Joshua 18:1

Authorized King James Version

And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקָּ֨הֲל֜וּ

H6950

assembled together

to convoke

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲדַ֤ת

H5712

And the whole congregation

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

בְּנֵֽי

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

שִׁלֹ֔ה

H7887

at Shiloh

shiloh, a place in palestine

וַיַּשְׁכִּ֥ינוּ

H7931

and set up

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

שָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

אֹ֣הֶל

H168

the tabernacle

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

#11

מוֹעֵ֑ד

H4150

of the congregation

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

#12

וְהָאָ֥רֶץ

H776

there And the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#13

נִכְבְּשָׁ֖ה

H3533

was subdued

to tread down; hence, negatively, to disregard; positively, to conquer, subjugate, violate

#14

לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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