Joshua 24:27

KJV

And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} said {H559} unto all the people {H5971}, Behold, this stone {H68} shall be a witness {H5713} unto us; for it hath heard {H8085} all the words {H561} of the LORD {H3068} which he spake {H1696} unto us: it shall be therefore a witness {H5713} unto you, lest ye deny {H3584} your God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua said to all the people, "See, this stone will be a witness against us; because it has heard all the words of ADONAI which he said to us; therefore it will be a witness against you, in case you deny your God."

Berean Standard Bible

And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.”

American Standard Version

And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us; for it hath heard all the words of Jehovah which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness against you, lest ye deny your God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:27 records the solemn declaration by Joshua that a large stone set up at Shechem would serve as an enduring witness to the covenant renewed between the people of Israel and the LORD. This monument symbolized the binding nature of their vows to serve God alone, acting as a perpetual reminder of their commitment and a stark warning against any future apostasy or denial of their divine allegiance. It underscored the seriousness of their pledge, implying that even inanimate objects could attest to the gravity of their promises made in God's presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a pivotal moment in the book of Joshua, following Joshua's final address to the assembled tribes of Israel at Shechem. In [Joshua 24:1-13](/joshua/24-1 "Joshua 24:1-13 - Joshua's Farewell Address"), Joshua recounts God's faithfulness from Abraham to their present possession of the land. He then issues a profound challenge in [Joshua 24:14-15](/joshua/24-14 "Choose Whom You Will Serve"), urging the people to choose definitively whom they would serve: the gods of their ancestors across the Euphrates, the gods of the Amorites, or the LORD. The people unequivocally respond, "We will serve the LORD" ([Joshua 24:16-18](/joshua/24-16 "Israel's Affirmation")). Joshua then warns them of the LORD's holiness and jealousy, reiterating the demands of the covenant ([Joshua 24:19-20](/joshua/24-19 "Joshua's Warning")). After their repeated affirmation, Joshua makes a covenant with them, records it in the Book of the Law of God, and sets up this great stone under an oak near the sanctuary of the LORD as a tangible, enduring witness to their solemn oath. This act solidifies the verbal agreement, making it a visible and lasting memorial before Joshua's death.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of setting up memorial stones or pillars was a common and significant custom in the ancient Near East (ANE) to commemorate important events, treaties, or vows. Such monuments served as tangible, public records of agreements, boundaries, or divine encounters. Examples include Jacob's pillars ([Genesis 28:18](/genesis/28-18 "Genesis 28:18 - Jacob's Pillar at Bethel")) and the heap of stones between Jacob and Laban ([Genesis 31:45-49](/genesis/31-45 "Jacob and Laban's Covenant Pillar")). In this context, the stone at Shechem functioned as a legal and theological witness. Shechem itself was a historically significant site, being one of the first places Abraham settled in Canaan ([Genesis 12:6](/genesis/12-6 "Abraham at Shechem")) and a place where God appeared to him. It was also near Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, where the blessings and curses of the Law were proclaimed ([Deuteronomy 27:11-26](/deuteronomy/27-11 "Curses on Mount Ebal")). Thus, the setting for this covenant renewal and the placement of the stone carried deep historical and religious resonance for Israel.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 24:27 contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Renewal**. The stone stands as a physical testament to Israel's renewed commitment to the Mosaic Covenant, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the relationship between God and His people – God's steadfast faithfulness met with Israel's promised obedience. Secondly, it highlights **Accountability and Remembrance**. By declaring the stone "heard all the words of the LORD," Joshua stresses that the covenant was made with divine awareness and full human understanding, thereby underscoring the people's accountability to their vows and serving as a constant, visible reminder to prevent spiritual amnesia or deviation from God's ways, as warned in [Deuteronomy 4:9](/deuteronomy/4-9 "Do Not Forget the Covenant"). Thirdly, the verse functions as a **Warning Against Apostasy and Idolatry**. The explicit purpose of the stone—"lest ye deny your God"—reveals the ever-present danger of turning away from the LORD to serve other gods, a recurring theme throughout Israel's history, as seen in the subsequent period of the Judges ([Judges 2:11-15](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-15 - Israel's Apostasy")). The stone served as a tangible bulwark against such spiritual defection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Witness (Hebrew, _'ed'_):** The Hebrew word עֵד (_'ed_) carries significant legal and formal weight, referring to a person or thing that provides testimony or evidence. In legal contexts, a witness's testimony was crucial for establishing truth and guilt or innocence ([Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Two or Three Witnesses")). Here, the stone is personified as a legal witness, giving silent but undeniable testimony to the covenant made. This emphasizes the binding and irreversible nature of the people's oath before God.
