And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathheres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash.

JUDGES 2:9KJV
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Judges 2:9 (KJV)

What does Judges 2:9 mean?

Judges 2:9 describes the burial of Joshua, stating that he was buried within the boundaries of his own inheritance at Timnathheres, a location in the hill country of Ephraim, specifically on the north side of the hill called Gaash. The verse marks the end of Joshua’s life and leadership over Israel.

The verse is part of a historical account, likely written by an Israelite historian, summarizing what happened after Joshua’s death. It gives specific geographic details about where Joshua was buried, showing respect for him by noting his burial in his allotted land. This detail also sets the stage for the changes that follow in Israel’s history after Joshua’s generation passes away.

The Hebrew behind Judges 2:9

  • "buried" (קָבַר, qābar): This word simply means to bury, but its use here emphasizes the completion of Joshua’s earthly journey and the honor given to him by being buried in his own land.
  • "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word refers to the boundary or edge of Joshua’s inheritance, highlighting that his burial was within the specific territory given to him, not just anywhere in the land.
  • "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This term means a portion of land allotted as a permanent possession, underlining that Joshua was laid to rest in the land he received as his share among the tribes.
  • "Timnathheres" (תִּמְנַת חֶרֶס, Timnath-cheres): The name of the town where Joshua was buried, which helps identify the exact location and connects the story to real geography.

Why Judges 2:9 matters

  • Judges 2:9 clarifies that Joshua was honored by being buried in his own inheritance, not in a random or foreign place, which was significant for Israelite customs and respect for leaders.
  • The verse connects Joshua’s death to the larger narrative, marking a transition point where leadership changes and the people’s faithfulness is soon tested.
  • The detailed location ties the story to real places, grounding the biblical account in the geography of ancient Israel and helping later generations remember and locate these events.

Where else these words appear

“Timnathheres” Hebrew H8556 · used in 3 verses

  • Joshua 19:50 According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein.
  • Joshua 24:30 And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathserah, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash.

“Gaash” Hebrew H1608 · used in 4 verses

  • Joshua 24:30 And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathserah, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash.
  • 2 Samuel 23:30 Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash,
  • 1 Chronicles 11:32 Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite,

“buried” Hebrew H6912 · used in 122 verses

  • Genesis 15:15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
  • Ruth 1:17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
  • 2 Kings 15:7 So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

“side” Hebrew H6828 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 13:14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
  • 1 Chronicles 26:17 Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.
  • Ezekiel 21:4 Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north: