◄ Judges 2:9 ►
They buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath-heres in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash.
Study Bible
They buried him in the land of his inheritance
This phrase refers to the burial of Joshua, the leader who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. The "land of his inheritance" signifies the portion of land allocated to him, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites a homeland. Joshua's burial in his inheritance underscores the theme of rest and fulfillment after a life of faithful service. It also reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom of being buried in one's own land, which was considered a sign of honor and continuity of family lineage.

at Timnath-heres
Timnath-heres, also known as Timnath-serah in some biblical texts, was located in the territory of Ephraim. The name means "portion of the sun," which may indicate its geographical features or its significance. This location was given to Joshua as his inheritance, as recorded in Joshua 19:50. The dual naming of the site in different texts suggests a possible evolution of language or cultural influences over time. The site is associated with Joshua's legacy and leadership, serving as a reminder of his role in Israel's history.

in the hill country of Ephraim
The hill country of Ephraim was a central region in the land of Israel, known for its rugged terrain and strategic importance. Ephraim was one of the prominent tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Ephraim. This area was significant in Israel's history, serving as a center for various events and leaders. The mention of Ephraim highlights the tribal divisions and inheritances that were central to Israelite identity and governance. It also connects to the broader narrative of the tribes settling in the Promised Land.

north of Mount Gaash
Mount Gaash is mentioned in connection with Joshua's burial, though it is not frequently referenced elsewhere in the Bible. Its location north of Timnath-heres situates it within the central highlands of Israel. The mention of Mount Gaash provides a geographical marker that helps identify the burial site. This detail emphasizes the historical and geographical accuracy of the biblical narrative, grounding the story in a real-world context. The specificity of location underscores the importance of land and place in the biblical tradition, reflecting God's promises and the fulfillment of His covenant with Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua
The central figure in this verse, Joshua was the leader of the Israelites after Moses. He led the Israelites into the Promised Land and is remembered for his faithfulness and leadership.

2. Timnath-heres
This is the place where Joshua was buried. It was located in the territory of his inheritance, signifying the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to the Israelites.

3. Hill Country of Ephraim
A region in the central part of the Promised Land, known for its rugged terrain. It was part of the inheritance given to the tribe of Ephraim, to which Joshua belonged.

4. Mount Gaash
A geographical landmark mentioned to specify the location of Joshua's burial site. It serves as a historical marker for the events described.

5. Burial of Joshua
This event marks the end of an era of leadership for Israel and the beginning of a new phase in their history, where they would struggle with faithfulness to God.
Teaching Points
Faithful Leadership
Joshua's life exemplifies faithful leadership. He led Israel with integrity and obedience to God. We are called to lead in our spheres of influence with the same faithfulness.

Inheritance and Legacy
Joshua was buried in the land of his inheritance, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's promises. Consider what spiritual inheritance and legacy you are leaving for future generations.

End of an Era
Joshua's death marked a transition for Israel. Reflect on how transitions in our lives can be opportunities for growth and renewed commitment to God.

Geographical Significance
The specific mention of locations underscores the historical reality of biblical events. It reminds us that our faith is rooted in real history and geography.

Continuity of God's Plan
Despite the death of leaders, God's plan continues. Trust in God's sovereignty and His ongoing work in the world, even when human leaders change.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joshua's leadership inspire you in your own roles of influence and responsibility?

2. What does the concept of inheritance mean to you spiritually, and how can you ensure you are leaving a godly legacy?

3. In what ways can transitions in your life be used to deepen your faith and reliance on God?

4. How does understanding the historical and geographical context of biblical events strengthen your faith?

5. How can you remain confident in God's plan and purpose, even when facing changes in leadership or direction in your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 24:29-30
This passage parallels Judges 2:9, providing additional details about Joshua's death and burial, emphasizing his role as a servant of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 34:5-6
The burial of Moses is described here, drawing a parallel between the deaths of these two great leaders of Israel and highlighting the continuity of God's plan.

