Joshua 24:29

KJV

¶ And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, [being] an hundred and ten years old.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass after {H310} these things {H1697}, that Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Nun {H5126}, the servant {H5650} of the LORD {H3068}, died {H4191}, being an hundred {H3967} and ten {H6235} years {H8141} old {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After this, Y'hoshua the son of Nun, the servant of ADONAI, died; he was 110 years old.

Berean Standard Bible

Some time later, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died at the age of 110.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Jehovah, died, being a hundred and ten years old.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:29 records the death of Joshua, the faithful successor to Moses, at the advanced age of 110. This pivotal verse marks the conclusion of a significant era in Israel's history—the period of the conquest and initial settlement of the Promised Land under a unified, divinely appointed leader. It serves as a somber yet significant transition point, signaling the end of the foundational generation that experienced the Exodus and the wilderness wanderings, and setting the stage for the challenges and decentralization that would characterize the subsequent period of the Judges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Joshua's powerful farewell address and the solemn covenant renewal ceremony at Shechem, detailed in [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem"). Having exhorted the Israelites to "choose this day whom you will serve" ([Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve")), Joshua had secured their commitment to the Lord. His death here provides a conclusive end to the book of Joshua, which chronicles his leadership from the crossing of the Jordan to the distribution of the land. It parallels the death of Moses at the end of Deuteronomy, providing a symmetrical closure to the leadership narratives of these two great figures and preparing the reader for the subsequent narrative of the book of Judges, which opens with the passing of this faithful generation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joshua's death occurred after Israel had largely settled in the land of Canaan, though pockets of resistance remained. The age of 110 years was considered a full and blessed lifespan in ancient Near Eastern cultures, notably shared by Joseph ([Genesis 50:26](/genesis/50-26 "Genesis 50:26 - Joseph's Death at 110")). This age often symbolized a life completed in service and favor with God. The transition of leadership from a single, charismatic figure like Joshua to a more decentralized tribal system, as seen in the book of Judges, was a significant shift. The designation "servant of the LORD" was a high honor, previously reserved almost exclusively for Moses ([Deuteronomy 34:5](/deuteronomy/34-5 "Deuteronomy 34:5 - Moses, the Servant of the Lord")), underscoring Joshua's unique status and his unwavering obedience to God's commands throughout his leadership of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua's death underscores several key themes within the book and the broader Pentateuchal narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **faithful leadership and service**, as Joshua is posthumously honored with the title "the servant of the LORD," signifying his complete devotion and obedience to God's will in leading Israel into their inheritance. Secondly, it marks **the end of an era**, the close of the foundational generation that witnessed God's mighty acts from the Exodus to the conquest, and the transition to a new generation that would face different challenges. This transition foreshadows the cyclical pattern of obedience and apostasy seen in Judges. Thirdly, and most importantly, it implicitly emphasizes **God's enduring faithfulness and sovereignty**. While human leaders pass away, God's covenant promises to Israel and His overarching plan for His people remain steadfast, demonstrating that His work is not dependent on any single individual, but on His eternal character and faithfulness, as seen throughout the narrative from [Genesis](/genesis/1 "Genesis - The Book of Beginnings") to [Joshua](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - God's Charge to Joshua").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servant of the LORD (Hebrew: עֶבֶד יְהוָה, _'eved Yahweh'_):** This is a highly significant and honorary title. In the Old Testament, it denotes a person who has dedicated their life entirely to God's service, acting as His agent or representative. It implies a deep, obedient, and intimate relationship with the divine will. Previously, this title was primarily applied to Moses ([Deuteronomy 34:5](/deuteronomy/34-5 "Deuteronomy 34:5 - Moses, Servant of the Lord")), signifying Joshua's unique succession to Moses' spiritual and leadership mantle. It is a testament to Joshua's unwavering faithfulness, his complete submission to God's commands, and his successful execution of the divine commission to lead Israel into the Promised Land.
* **Died (Hebrew: מוּת, _mut_):** The verb "died" here signifies the natural, inevitable end of Joshua's earthly life. While seemingly simple, its placement at the end of the book underscores the finality of his leadership and the completion of his divinely appointed task. It emphasizes that even the greatest human leaders are mortal, highlighting the transient nature of human authority in contrast to the eternal sovereignty of God. The inclusion of his age further emphasizes a full and complete life, blessed by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass after these things":** This introductory phrase serves as a narrative connector, linking Joshua's death directly to the preceding events of the covenant renewal at Shechem ([Joshua 24:1-28](/joshua/24-1 "Joshua 24:1 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem")). It emphasizes the chronological and thematic sequence: Joshua faithfully completed his final acts of leadership—exhorting Israel and renewing their covenant with God—before his passing. This highlights his commitment to ensuring Israel's spiritual well-being even in his final days.
* **"that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died":** This clause identifies the deceased leader, Joshua, by his lineage ("son of Nun") and, most importantly, by his esteemed title, "the servant of the LORD." The immediate mention of this honorific title underscores his immense significance and the high regard in which he was held, not just by Israel, but by God Himself. His death is presented as the natural conclusion to a life of exemplary service and obedience.
* **"being an hundred and ten years old":** This detail provides Joshua's age at death, emphasizing his full and blessed lifespan. The specific age of 110 is notable, as it is also the age at which Joseph died ([Genesis 50:26](/genesis/50-26 "Genesis 50:26 - Joseph's Death at 110")), suggesting a symbolic connection to a life of divine favor, leadership, and the fulfillment of God's purposes. It signifies that Joshua completed his course, having lived a complete life in service to God and His people.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 24:29 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Epithet**, specifically the honorific "the servant of the LORD." This title elevates Joshua's status, associating him with Moses and underscoring his unparalleled devotion and obedience. It serves as a powerful summary of his life's work and his relationship with God. The verse also functions as a **Transition**, marking the definitive end of the era of conquest under a unified leader and setting the stage for the fragmented and often disobedient period described in the book of Judges. This transition is further emphasized by the implicit **Juxtaposition** between Joshua's faithful leadership and the subsequent decline of the nation, which "did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel" ([Judges 2:10](/judges/2-10 "Judges 2:10 - The New Generation")). Finally, the mention of Joshua's age at death, 110 years, functions as **Symbolism**, connecting him to other patriarchs who lived long, blessed lives, thereby affirming divine favor and the completion of his life's mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua's death, though a somber event, is rich with theological significance. It powerfully illustrates the principle that while God uses human instruments to accomplish His purposes, His ultimate plan is not dependent on any single individual. Joshua, like Moses before him, was a vital leader, but his passing underscores the transience of human life and leadership in contrast to the eternal faithfulness and sovereignty of God. The title "servant of the LORD" bestowed upon Joshua highlights the biblical ideal of leadership: not self-aggrandizement, but humble, obedient service to God's will and His people. His life serves as a testament to the importance of finishing well, completing the divine commission with integrity and devotion. This verse also implicitly points to the ongoing need for spiritual leadership and the challenge of maintaining faith across generations, a theme that becomes tragically evident in the subsequent book of Judges.

