יהושע, פרק כ״ג, פסוק א׳

A long period of time has passed since the conquest of the land, bringing an era of complete peace and rest for the Israelites from their surrounding enemies [ביאור שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל]. This extended stretch of national tranquility sets the stage for the final moments of Joshua’s leadership. It serves as the background for his decision to gather the nation's leaders to deliver his parting words and establish a final covenant with them before he dies [אברבנאל].

In sharp contrast to the peaceful state of the nation, Joshua’s personal condition is failing. Now over a hundred years old [ביאור שטיינזלץ], his advanced chronological age is only one aspect of his decline. There is a clear distinction between his many years of life and his actual physical state [אברבנאל]. The heavy burden of the numerous wars he waged has left him weak and broken, with the passage of time leaving a severe physical mark on his body.

Motivated by this physical weakness and the reality of his approaching death, Joshua calls together the elders, judges, and officers of the people. His primary intention is to comfort and reassure them. He wants to ensure they do not worry about his departure, making it clear that it was God who fought for them and secured their land, rather than Joshua's own military strength [אברבנאל].