Joshua 24:32

And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.

And the bones {H6106} of Joseph {H3130}, which the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} brought up {H5927} out of Egypt {H4714}, buried {H6912} they in Shechem {H7927}, in a parcel {H2513} of ground {H7704} which Jacob {H3290} bought {H7069} of the sons {H1121} of Hamor {H2544} the father {H1} of Shechem {H7927} for an hundred {H3967} pieces of silver {H7192}: and it became the inheritance {H5159} of the children {H1121} of Joseph {H3130}.

The bones of Yosef, which the people of Isra'el had brought up from Egypt, they buried in Sh'khem, in the parcel of ground which Ya'akov had bought from the sons of Hamor the father of Sh'khem for a hundred pieces of silver; and they became a possession of the descendants of Yosef.

And the bones of Joseph, which the Israelites had brought up out of Egypt, were buried at Shechem in the plot of land that Jacob had purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver. So it became an inheritance for Joseph’s descendants.

And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in the parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of money: and they became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.

Commentary

Context

Joshua 24:32 concludes a pivotal chapter in the book of Joshua, which records Joshua's final address to the Israelites and their solemn renewal of the covenant with God at Shechem. This verse, along with the burial of Eleazar and the death of Joshua himself (Joshua 24:29-31, 33), marks the transition from the period of conquest under Joshua's leadership to the era of the Judges. The burial of Joseph's bones here serves as a powerful symbolic act, fulfilling a long-standing promise and tying together generations of Israelite history.

Shechem itself held significant historical and spiritual importance. It was the first place in Canaan where Abraham built an altar to the Lord, and later, Jacob settled near Shechem and purchased a parcel of ground from the sons of Hamor, as detailed in Genesis 33:19. Burying Joseph's bones in this very plot underscored Israel's rightful claim to the land and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy and Promise: This verse highlights the remarkable fulfillment of Joseph's dying request. As recorded in Genesis 50:25, Joseph made the children of Israel swear an oath to carry his bones out of Egypt when God visited them. Moses faithfully carried out this charge at the Exodus (Exodus 13:19), and now, after centuries, the promise is realized. This demonstrates God's faithfulness to His word and the enduring commitment of His people.
  • Faith and Legacy: Joseph's request, made centuries before the Exodus, was an act of profound faith, believing that God would indeed bring his descendants into the Promised Land. The writer of Hebrews commends this faith in Hebrews 11:22. His burial in Canaan serves as a powerful symbol of hope and a tangible link between the patriarchs and the settled nation.
  • Inheritance and Possession: The fact that the land where Joseph was buried "became the inheritance of the children of Joseph" (specifically the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, his sons) emphasizes the theme of possession and the division of the Promised Land. It signifies that the Israelites were truly home and had received their allotted portions.
  • Continuity of God's Plan: The narrative thread connecting Jacob's original purchase of the land, Joseph's dying wish, the Exodus, and finally, the burial in Joshua's time, illustrates the continuous, unfolding nature of God's redemptive plan through generations.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bones of Joseph" (Hebrew: atzmoth Yosef) emphasizes the physical remains and the concrete nature of Joseph's request. It wasn't just a symbolic gesture but a literal carrying out of his will. The mention of "an hundred pieces of silver" refers to a specific unit of currency or weight, likely a qesitah (קְשִׂיטָה), which was a standard measurement of value in ancient times, perhaps equivalent to a lamb or a specific weight of precious metal.

Practical Application

Joshua 24:32 offers several lessons for today:

  • Keeping Promises: Just as the Israelites honored Joseph's ancient request, we are reminded of the importance of faithfulness in fulfilling our commitments, whether to God or to one another.
  • The Enduring Power of Faith: Joseph's faith spanned centuries and was ultimately vindicated. This encourages believers to have a long-term perspective, trusting that God will fulfill His promises, even if it takes time and involves challenges.
  • God's Faithfulness Across Generations: This verse is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people through successive generations. It assures us that God's plans and promises transcend individual lives and historical periods.
  • Honoring Legacy: The careful burial of Joseph's bones reflects the importance of honoring the legacy of those who have gone before us in faith, drawing strength and lessons from their journey.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 50:25

    And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.

  • Genesis 33:19

    And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money.

  • Exodus 13:19

    And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.

  • Acts 7:16

    And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor [the father] of Sychem.

  • Genesis 48:22

    Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.

  • John 4:5

    Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

  • Hebrews 11:22

    By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.