Joshua 10:20

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, that the rest which remained of them entered into fenced cities.

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)

כְּכַלּ֨וֹת

H3615

had made an end

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ

H3091

And it came to pass when Joshua

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

וּבְנֵ֣י

H1121

and the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל

H3478

of Israel

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

לְהַכּוֹתָ֛ם

H5221

of slaying

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

מַכָּ֥ה

H4347

slaughter

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

גְדוֹלָֽה

H1419

great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

מְאֹ֖ד

H3966

them with a very

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

#10

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#11

תֻּמָּ֑ם

H8552

till they were consumed

to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

#12

וְהַשְּׂרִידִים֙

H8300

that the rest

a survivor

#13

שָֽׂרְד֣וּ

H8277

which remained

properly, to puncture, i.e., (figuratively through the idea of slipping out) to escape or survive

#14

מֵהֶ֔ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#15

וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ

H935

of them entered

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#16

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#17

עָרֵ֥י

H5892

cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#18

הַמִּבְצָֽר׃

H4013

into fenced

a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?

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