Joshua 24:26
And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּכְתֹּ֤ב
wrote
H3789
וַיִּכְתֹּ֤ב
wrote
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
1 of 18
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים
these words
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים
these words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 18
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בְּסֵ֖פֶר
in the book
H5612
בְּסֵ֖פֶר
in the book
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
תּוֹרַ֣ת
of the law
H8451
תּוֹרַ֣ת
of the law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
7 of 18
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
of God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
גְּדוֹלָ֔ה
a great
H1419
גְּדוֹלָ֔ה
a great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
11 of 18
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
וַיְקִימֶ֣הָ
and set it up
H6965
וַיְקִימֶ֣הָ
and set it up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
12 of 18
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
שָּׁ֔ם
H8033
תַּ֚חַת
H8478
תַּ֚חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
14 of 18
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Judges 9:6And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem.Genesis 35:4And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.
Historical Context
This stone, possibly the one Jacob erected (Genesis 35:4), stood 'by the sanctuary'—likely a designated worship space before the tabernacle. Joshua's act parallels Moses erecting memorial stones (Exodus 24:4). Such monuments dotted Israel's landscape, teaching covenant history to future generations.
Questions for Reflection
- How do physical memorials (sacraments, symbols) reinforce written truth in your faith?
- What personal 'stones of remembrance' mark significant encounters with God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God—Joshua adds to the sacred text, showing Scripture grew through inspired leadership. The phrase book of the law of God (sefer torat Elohim, סֵפֶר תּוֹרַת אֱלֹהִים) refers to the Mosaic law. And took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the LORD—a physical memorial accompanies the written record.
God's Word combines written text and physical reminders. The stone under an oak recalls Abraham's oak (Genesis 12:6) and Jacob's burial of foreign gods under Shechem's oak (Genesis 35:4). Sacred trees marked holy sites. The Christian sacraments similarly combine word (proclamation) and physical elements (water, bread, wine).