Joshua 24:30
And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath-serah, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash.
Original Language Analysis
אֹתוֹ֙
H853
אֹתוֹ֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בִּגְב֣וּל
him in the border
H1366
בִּגְב֣וּל
him in the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ
of his inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ
of his inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לְהַר
of the hill
H2022
לְהַר
of the hill
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
8 of 12
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
9 of 12
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
מִצְּפ֖וֹן
on the north side
H6828
מִצְּפ֖וֹן
on the north side
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
Historical Context
Joshua's tomb at Timnath-serah became a memorial site, though less prominent than the patriarchs' tombs at Hebron or Rachel's tomb near Bethlehem. Gaash is mentioned elsewhere only in reference to Joshua's burial (2 Samuel 23:30, 1 Chronicles 11:32). His grave marked the end of an era.
Questions for Reflection
- How does burial in the promised land demonstrate faith in God's ultimate fulfillment of promises?
- What spiritual 'inheritance' will you possess when your earthly journey ends?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath-serah, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash—Joshua is buried in his own inheritance, the city he requested and built (19:50). Timnath-serah means 'extra portion'—fitting for one who served selflessly. The specific geographic detail (north side of the hill of Gaash) enables future generations to find his tomb.
Burial location matters in Scripture. Patriarchs were buried in the promised land (Hebron's cave, Genesis 49:29-33), affirming faith in God's promises. Joshua's burial in his inheritance testifies to possession fulfilled. Believers await resurrection and eternal inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-5).