Old Testament
Joshua 23:2
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, gathers all the important figures of the nation, including elders, leaders, judges, and officers.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Joshua called all Israel, including their elders, leaders, judges, and officers, and said to them, "I am old and advanced in age."
And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, gathers all the important figures of the nation, including elders, leaders, judges, and officers. He acknowledges his old age, indicating that he is nearing the end of his leadership. This moment is significant as it shows Joshua's concern for the future of Israel and his desire to impart wisdom and guidance before he passes on. By calling everyone together, he emphasizes the importance of unity and collective responsibility among the leaders of Israel. Joshua's age serves as a reminder of the journey the Israelites have taken and the challenges they have faced. His leadership has been pivotal in their conquest of Canaan, and now he seeks to ensure that they remain faithful to God and committed to their covenant. This gathering is not just a farewell but also a call to action for the leaders to continue guiding the people in the right direction.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Joshua 23:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of leadership transitions and the wisdom that comes with age. As we grow older, we should seek to share our experiences and guide the next generation, ensuring they remain committed to their values and responsibilities.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 23:2 mean?
In Joshua 23:2, Joshua gathers the leaders of Israel to acknowledge his old age and to emphasize the importance of unity and guidance as he prepares to pass on his leadership. This moment highlights his concern for the future of Israel and the need for continued faithfulness to God.
How does Joshua 23:2 relate to leadership?
Joshua 23:2 illustrates the importance of leadership transitions and the role of experienced leaders in guiding their communities. It emphasizes the need for unity and shared responsibility among leaders as they prepare for the future.
What themes are present in Joshua 23:2?
The themes in Joshua 23:2 include leadership, aging, unity, wisdom, covenant, and responsibility. These themes highlight the significance of Joshua's message and the collective duty of Israel's leaders to uphold their commitments.

The Book of Joshua
1: God Commissions Joshua
After the death of Moses, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of success and divine presence, just as He was with Moses. He instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to observe all that is written in it, for then he will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, in turn, commands the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River within three days. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses to help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance on the east side. The people pledge their loyalty to Joshua, promising to obey him as they did Moses and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.
Unlock the full Joshua summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Joshua — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Joshua summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.