King James Version

What Does Joshua 23:1 Mean?

Joshua 23:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that ...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age. stricken: Heb. come into days”

Joshua 23:1 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age. stricken: Heb. come into days

2

And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age:

3

And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto all these nations because of you; for the LORD your God is he that hath fought for you.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age. And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age:

Joshua's farewell address occurs after "a long time" (miyamim rabim, מִיָּמִים רַבִּים, "from many days"), likely 15-20 years after the conquest's completion, when Joshua approached his death at 110 (24:29). The phrase "the LORD had given rest" (heniyach Yahweh, הֵנִיחַ יְהוָה) uses terminology central to Deuteronomy and Hebrews—the "rest" God promised has been provisionally achieved. Yet this rest remains incomplete (13:1), anticipating greater rest fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 4:8-11).

Joshua's self-description—"I am old and stricken in age" (zaqanti bati bayamim, זָקַנְתִּי בָּאתִי בַּיָּמִים, literally "I am old, I have come in days")—acknowledges his mortality with dignity. Unlike leaders who cling to power, Joshua recognizes that his time is ending and must prepare the next generation. This models godly leadership transition—knowing when to pass responsibility while providing final wisdom. Moses similarly delivered farewell addresses (Deuteronomy), as did Paul (Acts 20:17-38; 2 Timothy), establishing a pattern of departing leaders imparting crucial instruction.

The audience—"all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers"—includes both the general assembly and specifically identified leadership. This comprehensive gathering ensures that Joshua's final words reach all levels of society. The repetition in verse 2 emphasizes the importance of what follows—this isn't casual conversation but solemn testamentary instruction requiring full attention from the entire covenant community.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The timeframe "a long time after" suggests this address occurred around 1380 BCE (early chronology) or 1200 BCE (late chronology), during the period when Israel transitioned from unified conquest under Joshua to tribal administration described in Judges. The "rest" mentioned was relative—major Canaanite resistance was broken, allowing agricultural settlement and population growth, but pockets of Canaanite presence remained (23:7, 12-13), creating ongoing tension.

Ancient Near Eastern farewell addresses follow recognized genre conventions: the dying leader reviews past accomplishments, warns against future dangers, and calls for covenant loyalty. Examples include Jacob's blessings (Genesis 49), Moses' farewell (Deuteronomy 31-33), and David's charge to Solomon (1 Kings 2:1-9). Joshua's address conforms to this pattern while uniquely emphasizing exclusive Yahweh worship and warning against intermarriage/alliance with remaining Canaanites—concerns that would dominate Judges' narrative.

The mention of "elders, heads, judges, and officers" indicates Israel's developing governmental structure. "Elders" (zekenim) provided traditional tribal leadership; "heads" (rashim) led clans or military units; "judges" (shofetim) administered justice; "officers" (shoterim) functioned as administrators or enforcers. This distributed leadership structure, established under Moses (Exodus 18:13-26; Deuteronomy 1:9-18), prevented autocracy while ensuring local governance. Joshua addresses these leaders as multipliers—they would transmit his instruction throughout their respective spheres.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Joshua's recognition of his mortality and preparation of successors model godly leadership transition?
  2. What does the concept of "rest" in Joshua teach us about the partial fulfillments of God's promises that point toward ultimate fulfillment in Christ?
  3. How can older Christians follow Joshua's example of imparting wisdom to the next generation before their time ends?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּיָּמִֽים׃2 of 15

“in age”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

רַבִּ֔ים3 of 15

“And it came to pass a long”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

אַֽ֠חֲרֵי4 of 15

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אֲשֶׁר5 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֵנִ֨יחַ6 of 15

“had given rest”

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

יְהוָ֧ה7 of 15

“that the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל8 of 15

“unto Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מִכָּל9 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֹֽיְבֵיהֶ֖ם10 of 15

“from all their enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

מִסָּבִ֑יב11 of 15

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

וִֽיהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ12 of 15

“that Joshua”

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

זָקֵ֔ן13 of 15

“waxed old”

H2204

to be old

בָּ֖א14 of 15

“and stricken”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בַּיָּמִֽים׃15 of 15

“in age”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 23:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 23:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 13:1Joshua 21:44Joshua 11:23Psalms 46:9Genesis 25:8Deuteronomy 31:2

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