Joshua 13:9

Authorized King James Version

From Aroer, that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מֵֽעֲרוֹעֵ֡ר
From Aroer
aror, the name of three places in or near palestine
#2
אֲשֶׁר֩
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
שְׂפַת
that is upon the bank
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#5
הַנַּ֛חַל
of the river
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#6
אַרְנ֜וֹן
Arnon
the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory
#7
וְהָעִ֨יר
and the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#8
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
בְּתוֹךְ
that is in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#10
הַנַּ֛חַל
of the river
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#11
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
הַמִּישֹׁ֥ר
and all the plain
a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (
#13
מֵֽידְבָ֖א
of Medeba
medeba, a place in palestine
#14
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#15
דִּיבֽוֹן׃
unto Dibon
dibon, the name of three places in palestine

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

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