* **Heard (Hebrew, _shama'_):** The verb שָׁמַע (_shama'_) means "to hear," "to listen," or "to obey." While a stone cannot literally hear, its use here is a powerful **anthropomorphism**. This rhetorical device attributes human qualities (hearing) to an inanimate object. Its purpose is not to suggest literal sentience but to profoundly convey the absolute certainty, public nature, and binding character of the covenant. It implies that the agreement was made with divine awareness and a full, public understanding of its terms by the people, leaving no room for future denial or claims of ignorance.
* **Deny (Hebrew, _kachash'_):** The verb כָּחַשׁ (_kachash_) means "to deny," "to disown," "to deal falsely with," or "to lie." It often implies a deliberate act of unfaithfulness or rebellion against a prior commitment or truth. In this context, it refers to Israel's potential future act of renouncing their covenant with God, turning away from Him, or serving other gods. The stone stands as a perpetual reminder, a silent accuser, against such a betrayal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us;":** This opening clause establishes the public declaration and the immediate purpose of the stone. Joshua, as the leader and mediator of the covenant, explicitly designates the stone's function before the entire assembly. The term "witness" immediately elevates the stone from a mere object to a legal and theological entity, embodying the solemnity of the covenant just made. It is a tangible, visible sign for "us"—the generation present and future generations.
* **"for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us:":** This is the core of the verse's rhetorical power. The anthropomorphic statement that the stone "heard" is a vivid way of asserting that the covenant was not made in secret or lightly. It was a public, divinely sanctioned agreement. The "words of the LORD" refer to the terms of the covenant, the blessings and curses, and the history of God's faithfulness that Joshua had just recounted. The stone, by its symbolic hearing, becomes an irrefutable record, ensuring that the people could not later claim ignorance or forgetfulness of their vows.
* **"it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.":** This concluding clause clarifies the preventative and admonitory purpose of the stone. Its function as a witness is primarily for the people themselves, serving as a constant, visible reminder of their solemn commitment. The phrase "lest ye deny your God" highlights the ever-present danger of apostasy—of turning away from the LORD, disowning Him, or breaking the covenant. The stone stands as a silent guardian, a perpetual warning against unfaithfulness, urging them to remember their vows and remain loyal to the God who had delivered them and given them the land.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Joshua 24:27 is **Anthropomorphism**, specifically in the phrase "it hath heard all the words of the LORD." This attributes the human faculty of hearing to an inanimate object (the stone). The purpose is not to suggest that the stone literally possesses ears or consciousness, but rather to powerfully underscore the solemnity, public nature, and binding character of the covenant made. By personifying the stone, Joshua imbues it with a sense of active participation and enduring memory, making it an undeniable and ever-present reminder of the people's vows. This rhetorical strategy ensures that the covenant cannot be easily forgotten or denied, as the "hearing" stone stands as an irrefutable testament to the agreement. Furthermore, the stone functions as a potent **Symbolism**, representing the enduring nature of the covenant and the unchangeable truth of God's words and Israel's promises. It is a tangible representation of an intangible spiritual reality, designed to impress upon the people the gravity of their commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 24:27 provides profound insight into the nature of covenant and human accountability before God. It underscores that divine covenants are not casual agreements but solemn, binding commitments made in the presence of an omniscient God. The "witness" stone serves as a tangible reminder of Israel's responsibility to uphold their end of the covenant, highlighting the seriousness with which God views human vows and the consequences of unfaithfulness. This concept of a physical witness to a spiritual reality emphasizes the need for constant remembrance and vigilance against spiritual complacency or outright apostasy. It teaches that while God is faithful to His promises, He also expects His people to be faithful to theirs, and that He provides means (like this stone) to help them remember and remain true.