Hebrews 4:8-9
This New Testament passage reflects on Joshua's leadership and the rest that he provided for Israel, pointing to a greater rest found in Christ.
Sermons
Israel Forsaking GodSermons by the Monday ClubJudges 2:6-10
Israel's ApostasyW. G. Moorehead, D. D.Judges 2:6-10
Joshua and Another GenerationD. Davies.Judges 2:6-10
ManHomilistJudges 2:6-10
The Force of Personal Testimony and InfluenceA.F. Muir Judges 2:6-13
People
Israelites, Joshua, Nun
Places
Bochim, Egypt, Gaash, Gilgal, Timnath-heres
Topics
Body, Border, Bounds, Buried, Bury, Ephraim, E'phraim, Gaash, Ga'ash, Heres, Heritage, Hill, Hill-country, Inheritance, Mount, Mountain, North, Territory, Timnath, Timnathheres, Timnath-heres, Tim'nath-he'res, Within
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Judges 2:6-23

     8705   apostasy, in OT

Library
A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience
'And an angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you. 2. And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? 3. Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Israel's Obstinacy and God's Patience
'And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim; 12. And they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the Lord to anger. 13. And they forsook the Lord, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. 14. And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Whether the Female Sex is an Impediment to Receiving Orders?
Objection 1: It would seem that the female sex is no impediment to receiving Orders. For the office of prophet is greater than the office of priest, since a prophet stands midway between God and priests, just as the priest does between God and people. Now the office of prophet was sometimes granted to women, as may be gathered from 4 Kings 22:14. Therefore the office of priest also may be competent to them. Objection 2: Further, just as Order pertains to a kind of pre-eminence, so does a position …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Judges.
Judges 1; 1 Sam. 7. The Characteristics of the Times. This is a period of transition for Israel Nothing was quite certain, and "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (17:6). In consequence of this there was lack of organization, cooperation or leadership. While we do not have all the history covered by the period and while we do not easily understand or explain its events, it is clear that things did not run smoothly. In Judges 2:16-19 the author gives a vivid picture of the conditions …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

The Unmistakable Honesty of the Writers of the Bible Attests to Its Heavenly Origin
The title of this chapter suggests a wide field of study the limits of which we can now only skirt here and there. To begin with the writers of the Old Testament. Had the historical parts of the Old Testament been a forgery, or the production of uninspired men, their contents would have been very different to what they are. Each of its Books was written by a descendant of Abraham, yet nowhere do we find the bravery of the Israelites extolled and never once are their victories regarded as the outcome …
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible

The Death of Abraham
'Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.'--GENESIS xxv. 8. 'Full of years' does not seem to me to be a mere synonym for longevity. That would be an intolerable tautology, for we should then have the same thing said three times over--'an old man,' 'in a good old age,' 'full of years.' There must be some other idea than that in the words. If you notice that the expression is by no means a usual one, that it is only …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Doctrine of Angels.
I. THEIR EXISTENCE. 1. THE TEACHING OF JESUS. 2. THE TEACHING OF THE APOSTLES. II. THEIR NATURE. 1. CREATED BEINGS. 2. SPIRITUAL BEINGS. 3. GREAT POWER AND MIGHT. 4. VARIOUS GRADES. 5. THE NUMBER OF ANGELS. III. THE FALL OF ANGELS. 1. TIME AND CAUSE. 2. THE WORK OF FALLEN ANGELS. 3. THE JUDGMENT OF FALLEN ANGELS. IV. THE WORK OF ANGELS. 1. THEIR HEAVENLY MINISTRY. 2. THEIR EARTHLY MINISTRY. a) In Relation to the Believer. b) In Relation to Christ's Second Coming. THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS. We are not …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

A Case of Conscience Resolved
WHETHER, WHERE A CHURCH OF CHRIST IS SITUATE, IT IS THE DUTY OF THE WOMEN OF THAT CONGREGATION, ORDINARILY, AND BY APPOINTMENT, TO SEPARATE THEMSELVES FROM THEIR BRETHREN, AND SO TO ASSEMBLE TOGETHER, TO PERFORM SOME PARTS OF DIVINE WORSHIP, AS PRAYER, ETC., WITHOUT THEIR MEN? AND THE ARGUMENTS MADE USE OF FOR THAT PRACTICE, EXAMINED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This exceedingly rare tract was first published in 1683, and was not reprinted, either separately, or in any edition of Bunyan's …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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