Joshua 10:1

Authorized King James Version

Now it came to pass, when Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִי֩

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ

H8085

had heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֲדֹֽנִי

צֶ֜דֶק

H139

Now it came to pass when Adonizedek

adoni-tsedek, a canaanitish king

וּלְמַלְכָּ֑הּ

H4428

and her king

a king

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֗ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְכִ֨י

H3588

how

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לָכַ֨ד

H3920

had taken

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ

H3091

Joshua

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

לָעַ֖י

H5857

ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine

#12

וַיַּֽחֲרִימָהּ֒

H2763

and had utterly destroyed

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

#13

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

עָשָׂ֥ה

H6213

it as he had done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

לִֽירִיחוֹ֙

H3405

to Jericho

jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine

#16

וּלְמַלְכָּ֑הּ

H4428

and her king

a king

#17

כֵּן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#18

עָשָׂ֥ה

H6213

it as he had done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#19

לָעַ֖י

H5857

ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine

#20

וּלְמַלְכָּ֑הּ

H4428

and her king

a king

#21

וְכִ֨י

H3588

how

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#22

הִשְׁלִ֜ימוּ

H7999

had made peace

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

#23

יֹֽשְׁבֵ֤י

H3427

and how the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#24

גִבְעוֹן֙

H1391

of Gibeon

gibon, a place in palestine

#25

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#26

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

with Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#27

וַיִּֽהְי֖וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#28

בְּקִרְבָּֽם׃

H7130

and were among

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Joshua.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding peace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 10 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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