Judges 2:9

KJV

And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathheres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they buried {H6912} him in the border {H1366} of his inheritance {H5159} in Timnathheres {H8556}, in the mount {H2022} of Ephraim {H669}, on the north side {H6828} of the hill {H2022} Gaash {H1608}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and they buried him near the boundary of his property in Timnat-Heres, in the hills of Efrayim, north of Mount Ga'ash.

Berean Standard Bible

They buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath-heres in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash.

American Standard Version

And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath-heres, in the hill-country of Ephraim, on the north of the mountain of Gaash.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 2:9 meticulously records the burial place of Joshua, the revered successor to Moses, marking the solemn conclusion of his extraordinary life and leadership. This verse serves as a crucial transitional marker in Israel's history, not only affirming the fulfillment of divine promises regarding the land through Joshua's personal inheritance but also signaling the end of the foundational generation that witnessed God's mighty acts from the Exodus through the conquest. It sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of the Book of Judges, which chronicles Israel's spiritual decline and the challenges of a new era without Joshua's unifying presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 2:9 immediately follows the declaration of Joshua's death at the advanced age of 110 in [Judges 2:8](/judges/2-8 "Judges 2:8 - Death of Joshua"). This verse, therefore, functions as the concluding note to his earthly journey, mirroring the detailed account of his burial found at the close of the Book of Joshua ([Joshua 24:30](/joshua/24-30 "Joshua 24:30 - Joshua's Burial")). The repetition underscores the significance of Joshua's passing as a pivotal moment, drawing a definitive line under the era of unified conquest and strong, divinely-appointed leadership. It prepares the reader for the fragmented and often disobedient period of the Judges that is about to unfold, highlighting the profound shift in Israel's national and spiritual landscape. The meticulous geographical detail of his burial site emphasizes the historical grounding of the narrative, providing a tangible link to the land God promised and delivered.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The burial of a revered leader like Joshua was a significant event in ancient Israelite culture, often accompanied by specific rituals and the establishment of a memorial. The location, Timnathheres (also known as Timnath-serah in [Joshua 19:50](/joshua/19-50 "Joshua 19:50 - Joshua's Inheritance") and [Joshua 24:30](/joshua/24-30 "Joshua 24:30 - Joshua's Burial")), was Joshua's personal inheritance within the tribal territory of Ephraim. This was not merely a plot of land but a divinely allocated portion, signifying God's faithfulness to His promises to individuals as well as the nation. The "mount of Ephraim" refers to the central hill country, a strategic and fertile region that served as a significant tribal stronghold. The precise naming of "the hill Gaash" further roots the account in a specific geographical reality, reinforcing the historical veracity of the narrative for its original audience and providing a verifiable landmark for generations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Promise**, as Joshua's burial in his allotted inheritance underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in delivering the land to Israel, and specifically to Joshua, as promised (cf. [Joshua 1:3-4](/joshua/1-3-4 "Joshua 1:3-4 - God's Promise to Joshua")). Secondly, it marks the **End of an Era**, signaling the close of the generation that personally experienced the Exodus, the wilderness wanderings, and the conquest under Joshua's direct, unified leadership. This transition is critical, as the subsequent chapters of Judges lament the spiritual decline and lack of strong central authority that characterized the next period (cf. the lament in [Judges 2:10-12](/judges/2-10-12 "Judges 2:10-12 - A New Generation Forgets the Lord")). Finally, the detailed mention of Joshua's burial site emphasizes the theme of **Legacy and Remembrance**, reminding the reader of the importance of remembering the leaders who guided Israel through pivotal moments and the covenant faithfulness they embodied.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Buried (Hebrew, _qâbar'_):** This primitive root signifies the act of interment or placing a body in the ground. In the context of ancient Israel, burial was a significant act of respect and mourning, often accompanied by specific customs. Here, it marks the definitive end of Joshua's earthly life and leadership, signifying his transition from the realm of the living to rest with his ancestors.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _nachălâh'_):** This term refers to an allotted portion of land, typically passed down through generations. In the context of Israel's settlement in Canaan, "inheritance" carries deep theological significance, representing the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham that his descendants would possess the land. Joshua's burial in his _nachălâh_ underscores the tangible reality of God's promise being realized, not just for the nation but for the faithful individual leader.
* **Timnathheres (Hebrew, _Timnath Chereç_):** This place name, also appearing as Timnath-serah (תִּמְנַת סֶרַח) in Joshua, is believed to derive from roots meaning "portion of the sun" or "portion of abundance/inheritance." The slight variation in spelling between Judges and Joshua is likely a scribal or dialectal difference, but the core meaning of "inheritance" remains consistent. It signifies the specific land granted to Joshua as his personal possession within Ephraim, a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to him individually, just as He fulfilled His promise of the land to the nation of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they buried him":** This phrase directly follows the announcement of Joshua's death, confirming the completion of his earthly life and the customary act of interment. The "they" refers to the people of Israel, indicating a communal act of respect and mourning for their departed leader, a testament to his stature and impact on the nation.
* **"in the border of his inheritance in Timnathheres":** This specifies the precise location within Joshua's personal tribal allotment. The "border" might indicate a prominent or significant spot within his territory, perhaps visible or easily accessible, serving as a landmark and a perpetual reminder of his legacy and the fulfillment of God's promise to him. Timnathheres, as discussed, was his divinely granted portion, emphasizing God's faithfulness.
* **"in the mount of Ephraim":** This broadens the geographical context, placing Timnathheres within the central hill country of Ephraim, the tribal territory of Joshua himself. This detail reinforces the connection between Joshua and his tribe, and the fact that he was buried among his own people in the land he helped them conquer and settle.
* **"on the north side of the hill Gaash":** This provides an even more specific topographical marker, pinpointing the exact location relative to a known geographical feature. Such precise detail grounds the narrative in historical reality, suggesting an eyewitness or well-preserved tradition of Joshua's burial site, making it a verifiable landmark for the original audience and reinforcing the historicity of the biblical account.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 2:9 employs several literary devices to convey its significance. **Geographical Specificity** is paramount, with the naming of Timnathheres, the Mount of Ephraim, and the hill Gaash. This meticulous detail serves to ground the narrative in concrete historical reality, lending credibility to the account and emphasizing the tangible fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land. The verse also utilizes **Repetition**, echoing the burial account found in [Joshua 24:30](/joshua/24-30 "Joshua 24:30 - Joshua's Burial"). This repetition is not redundant but serves to underscore the finality of Joshua's era and to reinforce its importance as a turning point in Israel's history. Furthermore, the act of burial in his "inheritance" carries significant **Symbolism**. It symbolizes the complete fulfillment of God's promise to Joshua, a man who faithfully served the Lord and was thus granted his promised portion. It also subtly symbolizes the end of a golden age of unified leadership, setting a somber tone for the subsequent narrative of Israel's decline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 2:9, though seemingly a mere historical detail, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, both to the nation of Israel concerning the land and to His faithful servant Joshua personally. Joshua's burial in his inheritance, a land he helped conquer, solidifies the reality of God's covenant promises being brought to fruition. This verse also marks a critical transition point, signaling the end of an era defined by strong, unified, and divinely-guided leadership. The departure of Joshua, the last of the great leaders from the Exodus generation, creates a vacuum that the subsequent narrative of Judges will explore, highlighting the challenges of maintaining covenant fidelity in the absence of such direct, charismatic authority. It implicitly raises the question of succession and the enduring need for faithful leadership to guide God's people, foreshadowing the cyclical nature of sin and deliverance that characterizes the book.

