Joshua 10:14

Authorized King James Version

And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹ֨א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָיָ֜ה

H1961

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

כַּיּ֤וֹם

H3117

And there was no day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַהוּא֙

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לְפָנָ֣יו

H6440

like that before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְאַֽחֲרָ֔יו

H310

it or after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

לִשְׁמֹ֥עַ

H8085

hearkened

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

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

for the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּק֣וֹל

H6963

unto the voice

a voice or sound

#10

אִ֑ישׁ

H376

of a man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#11

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#12

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

for the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

נִלְחָ֖ם

H3898

fought

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

#14

לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

for Israel

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 10 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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