Judges 2:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And 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

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

Berean Standard Bible

And Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died at the age of 110.

American Standard Version

And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Jehovah, died, being a hundred and ten years old.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 2:8 serves as a poignant and pivotal verse, marking the solemn conclusion of an era defined by the strong, faithful leadership of Joshua. It concisely records the death of Joshua, Moses' divinely appointed successor, at the venerable age of 110 years, underscoring his esteemed title as "the servant of the LORD." Far from a mere historical footnote, this verse functions as a critical narrative transition, signaling the end of Israel's unified, conquest-driven period and setting the somber stage for the subsequent tumultuous and spiritually challenging era chronicled in the book of Judges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 2:8 is strategically placed within the book of Judges, serving as a crucial bridge between the successful conquest narrative of the book of Joshua and the cyclical apostasy and deliverance pattern that defines Judges. The preceding verses in [Judges 2:6-7](/judges/2-6-7 "Judges 2:6-7 - Israel's Faithfulness During Joshua's Lifetime") briefly recount Israel's faithfulness during Joshua's lifetime and the elders who outlived him, highlighting a period of relative obedience and adherence to the covenant. Joshua's death, therefore, is not just a personal tragedy but a profound theological turning point, marking the end of a unique era of unified, divinely-led action. The verses immediately following ([Judges 2:9-10](/judges/2-9-10 "Judges 2:9-10 - Joshua's Burial and the Rise of a New Generation")) describe Joshua's burial and, more significantly, lament the rise of a new generation "which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel." This stark contrast between Joshua's faithful generation and the subsequent one underscores the profound impact of his departure and foreshadows the spiritual decline that will plague Israel throughout the period of the judges.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The death of Joshua occurs at the close of Israel's initial settlement period in Canaan, approximately the late 15th to early 14th century BCE. This was a critical juncture when Israel was transitioning from a nomadic, unified military force under a single charismatic leader to a decentralized tribal confederacy attempting to establish roots in a land populated by various Canaanite peoples. Without a central governmental structure or a king, tribal cohesion largely depended on spiritual faithfulness and the influence of strong leaders like Joshua. Culturally, the title "servant of the LORD" carried immense weight, signifying a unique relationship of divine appointment and unwavering obedience, a status previously held by Moses (as seen in [Deuteronomy 34:5](/deuteronomy/34-5 "Deuteronomy 34:5 - Moses, the Servant of the LORD")). Joshua's age of 110 years was considered a full and blessed lifespan, echoing the age of Joseph at his death (cf. [Genesis 50:26](/genesis/50-26 "Genesis 50:26 - Joseph's Death at 110 Years Old")), suggesting a life completed in God's service and the fulfillment of his divine mandate.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to the book of Judges and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it marks a significant **Transition of Leadership**, from the divinely appointed and highly effective Joshua to a vacuum that Israel would struggle to fill, leading to a period of fragmented authority and spiritual drift. Secondly, it signifies the **End of an Era**, specifically the generation that directly witnessed and participated in God's mighty acts of deliverance from Egypt and the conquest of Canaan. As [Joshua 24:31](/joshua/24-31 "Joshua 24:31 - Israel's Faithfulness During Joshua's Lifetime") notes, this generation "served the LORD all the days of Joshua." Thirdly, the title "the servant of the LORD" highlights the **Legacy of a Faithful Servant**, a commendation previously reserved for Moses, signifying Joshua's unwavering devotion and instrumental role in God's redemptive plan. Finally, while a factual statement, the verse's placement serves as a potent **Foreshadowing of Spiritual Decline**, implying that the absence of such a strong, God-fearing leader contributed significantly to Israel's subsequent struggles with idolatry and disobedience, as detailed in the unfolding narrative of [Judges 2:11-19](/judges/2-11-19 "Judges 2:11-19 - The Cycle of Apostasy and Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** (H5650) From עָבַד (_ʻâbad_), this term denotes more than mere servitude; when paired with `יהוה` (Yahweh), it forms the highly significant title "servant of the LORD" (`עֶבֶד יְהוָה`, _ʻebed Yᵉhôvâh'_). It signifies a profound relationship of devotion, obedience, and trust, implying a unique calling and divine appointment. Individuals bearing this title (like Abraham, Moses, and David) were those chosen by God to execute His will and mediate His covenant with His people. For Joshua, it underscores his faithfulness, leadership, and instrumental role in bringing Israel into the Promised Land, mirroring the honor bestowed upon Moses.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) From הָיָה (_hâyâh_), meaning "to be," this is the sacred, self-revealed name of God, often rendered as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It emphasizes God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant faithfulness. The combination "servant of the LORD" thus highlights that Joshua's service was not to a human master but to the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, validating the divine authority behind his leadership and actions.
* **Died (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** (H4191) A primitive root, this word signifies the cessation of life, literally or figuratively. Its inclusion here is stark and definitive, marking the absolute end of Joshua's earthly life and, by extension, the end of the era of unified, divinely-led conquest. The finality of "died" underscores the vacuum left by his departure and sets the stage for the subsequent narrative where Israel lacks a central, divinely appointed leader of his caliber.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua the son of Nun":** This clause precisely identifies the subject of the verse as Joshua, the renowned successor to Moses. His lineage, "son of Nun," anchors him in Israel's history, reminding the reader of his origins and the continuity of leadership from the previous generation. He is recognized as the leader who successfully brought Israel into the Promised Land and oversaw its initial settlement, fulfilling the divine mandate given to him.
* **"the servant of the LORD":** This is the most significant descriptive phrase in the verse, functioning as a high honorific and a divine commendation. It elevates Joshua to the spiritual stature of Moses, signifying his unwavering loyalty, complete obedience to God's commands, and his role as a faithful instrument in God's redemptive plan for Israel. This title encapsulates his entire life's devotion and the successful completion of his God-given mission, emphasizing his unique relationship with Yahweh.
* **"died, [being] an hundred and ten years old":** This clause states the undeniable fact of Joshua's death, marking the end of his earthly life and leadership. The mention of his age, 110, emphasizes that he lived a long and full life, completing his course. This specific age holds symbolic resonance, mirroring Joseph's death at the same age (cf. [Genesis 50:26](/genesis/50-26 "Genesis 50:26 - Joseph's Death at 110 Years Old")), suggesting a divinely appointed lifespan for key figures who served God faithfully and completed their work. The finality of "died" underscores the vacuum left by his departure, setting the stage for the subsequent narrative where Israel lacks a central, divinely appointed leader of his caliber.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 2:8 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Transition** is paramount, as the verse acts as a narrative hinge, moving the story from the era of unified conquest under Joshua to the fragmented, turbulent period of the judges. This is achieved by stating the definitive end of Joshua's life and leadership, signaling a shift in Israel's spiritual and political landscape. **Symbolism** is evident in Joshua's age of 110, mirroring Joseph's death at the same age, which symbolizes a complete and fulfilled life of service, a life lived to its divinely appointed conclusion. This numerical echo subtly reinforces the idea of a divinely appointed and fully accomplished mission. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing** by highlighting the departure of such a pivotal, God-fearing leader. The immediate context of the following verses ([Judges 2:9-10](/judges/2-9-10 "Judges 2:9-10 - The Generation That Knew Not the LORD")) reveals the spiritual decline that quickly follows, implying that Joshua's absence directly contributes to Israel's subsequent struggles, thus subtly predicting the tumultuous narrative ahead that will define the rest of the book of Judges.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 2:8 carries profound theological weight, underscoring the vital importance of faithful leadership and the perpetual challenge of intergenerational spiritual transmission. Joshua's death signifies the end of a unique period where God's presence was manifested through miraculous conquest and direct, unified leadership. It highlights the truth that human leaders, no matter how godly or effective, are temporary. God's people must learn to walk by faith, not by sight, and to depend on the unchanging character of God rather than the fleeting presence of human authority. The subsequent spiritual decline in Israel serves as a stark warning: a generation that fails to personally "know the LORD" and His works, relying solely on the legacy of their predecessors, is prone to apostasy. This verse calls believers to intentional discipleship, ensuring that the torch of faith is not merely passed on, but genuinely ignited in the hearts of each new generation through personal encounter and ongoing instruction in God's Word.

