verses of Joshua 24. By writing them into the "book of the law of God," Joshua ensured that Israel's renewed commitment was not merely a verbal promise but an inscribed, permanent part of their divine constitution, binding them irrevocably to God's revealed will. This act confers divine authority and permanence upon the covenant.
* **"and took a great stone, and set it up there under an an oak":** This describes the creation of a physical, tangible memorial. The "great stone" serves as a visible, enduring witness to the covenant made. Its placement "under an oak" (likely a prominent, ancient tree, perhaps even one with existing sacred associations) further emphasizes its significance and visibility within the landscape of Shechem, ensuring that the covenant would not be forgotten by future generations. This act aligns with ancient Near Eastern practices of erecting steles or pillars to commemorate treaties and agreements.
* **"that [was] by the sanctuary of the LORD":** This crucial phrase locates the entire event—the covenant renewal, the writing, and the setting up of the stone—in a sacred space, implying the direct presence and oversight of God. While not necessarily referring to the permanent Tabernacle, "the sanctuary of the LORD" at Shechem indicates a consecrated place where God's presence was acknowledged, likely an altar or a temporary tabernacle structure. This proximity underscores the solemnity of the oath, making it a vow taken directly before the divine presence, binding the people under God's watchful eye and authority.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 24:26 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "great stone" serving as a powerful symbol of an enduring witness and memorial. It is a tangible representation of an intangible covenant, designed to remind future generations of Israel's solemn vows. The "book of the law of God" also functions symbolically, representing divine authority, permanence, and the unalterable nature of God's will. There is a strong element of **Echo** or **Allusion** in Joshua's actions, as they deliberately parallel Moses' acts of covenant ratification in [Exodus 24](/exodus/24 "Exodus 24 - The Covenant at Sinai"), particularly the writing of the covenant and the setting up of pillars. This echo reinforces the continuity of God's covenant relationship with Israel across generations. The entire scene possesses **Ritualistic Significance**, transforming a verbal agreement into a formalized, recorded, and physically memorialized event, thus imbuing it with profound spiritual and legal weight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 24:26 profoundly underscores the seriousness and enduring nature of God's covenant with His people, as well as the human responsibility to uphold their part of the agreement. The act of writing the covenant into the "book of the law" highlights the divine origin and unchangeable character of God's word, establishing it as the ultimate standard for Israel's life. The erection of the stone serves as a perpetual reminder of the vows made, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and the consequences of forgetting God's commands. This passage teaches that true commitment to God is not merely an internal sentiment but requires public declaration, formal documentation, and tangible expressions that serve as witnesses to both God and humanity. It speaks to the ongoing need for believers to formally and informally renew their commitment to God's will, ensuring that their lives reflect their declared faith.

* [Deuteronomy 31:24-26](/deuteronomy/31-24 "Deuteronomy 31:24-26 - Moses finishes writing the law")
* [Exodus 24:7-8](/exodus/24-7 "Exodus 24:7-8 - Moses reads the Book of the Covenant")
* [Genesis 31:45-48](/genesis/31-45 "Genesis 31:45-48 - Jacob and Laban's pillar of witness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:26 provides a powerful paradigm for contemporary believers regarding the nature of spiritual commitment. Just as Israel's covenant was formalized and memorialized, our personal and communal commitments to God should be taken with utmost seriousness. This verse challenges us to consider how we "write" God's word into our lives—not just in physical books, but on the "tablets of our hearts" [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant written on hearts"). What are the "great stones" we set up in our lives that serve as tangible witnesses to our faith and obedience? These might be personal disciplines, public declarations of faith, or acts of service that visibly demonstrate our allegiance to Christ. The passage encourages a regular, intentional renewal of our commitment to God, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to a lived reality where our choices and actions consistently reflect our vows to serve the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I formally and informally renew my commitment to God in my daily life?**
* **What are the "witness stones" or visible markers in my life that testify to my covenant relationship with God?**
* **How does the "book of the law of God" (the Bible) actively shape my decisions and actions, ensuring my commitment is rooted in divine authority?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my faith is not just a private belief but a public, enduring testimony?**

### FAQ

**What "words" did Joshua write in the book of the law of God?**

Answer: The "words" Joshua wrote refer to the solemn covenant stipulations and Israel's renewed pledge to serve the Lord, as articulated in the preceding verses of Joshua 24. Specifically, it includes the people's declaration, "The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice will we obey" [Joshua 24:24](/joshua/24-24 "Joshua 24:24 - Israel's pledge to obey"). By recording these, Joshua formally documented their commitment, making it an enduring part of the divine law and a binding agreement for all generations. This act ensured that the covenant was not merely a verbal promise but a permanent, written record.

**What is the significance of the "book of the law of God" in this context?**

Answer: The "book of the law of God" refers to the Torah, the divinely revealed instruction given through Moses (e.g., [Deuteronomy 31:24-26](/deuteronomy/31-24 "Deuteronomy 31:24-26 - Moses finishes writing the law")). By adding Israel's covenant vows to this sacred collection, Joshua underscored that their commitment was not a human invention but was integrated into the authoritative, divinely inspired body of God's revealed will. This conferred ultimate theological and legal weight upon their pledge, placing it under the direct authority of God Himself, ensuring its permanence and unalterable nature for the people of Israel.

**Why did Joshua set up a "great stone" as a witness?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, large stones or pillars were commonly erected as enduring memorials or witnesses to significant events, treaties, or boundaries (e.g., [Genesis 31:45-48](/genesis/31-45 "Genesis 31:45-48 - Jacob and Laban's pillar of witness")). Unlike perishable documents, a stone offered a visible, tangible, and long-lasting reminder of an agreement. Here, it served as a "witness stone" to the covenant made between God and Israel at Shechem, a silent but powerful testament intended to remind future generations of the solemn promises exchanged and the consequences of breaking them. It provided a physical, accessible reminder of their commitment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 24:26, with its emphasis on covenant, divine law, and enduring witness, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "book of the law of God" written by Joshua, representing the Old Covenant, pointed to a greater, more perfect covenant that would be established by God Himself. Jesus is the mediator of this [new covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, the mediator of a better covenant"), not written on stone tablets or in a book, but on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") and [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - Law written on hearts")). He is the living Word of God [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word was God"), who perfectly fulfilled the demands of the law [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus fulfills the Law") and inaugurated a relationship based on grace through faith. Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the ultimate "witness stone"—the foundation stone upon which God's true spiritual temple is built [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the cornerstone"), the faithful and true witness [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the faithful witness") to God's redemptive plan. His death and resurrection are the ultimate, enduring testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His power to save, far surpassing any stone or written document in their eternal significance. In Christ, our commitment to God is not merely a human vow, but a Spirit-empowered reality, secured by His finished work.

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

Judges 9:6

And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that [was] in Shechem.

Genesis 35:4

And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which [were] in their hand, and [all their] earrings which [were] in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which [was] by Shechem.

Deuteronomy 31:24

And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,

Deuteronomy 31:26

Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.

Genesis 35:8

But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth.

Exodus 24:4

And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Joshua 4:20

¶ And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.