Burial in the Promised Land: 24:28–33 The book of Joshua ends with three grave traditions that set the context for the book of Judges. Joshua and Eleazer die. The religious leaders of the tribes will govern no more. A new generation must arise to challenge the people to commitment. The bones of Joseph are buried in Shechem in the burial cave of Jacob, as Joseph had requested (Gen. 50:24). Truly the land belongs to the tribes. Their ancestors now rest in Canaan.

The narrator pays a high tribute to Joshua. For the first time, Joshua is called the servant of the LORD (24:29). That is more important than his age, 110 years. Joshua 1:1 refers to Joshua as Moses’ aide (assistant), but now he is a servant of the Lord in his own right. The death narrative recognizes that Joshua lived and died as a …