* [Joshua 24:31](/joshua/24-31 "Joshua 24:31 - Israel Served the LORD All the Days of Joshua")
* [Psalm 78:5-7](/psalm/78-5-7 "Psalm 78:5-7 - Teaching the Next Generation God's Law")
* [Hebrews 4:8](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8 - Joshua Did Not Give Them Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The death of Joshua, "the servant of the LORD," serves as a potent reminder that all human leaders, no matter how gifted or divinely appointed, are ultimately temporary. This truth compels us to consider where our ultimate trust and dependence lie. While God raises up and uses individuals for His purposes, our faith must be rooted not in their charisma or effectiveness, but in the unchanging character and sovereign power of God Himself. For the church today, Judges 2:8 is a clarion call to intentional, intergenerational discipleship. We cannot assume that the next generation will automatically inherit or maintain the faith of their parents or spiritual elders. There is a profound responsibility to actively teach, model, and impart a personal, living knowledge of the Lord and His works, ensuring that each new cohort encounters God for themselves. This verse challenges us to ask: Are we effectively discipling those who will come after us, equipping them to "know the LORD" and to walk in His ways, even when the foundational leaders of our time are gone? It prompts us to evaluate our own spiritual formation and our commitment to passing on a vibrant, living faith to those who will follow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we ensure that our faith is rooted in God alone, rather than in human leaders or past experiences?**
* **What practical steps can individuals and churches take to intentionally pass on a vibrant, personal knowledge of the Lord to the next generation?**
* **In what ways might we be unknowingly relying on the spiritual momentum of previous generations instead of cultivating our own living faith?**
* **What does it mean for us to be "servants of the LORD" in our own time and context, following Joshua's example of faithfulness and obedience?**

