Exodus 32:17
And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁמַ֧ע
heard
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֧ע
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ
And when Joshua
H3091
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ
And when Joshua
Strong's:
H3091
Word #:
2 of 12
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֖ם
of the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
בְּרֵעֹ֑ה
as they shouted
H7452
בְּרֵעֹ֑ה
as they shouted
Strong's:
H7452
Word #:
6 of 12
a crash (of thunder), noise (of war), shout (of joy)
Historical Context
Joshua, Moses' minister and eventual successor, had accompanied Moses partway up Sinai (Ex 24:13) and apparently waited there during the 40 days. His confusion shows how spiritual compromise can sound like zealous activity.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between godly zeal and fleshly religious fervor?
- What spiritual 'battles' are actually internal compromises disguised as external threats?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Joshua, who had waited below the cloud's glory zone (Ex 24:13), heard קוֹל הָעָם בְּרֵעֹה (qol ha'am bere'oh, the sound of the people in their shouting) and misidentified it as military combat. His use of מִלְחָמָה (milchamah, war) shows he expected external enemies. Moses' response will correct this—the danger was internal apostasy, more deadly than any military threat. Joshua's loyal presence contrasts with Aaron's compromise; he remained close to God's presence rather than descending to the people.