Joshua 18:8

Authorized King James Version

And the men arose, and went away: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the LORD in Shiloh.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּקֻ֥מוּ

H6965

arose

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים

H582

And the men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

וְהִתְהַלְּכ֨וּ

H1980

and walk

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַיְצַ֣ו

H6680

charged

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוֹשֻׁ֡עַ

H3091

and Joshua

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

אֶת

H853

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

וְהִתְהַלְּכ֨וּ

H1980

and walk

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְכִתְב֤וּ

H3789

and 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)

#10

בָאָ֜רֶץ

H776

the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

לֵאמֹ֗ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#12

וְהִתְהַלְּכ֨וּ

H1980

and walk

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#13

וְהִתְהַלְּכ֨וּ

H1980

and walk

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#14

בָאָ֜רֶץ

H776

the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#15

וְכִתְב֤וּ

H3789

and describe

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

#16

אוֹתָהּ֙

H853

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

#17

וְשׁ֣וּבוּ

H7725

it and come again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#18

אֵלַ֔י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#19

וּ֠פֹה

H6311

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

#20

אַשְׁלִ֨יךְ

H7993

to me that I may here cast

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

#21

לָכֶ֥ם

#22

גּוֹרָ֛ל

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)

#23

לִפְנֵ֥י

H6440

for you 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

#24

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#25

בְּשִׁלֹֽה׃

H7887

in Shiloh

shiloh, a place in palestine

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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources

Biblical Maps