יהושע, פרק כ״ד, פסוק כ״ט

The conclusion of a great leader's life often serves as the peak of his spiritual journey. His passing occurs immediately following the preceding events, not only establishing a chronological sequence but also signaling the dawn of a new reality for the Israelites [אלשיך, אברבנאל]. Throughout his long mission of performing miracles, fighting battles, dividing the land, guiding the nation, and making a covenant with them, he was never referred to by the ultimate title of spiritual achievement. Only now, having entirely fulfilled his life's purpose, does he earn a profound new status as the servant of God [אלשיך].

The primary approach among commentators is that this title is a special honor bestowed upon him at the time of his death, directly equating his spiritual standing with that of his teacher, Moses, who received the same title at the end of his life. Even though his physical appearance did not shine with the same glow as Moses, he fundamentally transformed his identity, rising from being merely the servant of Moses to becoming the direct servant of God [ביאור שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל]. His death at the age of one hundred and ten indicates, according to tradition, that he guided the Israelites for approximately thirty years [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Following his passing, the details of his burial shed light on both practical customs and the spiritual atmosphere of the time. Laying him to rest within the borders of his own property reflects the common practice of burying the dead outside city limits [אברבנאל]. The specific name of his burial city also carries a deeper historical memory. Although recorded here with one spelling, it appears in later records with its letters slightly rearranged to form a word meaning sun. This subtle shift serves as a lasting reminder of the great miracle he performed when he made the sun stand still at Gibeon. Yet, the burial is also marked by an underlying tension. A nearby mountain, whose name implies shaking or eruption, is understood by early traditions to have been trembling with anger. It threatened to erupt against the Israelites because they failed to grant their devoted leader the proper respect and did not eulogize him as he truly deserved before laying him to rest [אברבנאל].