* [Deuteronomy 34:5](/deuteronomy/34-5 "Deuteronomy 34:5 - Moses, the Servant of the Lord")
* [Judges 2:10](/judges/2-10 "Judges 2:10 - The Generation After Joshua")
* [Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13 - All Died in Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:29 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers regarding faithful living, leadership, and the continuity of God's work. Joshua's life, culminating in his death at a blessed age, exemplifies what it means to finish well—to remain steadfast in one's calling, to serve God with integrity and obedience until the very end, and to leave a legacy of faith and devotion. His final acts of leadership, ensuring the covenant renewal, highlight the importance of discipling and preparing the next generation for spiritual faithfulness. While we may not all be called to lead a nation, each of us is called to be a "servant of the Lord" in our spheres of influence, faithfully stewarding the gifts and opportunities God has given us. This verse also reminds us that God's plan is greater than any individual; though leaders come and go, God's kingdom advances, calling us to trust in His unchanging character and His sovereign hand in all circumstances, even through seasons of transition and loss.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joshua's designation as "the servant of the LORD" challenge my understanding of true leadership and service in my own life and community?**
* **What legacy of faith am I building through my daily choices, and how am I intentionally investing in the spiritual formation of the next generation?**
* **In what ways do I need to trust God's ongoing work and faithfulness, even when familiar leaders or seasons of life come to an end?**

### FAQ
**Why is Joshua called "the servant of the LORD" in this verse?**

Answer: Joshua is called "the servant of the LORD" (Hebrew: _'eved Yahweh_) as a profoundly significant and honorary title. This designation signifies that Joshua dedicated his entire life to God's service, acting as His faithful agent and representative. It's a title of immense respect and spiritual authority, previously and most prominently used for Moses ([Deuteronomy 34:5](/deuteronomy/34-5 "Deuteronomy 34:5 - Moses, Servant of the Lord")). By bestowing this title upon Joshua, the biblical narrative affirms his unwavering obedience, his successful fulfillment of God's commission to lead Israel into the Promised Land, and his exemplary devotion throughout his life. It highlights that his leadership was characterized by submission to divine will rather than personal ambition.

**What is the significance of Joshua dying at 110 years old?**

Answer: The age of 110 years at death carries symbolic weight in biblical narrative, signifying a full, complete, and blessed life lived in God's favor. Notably, Joseph also died at the age of 110 ([Genesis 50:26](/genesis/50-26 "Genesis 50:26 - Joseph's Death at 110")), a figure also known for his faithfulness, leadership, and instrumental role in God's plan. For Joshua, dying at this age underscores that he completed his divinely appointed task and lived out his days in service to God and Israel. It suggests that his life was not cut short but reached its natural and intended conclusion, having fulfilled all that God had purposed for him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 24:29, marking the death of Israel's great leader, foreshadows and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Joshua faithfully led Israel into a physical land of rest, his death reminds us that even the most exemplary human leaders are mortal and their work is finite. This limitation points to the need for a greater, eternal leader. Jesus, the true and ultimate "Servant of the LORD" ([Isaiah 53:11](/isaiah/53-11 "Isaiah 53:11 - The Suffering Servant")), perfectly fulfilled all of God's will, not just leading His people into a land, but into an eternal, spiritual rest and inheritance that Joshua's conquest could only dimly prefigure ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8 - Joshua's Rest, Christ's Rest")). Joshua's death marked the end of an era and a transition to a new, often challenging, period for Israel; Christ's death on the cross, however, was not an end but the triumphant inauguration of the New Covenant, securing eternal life and true freedom for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")). Unlike Joshua, whose leadership eventually passed, Jesus' leadership is eternal, for He is "alive forevermore" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ, the Living One")), ensuring that God's plan of salvation is eternally secured and His people are always under the care of their perfect and undying Shepherd and King ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")).

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 2:8

And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, [being] an hundred and ten years old.

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:

2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Revelation 14:13

¶ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Genesis 50:26

So Joseph died, [being] an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

Psalms 115:17

The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.

Deuteronomy 34:5

¶ So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.