Joshua 14:2

Authorized King James Version

By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּגוֹרַ֖ל
By lot
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
#2
נַֽחֲלָתָ֑ם
was their inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#3
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
צִוָּ֤ה
commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#5
יְהוָה֙
as the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
בְּיַד
by the hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#7
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
of Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#8
לְתִשְׁעַ֥ת
for the nine
nine or (ordinal) ninth
#9
הַמַּטֶּֽה׃
tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#10
וַֽחֲצִ֥י
and for the half
the half or middle
#11
הַמַּטֶּֽה׃
tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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