* [Genesis 31:48](/genesis/31-48 "Laban's Witness Pile")
* [Deuteronomy 31:19](/deuteronomy/31-19 "Song as a Witness")
* [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Cloud of Witnesses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The "witness stone" of Joshua 24:27 serves as a timeless reminder of the gravity of our commitments to God and the ongoing need for spiritual vigilance. In our own lives, while we may not erect physical stones, we are called to establish spiritual "memorials" that consistently remind us of our allegiance to Christ and the covenant we share with Him. These memorials can take many forms: consistent engagement with God's Word, participation in the sacraments (like communion and baptism), regular prayer, or even personal disciplines that reinforce our dedication. The verse challenges us to consider the seriousness with which we approach our faith—are our commitments merely verbal, or are they deeply embedded in our daily lives and choices? It warns against the subtle and overt ways we might "deny our God" through our actions, priorities, or neglect. Just as Israel needed a tangible reminder to guard against apostasy, we too need intentional practices and spiritual disciplines to keep our hearts fixed on God, ensuring that our lives consistently bear witness to the Lord we claim to serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "stones" or spiritual memorials do you have in your life that consistently remind you of your covenant commitment to God?**
* **How does understanding the solemnity of Israel's covenant at Shechem challenge your own approach to your faith and commitments to God?**
* **In what practical ways might we, like Israel, be tempted to "deny our God" in our daily lives, and what steps can we take to guard against such spiritual drift?**

### FAQ

**Did the stone literally "hear" the words of the LORD?**

Answer: No, the stone did not literally "hear" in the way a human being does. The phrase "it hath heard all the words of the LORD" is an example of **anthropomorphism**, a literary device where human qualities or actions are attributed to inanimate objects or non-human entities. In this context, Joshua uses this powerful rhetorical language to emphasize the absolute certainty, public nature, and binding character of the covenant made between God and Israel. It implies that the agreement was made with divine awareness and in such a public and undeniable manner that even a silent stone could bear witness to its reality. The stone serves as a permanent, tangible record, ensuring that the people could not later claim ignorance or forgetfulness of their vows.

**Why was a physical stone necessary for a spiritual covenant?**

Answer: A physical stone was necessary for several reasons, rooted in both the cultural practices of the ancient Near East and the spiritual needs of the Israelites. Culturally, setting up memorial stones was a common way to commemorate significant events, treaties, or vows, serving as a public and enduring record. Spiritually, the stone provided a tangible, visible reminder for a people prone to forgetfulness and spiritual wandering. While the covenant itself was spiritual, the stone served as a constant, physical "witness" to the verbal agreement, making it concrete and undeniable. It acted as a silent, perpetual sermon, reminding generations of their solemn oath to the LORD and serving as a warning "lest ye deny your God." It was a physical anchor for a spiritual truth, helping to prevent apostasy by providing a constant point of reference for their commitment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While the stone at Shechem served as a witness to the Old Covenant, its ultimate fulfillment and significance are found in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate and perfect witness to God's faithfulness and the establishment of the New Covenant. Just as the stone "heard" the words of the LORD, Christ Himself is the living Word of God, fully embodying and perfectly revealing God's character and will ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). He is described as "the faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")), bearing testimony to the truth of God's redemptive plan. The New Covenant, unlike the Old, is not ratified by human vows witnessed by a stone, but by the precious blood of Jesus Christ ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - New Covenant in His Blood")). This covenant is eternal and unbreakable, secured not by human faithfulness, which often falters, but by God's unwavering grace. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, acts as an internal witness within believers, testifying to our adoption as children of God ([Romans 8:16](/romans/8-16 "Romans 8:16 - Spirit Bears Witness with Our Spirit")), and empowering us to be living witnesses of Christ to the world ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - You Will Be My Witnesses")). Thus, the temporary witness of a stone points forward to the permanent, living, and indwelling witness of Christ and His Spirit, ensuring that God's people will never ultimately "deny their God" because He holds them securely in His New 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

Luke 19:40

And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

Joshua 22:34

And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar [Ed]: for it [shall be] a witness between us that the LORD [is] God.

Matthew 10:33

But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

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.

Joshua 22:27

But [that] it [may be] a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.

Joshua 22:28

Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should [so] say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say [again], Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it [is] a witness between us and you.

1 Samuel 7:12

Then Samuel took a stone, and set [it] between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.