Joshua 18:6

Authorized King James Version

Ye shall therefore describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַתֶּ֞ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּכְתְּב֤וּ

H3789

Ye shall therefore describe

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

אֶת

H853

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

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙

H776

the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שִׁבְעָ֣ה

H7651

into seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

חֲלָקִ֔ים

H2506

parts

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

וַֽהֲבֵאתֶ֥ם

H935

and bring

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלַ֖י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֵ֑נָּה

H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

#10

וְיָרִ֨יתִי

H3384

the description hither to me that I may cast

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

#11

לָכֶ֤ם

#12

גּוֹרָל֙

H1486

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)

#13

פֹּ֔ה

H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

#14

לִפְנֵ֖י

H6440

for you here 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

#15

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#16

אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃

H430

our God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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