The text does not say where Joshua addressed the people. Presumably it was at Shiloh (see 22.9, 12), the last place mentioned. But this takes place much later, after the Lord had given the Israelites security from all their enemies (see 21.44). Much later the LORD gave may be translated either “It had been a long time since the LORD had given” or “Many years had passed since the LORD gave.”

Gave … security translates the Hebrew verb rendered “had given rest” by Revised Standard Version. It is the same verb used in 1.13, 15. See comments there.

By that time Joshua was very old may be translated “In the meanwhile Joshua had become very old” or “… a very old man.” It may be best to make this statement into a complete sentence, since otherwise verse 2 becomes very lengthy.

Joshua was now very old, either 110 years old (24.29) or near that (see 13.1); the Hebrew expression is “an old man advanced in days” (see Revised Standard Version).

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on Joshua. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .