Joshua 2:10

Authorized King James Version

For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁמַ֗עְנוּ

H8085

For we have heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֵ֠ת

H853

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הוֹבִ֨ישׁ

H3001

dried up

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

how the LORD

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

אֶת

H853

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

מֵ֤י

H4325

the water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

יַם

H3220

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

#10

סוּף֙

H5488

of the Red

a reed, especially the papyrus

#11

מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔ם

H6440

for you

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

#12

בְּצֵֽאתְכֶ֖ם

H3318

when ye came out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#13

מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#14

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#15

עֲשִׂיתֶ֡ם

H6213

and what ye did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#16

לִשְׁנֵי֩

H8147

unto the two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#17

מַלְכֵ֨י

H4428

kings

a king

#18

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֜י

H567

of the Amorites

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

#19

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#20

בְּעֵ֤בֶר

H5676

that were on the other side

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

#21

הַיַּרְדֵּן֙

H3383

Jordan

jarden, the principal river of palestine

#22

לְסִיחֹ֣ן

H5511

Sihon

sichon, an amoritish king

#23

וּלְע֔וֹג

H5747

and Og

og, a king of bashan

#24

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#25

הֶֽחֱרַמְתֶּ֖ם

H2763

whom ye utterly destroyed

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

#26

אוֹתָֽם׃

H853

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

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

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?
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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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