Why did Joshua dismiss the people in Joshua 24:28? Text “Then Joshua dismissed the people, each to his own inheritance.” (Joshua 24:28) Immediate Literary Setting Joshua 24 records Israel’s national assembly at Shechem. Verses 1–27 recount Joshua’s historical review of God’s acts, the people’s threefold pledge of loyalty, the written covenant renewal, and the erection of a great stone “by the oak that was near the sanctuary of the LORD” (v. 26). Verse 28 follows as the formal conclusion of the covenant ceremony. Ancient Near-Eastern Treaty Structure Archaeologists and epigraphers (e.g., G. Mendenhall, K. Kitchen) have long noted that Joshua 24 mirrors Late-Bronze Age suzerain-vassal treaties: 1. Preamble (v. 1). 2. Historical prologue (vv. 2–13). 3. Stipulations (vv. 14–24). 4. Written record and witnesses (vv. 25–27). 5. Blessings/curses implied. 6. Formal dismissal (v. 28). In that cultural form, dismissal signaled the treaty’s ratification. Joshua’s action, therefore, completes the legal covenant, sending the tribes home to implement the agreed loyalty to Yahweh. Historical Timing and Geography Ussher’s chronology places this event c. 1444 BC, near the end of Joshua’s life at age 110 (v. 29). The venue, Shechem (modern Tel Balata), lies between Mounts Ebal and Gerizim, where Moses had earlier commanded a covenant recitation (Deuteronomy 27–28; fulfilled in Joshua 8). Excavations (Ernst Sellin 1926; G. E. Wright 1950s) have revealed LB II fortification walls and a massive standing stone matching v. 26’s description. Purpose of the Dismissal 1. Completion of Covenant Obligations Having heard, agreed, and witnessed, the tribes were now accountable “each to his own inheritance.” Dismissal transferred responsibility from national assembly to individual households. 2. Restoration to Ordinary Vocations The people had gathered from their tribal territories. Farming cycles, local governance, and worship at Levitical towns required their return. Scripture consistently honors ordinary labor (Genesis 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 4:11). 3. Establishing Rest (Hebrew nuach) Joshua’s name means “Yahweh saves” and echoes “rest.” By dismissing the people, he practices the rest God granted after conquest (Joshua 21:44). Judges 2:6 repeats almost verbatim, underscoring that dismissal equals entry into covenant rest. 4. Foreshadowing of the Great Commission Joshua—Hebrew Yĕhôshuaʿ, identical to the Aramaic ‘Yeshua’—sends the covenant people to live out allegiance. Likewise, the risen Jesus dismisses His disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples…” (Matthew 28:19). Covenant ratification begets mission. Archaeological Corroboration of Covenant Context • Mount Ebal Altar (Adam Zertal, 1980s): A monumental structure with Late-Bronze pottery fits Joshua 8’s covenant site, validating the Shechem covenant’s locale. • Proto-Alphabetic Inscription (Ebal Curse Tablet, Mt. Ebal, 2022 peer-review pending): “You are cursed by Yahweh Elohim.” Earliest Hebrew theonym supports the covenant’s historical setting. • Standing Stone at Shechem (Tel Balata): Eleven-ton monolith beside a worship precinct matches v. 26’s “large stone.” Theological Significance 1. Covenant Faithfulness of God Dismissal seals Yahweh’s fulfilled promises (cf. Genesis 12:7). The people enter tangible inheritance; God’s word proves true (Hebrews 6:13–18). 2. Human Responsibility Liberation from Egypt led to law at Sinai; conquest leads to law-observance in the land. Covenant always couples grace with response (Ephesians 2:8–10). 3. Typology of Salvation Rest Hebrews 4 uses Israel’s land rest to illustrate the believer’s ultimate rest in Christ. Joshua dismissing the nation prefigures Christ granting rest through His resurrection. Practical Application for Today • Covenant Keepers: Believers gather to renew allegiance (Lord’s Table, corporate worship) and are then “dismissed” to serve God in vocation and witness. • Accountability: Like Israel returning to tribal allotments, Christians must embody faith where they live, work, and govern. • Hope of Rest: The final “dismissal” at Christ’s return will usher God’s people into their eternal inheritance (1 Peter 1:4). Summary Joshua dismissed the people because the covenant renewal was finished, legal witnesses were established, and it was time for every tribe to live out faithful obedience in their lands. The act mirrors ancient treaty form, fulfills Mosaic instruction, affirms God’s faithfulness, and prophetically points to the greater rest offered by the risen Christ. |
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