Joshua 15:2

Authorized King James Version

And their south border was from the shore of the salt sea, from the bay that looketh southward:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֤י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
לָהֶם֙
they (only used when emphatic)
#3
גְּב֣וּל
border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#4
נֶֽגְבָּה׃
And their south
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
#5
מִקְצֵ֖ה
was from the shore
an extremity
#6
יָ֣ם
sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#7
הַמֶּ֑לַח
of the salt
properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)
#8
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#9
הַלָּשֹׁ֖ן
from the bay
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#10
הַפֹּנֶ֥ה
that looketh
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#11
נֶֽגְבָּה׃
And their south
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

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

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