John Calvin Commentary Joshua 24:26

"And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a great stone, and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of Jehovah." — Joshua 24:26 (ASV)

And Joshua wrote these words, etc. Understand this to refer to the authentic volume that was kept near the ark of the covenant, as if it contained public records deposited for lasting remembrance. There is no doubt that when the Law was read, the proclamation of this covenant was also added.

But, as often happens, what is written can remain concealed in unopened books. Therefore, another aid to memory was provided—one that should always be visible: namely, the stone under the ark, near the sanctuary.

It was not that the ark was permanently stationed there; rather, the stone had been placed there so that they might appear in God’s presence. Therefore, whenever they came into His presence, the testimony or memorial of the covenant that had been made was in their view, so that they might be better kept in the faith.

Joshua’s expression—that the stone heard the words—is indeed hyperbolic, but it aptly expresses the efficacy and power of the divine word, as if to say that it pierces inanimate rocks and stones; so that if men are deaf, their condemnation is echoed throughout all the elements.

The phrase To lie is used here, as it frequently is elsewhere, to mean acting cunningly and deceitfully, or frustrating and violating a given promise.

Who would not suppose that a covenant so well established would be firm and sacred to posterity for many ages? Yet all that Joshua gained by his very great anxiety was to secure its strict observance for only a few years.