Joshua 24:33

KJV

And Eleazar the son of Aaron died; and they buried him in a hill [that pertained to] Phinehas his son, which was given him in mount Ephraim.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Eleazar {H499} the son {H1121} of Aaron {H175} died {H4191}; and they buried {H6912} him in a hill {H1389} that pertained to Phinehas {H6372} his son {H1121}, which was given {H5414} him in mount {H2022} Ephraim {H669}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Finally, El'azar the son of Aharon died; and they buried him on the hill belonging to Pinchas his son, which had been given to him in the hills of Efrayim.

Berean Standard Bible

Eleazar son of Aaron also died, and they buried him at Gibeah, which had been given to his son Phinehas in the hill country of Ephraim.

American Standard Version

And Eleazar the son of Aaron died; and they buried him in the hill of Phinehas his son, which was given him in the hill-country of Ephraim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:33 serves as the concluding statement of the book of Joshua, marking the peaceful passing and burial of Eleazar, the High Priest and son of Aaron. This terse but profoundly significant verse, following the accounts of Joshua's death and the burial of Joseph's bones, brings to a definitive close the foundational era of Israel's history—the Exodus, wilderness wandering, and the conquest and initial settlement of the Promised Land. It underscores the fulfillment of God's covenant promises and signals a transition in the leadership and spiritual landscape of the newly established nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 24:33 functions as a poignant epilogue to the entire book of Joshua, providing a final sense of closure to the era of the conquest and initial settlement. It immediately follows the account of [Joshua's death and burial](/joshua/24-29 "Joshua 24:29-30 - Death and Burial of Joshua") (Joshua 24:29-30) and the significant act of [burying Joseph's bones](/joshua/24-32 "Joshua 24:32 - Burial of Joseph's Bones") (Joshua 24:32), which fulfilled a promise made centuries earlier (Genesis 50:25; Exodus 13:19). The inclusion of Eleazar's death ensures that all the major figures from the Exodus generation who led Israel into the land have now passed, emphasizing the definitive end of an epoch and setting the stage for the subsequent period of the Judges, characterized by decentralized leadership and spiritual decline. This tripartite conclusion (Joshua, Joseph, Eleazar) powerfully symbolizes the completion of God's initial phase of covenant fulfillment in the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Eleazar was a towering figure in Israelite history, having succeeded his father Aaron as High Priest (Numbers 20:28) and serving faithfully alongside Joshua in the conquest and division of the land (Joshua 14:1). His death marks the passing of the last major leader from the generation that directly experienced the Exodus and the miraculous provision of God in the wilderness. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the burial of prominent leaders was a significant event, often tied to the land they inherited or conquered, signifying their legacy and the establishment of their lineage. The mention of "Mount Ephraim" is culturally significant, as it was a central tribal territory, indicating that Eleazar's family, the priestly line, had a specific land inheritance, further solidifying Israel's presence and God's faithfulness in distributing the land according to tribal allocations. The continuity of the priesthood through Phinehas was vital for maintaining the sacrificial system and Israel's covenant relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the **Fulfillment of God's Promises**, as the peaceful burial of key leaders within the inherited land underscores the completion of the Abrahamic covenant regarding the land (Genesis 12:7; 15:18). Secondly, it highlights the **Continuity of Divine Institutions**, particularly the Aaronic priesthood, through the mention of Phinehas, who would succeed Eleazar. This continuity was crucial for Israel's ongoing spiritual life and worship, as seen in [Numbers 25:13](/numbers/25-13 "Numbers 25:13 - Phinehas's Covenant of Peace"). Thirdly, it marks the **End of an Era and Transition in Leadership**, signaling the close of the direct, divinely appointed leadership embodied by Moses, Joshua, and Eleazar, and preparing the reader for the more fragmented and less centralized leadership described in the [Book of Judges](/judges/1 "Judges 1 - Israel's Disobedience"). Finally, it subtly points to the **Sovereignty of God** over life and death, and His faithfulness in carrying out His plans through successive generations, even as human leaders pass away.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eleazar (Hebrew, _'El'azar'_):** Meaning "God has helped" or "God is helper." Eleazar was the third son of Aaron (Exodus 6:23) and, upon Aaron's death, succeeded him as High Priest (Numbers 20:28). He played a crucial role alongside Joshua in the conquest and division of the land, overseeing the sacred aspects of the campaigns and the allocation of tribal inheritances (Joshua 14:1; 19:51). His death signifies the passing of the last major spiritual leader from the Exodus generation, bringing a definitive end to the direct leadership that had guided Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land.
* **Phinehas (Hebrew, _Pinchas'_):** Meaning "mouth of bronze" or "oracle." Phinehas was Eleazar's son and the designated successor to the high priesthood. He is most notably remembered for his zealous act in Numbers 25:7-13, where he intervened to stop a plague by executing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman engaged in idolatrous sexual immorality, thereby earning a "covenant of peace" and a perpetual priesthood for his line from God. His mention here underscores the continuity of the Aaronic priesthood, ensuring that God's ordained system for atonement and worship would persist.
* **Mount Ephraim (Hebrew, _Har 'Ephrayim'_):** Refers to the mountainous region within the tribal territory of Ephraim. This detail is significant because it indicates Eleazar's family, though priestly and therefore without a tribal land inheritance in the same way as other tribes, still possessed a specific place of burial within Israel's settled land. This "hill" or "Gibeah" (often translated as "hill" or "height") was given to Phinehas, signifying a family possession within the promised land, further cementing the fulfillment of God's promise of land and rest for His people. It also subtly reinforces the idea of the priesthood being rooted within the land of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Eleazar the son of Aaron died;":** This clause succinctly records the death of the High Priest, Eleazar, marking the end of his long and faithful service. As the spiritual head of Israel, his passing is a monumental event, paralleling the deaths of Moses and Joshua, and signifying the complete transition from the generation that led Israel out of Egypt and into the land. It emphasizes the mortality of even the most revered leaders, yet implicitly points to the enduring nature of God's covenant and purposes beyond any single individual.
* **"and they buried him in a hill [that pertained to] Phinehas his son,":** This details Eleazar's burial place, specifically on a hill belonging to his son, Phinehas. This highlights the orderly succession within the priestly line and the familial nature of the inheritance. While priests did not receive a tribal land inheritance in the same way as the other tribes, they were given cities to dwell in (Joshua 21:19). This "hill" or "Gibeah" likely refers to a private family estate or burial ground within the priestly allocations, emphasizing the establishment and rootedness of the priestly family within the land of Israel.
* **"which was given him in mount Ephraim.":** This final phrase specifies the geographical location of Phinehas's hill, within the territory of Mount Ephraim. This detail confirms that the priestly family, through Phinehas, had a settled place within the land, further solidifying the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land. Mount Ephraim was a central and significant region, underscoring the integration of the priestly leadership within the heart of the Israelite nation. The peaceful burial in an inherited family plot signifies the completion of the long journey from slavery to settled rest in the Promised Land.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 24:33, though brief, employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. It functions as a powerful **Epilogue**, providing a definitive conclusion to the narrative arc of the book of Joshua and, by extension, the Pentateuchal history of the Exodus generation. The repeated mention of deaths and burials (Joshua, Joseph, Eleazar) creates a sense of **Closure** and finality, underscoring that a major epoch in Israel's history has definitively ended. The verse also utilizes **Symbolism**: the burial of Eleazar in a place belonging to his son, Phinehas, within the heart of the Promised Land, symbolizes the **Continuity of God's Covenant** and the **Fulfillment of His Promises** regarding land and leadership. The orderly succession from Eleazar to Phinehas also serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the challenges that will arise in the Book of Judges, where the absence of strong, centralized leadership (like Joshua's) will lead to spiritual and political disarray, contrasting with the orderly transition presented here.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 24:33, as the concluding verse of the book, encapsulates profound theological truths. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, particularly the promise of land and rest for His people. The passing of Eleazar, the High Priest, alongside Joshua, signifies the end of a foundational era but simultaneously highlights the enduring nature of God's divine institutions, specifically the priesthood, which continues through Phinehas. This verse reminds us that while human leaders are mortal and temporary, God's purposes and His covenant with His people are eternal and transcend generations. It also points to the importance of an orderly transition of leadership and the legacy of faithfulness passed down through families, ensuring the continuity of God's work among His people.

