Joshua 10:37

Authorized King James Version

And they took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof, and all the souls that were therein; he left none remaining, according to all that he had done to Eglon; but destroyed it utterly, and all the souls that were therein.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּלְכְּד֣וּהָ

H3920

And they took

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

וַיַּכּֽוּהָ

H5221

it and smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

לְפִי

H6310

it with the edge

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

חֶ֠רֶב

H2719

of the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וְאֶת

H853

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

מַלְכָּ֨הּ

H4428

and the king

a king

וְאֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָרֶ֜יהָ

H5892

thereof and all the cities

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

#10

וְאֶת

H853

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

#11

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ

H5315

it utterly and all the souls

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#13

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#14

בָּהּ֙

#15

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#16

הִשְׁאִ֣יר

H7604

that were therein he left

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

#17

שָׂרִ֔יד

H8300

none remaining

a survivor

#18

כְּכֹ֥ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#19

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#20

עָשָׂ֖ה

H6213

according to all that he had done

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

#21

לְעֶגְל֑וֹן

H5700

to Eglon

eglon, the name of a place in palestine and of a moabitish king

#22

וַיַּֽחֲרֵ֣ם

H2763

but destroyed

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

#23

אוֹתָ֔הּ

H853

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

#24

וְאֶת

H853

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

#25

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#26

הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ

H5315

it utterly and all the souls

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#27

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#28

בָּֽהּ׃

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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