By Mike Chaffin
32 The bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel had brought up out of Egypt, they buried at Shechem, in the plot of ground which Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for one hundred pieces of silver, and which had become an inheritance of the children of Joseph. 33And Eleazar the son of Aaron died. They buried him in a hill belonging to Phinehas his son, which was given to him in the mountains of Ephraim. Joshua 24:32-33
One of the last words in Joshua lets us know the last words of Joseph in Genesis were fulfilled. God delivered the Israelites from Egypt. They took Joseph’s 400-year-old bones with them. After conquering the land, they are laid to rest in a cave Abraham purchased around 600 years earlier. The author of the end of Joshua wants us to know God is true to his word.
The final word in Joshua is an epitaph for the High Priest Eleazar. He was the third son of Aaron. Being born third, he normally wouldn’t have been made High Priest. However, his two older brothers were killed by God for profaning worship. Disobedience brings judgement.
Moses and Aaron lead the people through the desert. Joshua and Eleazar lead them in conquest of the land. Afterwards, they are given the job of dividing the land to the tribal leaders, who disperse it to each family. Eleazar was a faithful servant of God and he gets this final shout out upon his death.
The last chapter in Joshua wraps up the whole exodus and conquest. Joshua dies, Joseph’s bones are buried, and finally Eleazar’s death. These are the last words on what started when God promised the land to Abraham so many centuries earlier. God delivered. God is faithful. A new chapter in the lives of the God’s children begins.
Prayer: Lord, you are so good and faithful to your promises. You reward those who are faithful, obedient, and believing. As a child of yours I know you are with me wherever I go. And one day, when my chapter on earth is finished, I will receive the promise of eternal life in heaven with you. I praise you and thank you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