* [Numbers 20:28](/numbers/20-28 "Numbers 20:28 - Eleazar Succeeds Aaron")
* [Numbers 25:13](/numbers/25-13 "Numbers 25:13 - Phinehas's Covenant of Peace")
* [Deuteronomy 34:5](/deuteronomy/34-5 "Deuteronomy 34:5-8 - The Death of Moses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:33 offers a poignant reminder of life's transient nature and the enduring faithfulness of God. Just as Eleazar, a great spiritual leader, eventually passed away, so too do all human leaders and indeed, all people. This verse calls us to reflect on our own mortality and the brevity of our time on earth, urging us to live lives of purpose and faithfulness, stewarding the gifts and callings God has given us. It also highlights the importance of spiritual succession and legacy; Eleazar's work continued through Phinehas, demonstrating that our contributions to God's kingdom are part of a larger, ongoing narrative that extends beyond our individual lives. We are called to invest in the next generation, equipping them to carry forward the torch of faith. Ultimately, this verse points us to the unchanging nature of God's promises. If God was faithful to bring Israel into the land and establish them there, even through the passing of key figures, how much more can we trust Him to fulfill His promises to us in Christ, providing ultimate rest and an eternal inheritance?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the peaceful passing of Eleazar, following Joshua and the burial of Joseph's bones, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's long-term faithfulness?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the continuity of the priesthood through Phinehas regarding the importance of spiritual succession and preparing future generations for leadership in the church today?**
* **In what ways does the mortality of even great biblical figures like Eleazar encourage you to live a life of greater intentionality and purpose?**
* **How does the fulfillment of the land promise, symbolized by Eleazar's burial in Mount Ephraim, encourage your faith in God's ability to fulfill His promises in your own life?**

