Joshua 17:10

Authorized King James Version

Southward it was Ephraim's, and northward it was Manasseh's, and the sea is his border; and they met together in Asher on the north, and in Issachar on the east.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נֶ֣גְבָּה
Southward
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
#2
לְאֶפְרַ֗יִם
it was Ephraim's
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#3
מִצָּפ֔וֹן
and northward
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#4
לִמְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
it was Manasseh's
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#5
וַיְהִ֥י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#6
הַיָּ֖ם
and the 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
גְּבוּל֑וֹ
is his border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#8
וּבְאָשֵׁר֙
in Asher
asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine
#9
יִפְגְּע֣וּן
and they met together
to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity
#10
מִצָּפ֔וֹן
and northward
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#11
וּבְיִשָּׂשכָ֖ר
and in Issachar
jissaskar, a son of jacob
#12
מִמִּזְרָֽח׃
on the east
sunrise, i.e., the east

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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