* [Joshua 24:30](/joshua/24-30 "Joshua 24:30 - Joshua's Burial Account")
* [Joshua 19:50](/joshua/19-50 "Joshua 19:50 - Joshua's Inheritance")
* [Deuteronomy 34:5-6](/deuteronomy/34-5-6 "Deuteronomy 34:5-6 - Moses' Burial")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The quiet dignity of Joshua's burial, meticulously recorded in Judges 2:9, offers a poignant moment for reflection. It reminds us that even the most faithful and impactful leaders eventually complete their earthly race. Joshua's life was a testament to unwavering obedience and courageous faith, culminating in his peaceful rest in the very land he helped secure. His burial in his "inheritance" speaks volumes about God's faithfulness to those who serve Him wholeheartedly. For us today, this verse prompts us to consider the legacy we are building. Are we living lives of such faithfulness and obedience that our "inheritance"—be it spiritual, relational, or vocational—reflects God's promises fulfilled through our actions? It also underscores the importance of generational transitions in faith. Just as Israel faced a new era without Joshua, every generation must grapple with the challenge of upholding the covenant and passing on a vibrant faith. We are called not merely to inherit the faith of those who came before us, but to actively live it out, ensuring that the knowledge of the Lord continues to be passed down, lest "another generation" arise that forgets the Lord's works and ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Joshua's burial in his "inheritance" teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises, both corporately and individually?**
* **How does the end of Joshua's era in this verse challenge us to consider our own role in ensuring that "another generation" does not forget the Lord?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy are we actively building and passing on to those who will come after us?**

### FAQ
**Why is Joshua's burial place mentioned twice (Joshua 24:30 and Judges 2:9) with slightly different spellings?**

Answer: The repetition of Joshua's burial account in both [Joshua 24:30](/joshua/24-30 "Joshua 24:30 - Joshua's Burial") and [Judges 2:9](/judges/2-9 "Judges 2:9 - Joshua's Burial") serves to emphasize the significance of his death as a major turning point in Israel's history, marking the definitive end of the conquest era and the transition to a new period. The slight difference in spelling between "Timnath-serah" (Joshua) and "Timnathheres" (Judges) is likely due to minor scribal variations over time, dialectal differences in pronunciation, or perhaps even a deliberate literary choice to subtly distinguish the accounts while referring to the same location. Both names, however, refer to the identical place within Joshua's inheritance in Ephraim, reinforcing the historical veracity of the event and the fulfillment of God's promise regarding his land allotment. Such precise geographical details were common in ancient Near Eastern historical records, grounding the narrative in a tangible reality for the original audience and lending credibility to the biblical record.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Judges 2:9 records the earthly resting place of a great human leader, it subtly points forward to the ultimate, eternal rest and inheritance secured by Jesus Christ. Joshua, whose very name (Yeshua) is the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus, led Israel into their physical inheritance in the Promised Land. Yet, this land was but a shadow of the true, spiritual inheritance that awaits God's people in Christ. Unlike Joshua, who eventually died and was buried, Jesus conquered death itself. His burial was not the end of an era but the prelude to a new creation and the inauguration of an everlasting kingdom. Through His death and resurrection, Christ secured for believers an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Joshua's leadership ushered in a temporary rest, but Jesus, the greater Joshua, provides eternal rest for the soul, inviting all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus Offers Rest")). The promise of land given to Israel finds its ultimate fulfillment in the new heavens and new earth, where Christ reigns supreme and His people dwell in perfect peace and righteousness, forever enjoying the presence of God ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, Joshua's burial, marking the close of an earthly chapter, foreshadows the triumphant "burial" of sin and death by Christ, leading to an eternal inheritance and an unending era of divine presence and glory.

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 19:50

According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, [even] Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein.

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.