### FAQ

**Why is Eleazar's death mentioned at the very end of the book of Joshua?**

Answer: Eleazar's death is mentioned at the very end of the book of Joshua (along with Joshua's death in [Joshua 24:29-30](/joshua/24-29 "Joshua 24:29-30 - Death and Burial of Joshua") and the burial of Joseph's bones in [Joshua 24:32](/joshua/24-32 "Joshua 24:32 - Burial of Joseph's Bones")) to provide a comprehensive and definitive closure to the foundational era of Israel's history. It signifies the complete passing of the generation that experienced the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan. As the High Priest, Eleazar was the spiritual head of the nation, and his death marks the end of the direct, divinely appointed leadership that had guided Israel from Egypt into the Promised Land. This tripartite conclusion emphasizes that God's promises regarding the land have been fulfilled and sets the stage for the subsequent period, which would be characterized by a different form of leadership, as seen in the [Book of Judges](/judges/1 "Judges 1 - Israel's Disobedience").

**What is the significance of Eleazar being buried in a hill that "pertained to Phinehas his son"?**

Answer: The detail that Eleazar was buried on a hill belonging to his son Phinehas is highly significant. Firstly, it highlights the orderly and legitimate succession within the Aaronic priesthood, ensuring the continuity of Israel's central religious institution. Phinehas was Eleazar's designated successor as High Priest (Numbers 20:28). Secondly, while the priestly tribe of Levi did not receive a tribal land inheritance in the same way as the other tribes, they were allotted cities to dwell in (Joshua 21). The mention of a "hill" or "Gibeah" belonging to Phinehas suggests a family estate or burial ground within their allocated territory, likely in Mount Ephraim. This detail further underscores the complete fulfillment of God's promise to bring Israel into the land and establish them there, even providing a settled place for the priestly line. It symbolizes the rootedness and permanence of God's people in the Promised Land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 24:33, marking the end of an era and the passing of the High Priest Eleazar, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ. Eleazar, as the High Priest, served as the mediator between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and interceding for the people. This Old Testament priesthood, though divinely ordained, was inherently temporary and imperfect, as evidenced by the death of each priest. The passing of Eleazar points to the need for a High Priest who would not succumb to death, one whose ministry would be eternal and perfect. Jesus Christ is that ultimate and eternal High Priest, "after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 7:17), who "holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever" (Hebrews 7:24). Unlike Eleazar, who died and was buried, Jesus, through His resurrection, conquered death and now lives to make "intercession for us" (Hebrews 7:25). Furthermore, the theme of rest and inheritance, so prominent in Joshua, culminates in Christ. Just as Eleazar's burial in Mount Ephraim symbolized Israel's entry into their promised land of rest, Jesus is the one who provides true and eternal rest for His people (Matthew 11:28-30). He is the "author of eternal salvation" (Hebrews 5:9) who leads His people into the ultimate, heavenly inheritance, a "better country" (Hebrews 11:16), far surpassing the earthly Canaan. Thus, Eleazar's death, though marking the end of a significant earthly ministry, ultimately points forward to the everlasting and perfect ministry of Christ, our great High Priest and the giver of eternal rest and inheritance.

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 6:25

And Eleazar Aaron's son took him [one] of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these [are] the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.

Joshua 22:13

And the children of Israel sent unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh, into the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest,

Isaiah 57:1

¶ The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth [it] to heart: and merciful men [are] taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil [to come].

Isaiah 57:2

He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, [each one] walking [in] his uprightness.

Psalms 49:10

For he seeth [that] wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.

Numbers 3:32

And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest [shall be] chief over the chief of the Levites, [and have] the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.

Zechariah 1:5

Your fathers, where [are] they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?