Joshua 24:25
So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּכְרֹ֨ת
made
H3772
וַיִּכְרֹ֨ת
made
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
1 of 11
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
בְּרִ֛ית
a covenant
H1285
בְּרִ֛ית
a covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
3 of 11
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
לָעָ֖ם
with the people
H5971
לָעָ֖ם
with the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
בַּיּ֣וֹם
that day
H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם
that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
5 of 11
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
הַה֑וּא
H1931
הַה֑וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 11
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וַיָּ֥שֶׂם
and set
H7760
וַיָּ֥שֶׂם
and set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
7 of 11
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
חֹ֥ק
them a statute
H2706
חֹ֥ק
them a statute
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
9 of 11
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
Cross References
Exodus 15:25And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,Nehemiah 9:38And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it.2 Kings 11:17And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD'S people; between the king also and the people.2 Chronicles 23:16And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD'S people.
Historical Context
Shechem, between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, was Israel's first covenant-renewal site after entering Canaan (Joshua 8:30-35). Its selection honored Abraham's first altar there (Genesis 12:6-7) and Jacob's return (Genesis 33:18-20). This marked Joshua's final official act as Israel's leader.
Questions for Reflection
- How do formal commitments strengthen your spiritual life beyond emotional experiences?
- What 'statutes and ordinances' help structure your covenant relationship with God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem—Joshua formalizes Israel's covenant renewal. Made a covenant (karat berit, כָּרַת בְּרִית, 'cut a covenant') uses the technical term for solemn treaty-making. Set them a statute and an ordinance (choq u-mishpat, חֹק וּמִשְׁפָּט) provides legal structure—binding law, not mere suggestion.
Covenant requires both declaration and documentation. Feelings fade; written commitments endure. This models biblical faith: covenants are legally binding, not emotionally negotiable. The New Covenant likewise combines promise (God's faithfulness) with expectation (our obedience through grace).