Paragraph 24:25–26
24:25a
The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible leaves untranslated but some English versions translate as “so” introduces the next event in the storyline. Introduce the next event in a natural way in your language.
Joshua made a covenant for the people: The term covenant was first mentioned in the book of Joshua in 3:3. It was also used in 23:16. You will probably be able to translate it the same way in all three places.
for the people: The Hebrew preposition that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for can also be translated “with.” Joshua did not make an agreement between the people and himself. Instead, he acted as Yahweh’s representative. He established a covenant between the people and Yahweh.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
That day Joshua drew up an agreement for the people (NET Bible)
-or-
Joshua helped Israel make an agreement with the Lord that day (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
That day, Joshua established an agreement between the people and Yahweh (Translation for Translators)
24:25b
and there at Shechem he established for them a statute and ordinance: The words statute and ordinance refer to all the laws that Yahweh specified should be part of the covenant. Some languages may not have two terms that refer to laws. In this case, only one term may be used.
Shechem: The town of Shechem was mentioned in verse 24:1.
Here are some other ways to translate this part of the verse:
At Shechem, he set up rules and commands for them ⌊to follow⌋
-or-
He established laws and regulations for them at the town of Shechem
-or-
at Shechem…Joshua made laws for Israel (Contemporary English Version)
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