Joshua 15:1

Authorized King James Version

This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward was the uttermost part of the south coast.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֣י

H1961

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

הַגּוֹרָ֗ל

H1486

This then was the 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)

לְמַטֵּ֛ה

H4294

of the tribe

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

of 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

יְהוּדָ֖ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם

H4940

by their families

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גְּב֨וּל

H1366

even to the border

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

אֱד֧וֹם

H123

of Edom

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

#10

מִדְבַּר

H4057

the wilderness

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

#11

צִ֛ן

H6790

of Zin

tsin, a part of the desert

#12

נֶ֖גְבָּה

H5045

southward

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

#13

מִקְצֵ֥ה

H7097

was the uttermost part

an extremity

#14

תֵימָֽן׃

H8486

of the south coast

the south (as being on the right hand of a person facing the east)

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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Joshua.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 15 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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