### FAQ
**Why is Joshua's age at death, 110 years old, specifically mentioned?**

Answer: The mention of Joshua's age, 110 years, is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it indicates he lived a full and blessed life, having completed his God-given mission. This age was considered a symbol of a long and complete life in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Secondly, it holds symbolic resonance within the biblical narrative, as it is the same age at which Joseph died (see [Genesis 50:26](/genesis/50-26 "Genesis 50:26 - Joseph's Death at 110 Years Old")). This parallel suggests a divinely ordained lifespan for key figures who served God faithfully and completed their work, signifying a life fully lived in God's service and bringing a sense of closure and completion to his era.

**What is the significance of the title "the servant of the LORD" for Joshua?**

Answer: The title "the servant of the LORD" (`עֶבֶד יְהוָה`, _ʻebed Yᵉhôvâh'_) is a profound theological honorific. It was primarily applied to Moses (e.g., [Deuteronomy 34:5](/deuteronomy/34-5 "Deuteronomy 34:5 - Moses, the Servant of the LORD")), signifying a unique relationship of intimacy, divine appointment, and unwavering obedience to God's will. For Joshua, it underscores his faithfulness, his role as God's chosen instrument to lead Israel into the Promised Land, and his successful completion of the covenant mission entrusted to him. It elevates his status beyond a mere military leader, recognizing his spiritual devotion and God-centered leadership as a model for all who would serve Yahweh.

**How does Joshua's death in this verse set the stage for the rest of the book of Judges?**

Answer: Joshua's death is a pivotal turning point that directly sets the stage for the spiritual and social decline chronicled throughout Judges. With the departure of this strong, divinely appointed leader, Israel loses its central unifying figure and its primary spiritual anchor. The immediate verses following ([Judges 2:10](/judges/2-10 "Judges 2:10 - A Generation That Knew Not the LORD")) lament the rise of a generation that "knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel," highlighting the critical failure of intergenerational spiritual transfer. This leadership vacuum and spiritual amnesia lead directly to the cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, cries for deliverance, and the raising of temporary judges that defines the rest of the book, illustrating the consequences of forgetting God's past faithfulness and His commands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 2:8, marking the end of Joshua's faithful but finite leadership, powerfully foreshadows the need for a perfect, eternal "Servant of the LORD" who will never die or fail. Joshua, though a remarkable leader who brought Israel into a physical rest in the Promised Land, could not provide ultimate spiritual rest or deliver Israel from their deepest spiritual failures (as reflected in [Hebrews 4:8](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8 - Joshua Did Not Give Them Rest")). This verse, therefore, implicitly points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate and eternal "Servant of the LORD." Unlike Joshua, whose leadership was temporary and whose death left a vacuum, Jesus' leadership is eternal and His kingdom everlasting (as seen in [Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Jesus' Unchanging Priesthood")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the beloved Son in whom God is well pleased ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Affirmation of Jesus")). Jesus, in His incarnation, perfectly embodied the role of the humble servant, emptying Himself for the sake of humanity ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility as a Servant")). He is not merely a temporary deliverer but the very head of the church ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Head of the Church")), the way, the truth, and the life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way, The Truth, The Life")), providing an eternal spiritual rest and an enduring, perfect leadership that transcends all human limitations and failures.

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

Joshua 24:29

¶ 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.

Joshua 24:30

And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathserah, which [is] in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash.