Joshua 18:10

Authorized King James Version

And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּשְׁלֵךְ֩
cast
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#2
לָהֶ֨ם
H0
#3
יְהוֹשֻׁ֧עַ
And Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#4
גּוֹרָ֛ל
lots
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
#5
בְּשִׁלֹ֖ה
for them in Shiloh
shiloh, a place in palestine
#6
לִפְנֵ֣י
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
#7
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
וַיְחַלֶּק
divided
to be smooth (figuratively)
#9
שָׁ֨ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#10
יְהוֹשֻׁ֧עַ
And Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הָאָ֛רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#13
לִבְנֵ֥י
unto 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
#14
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#15
כְּמַחְלְקֹתָֽם׃
according to their divisions
a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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