Joshua 2:22

Authorized King James Version

And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙

H1980

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

וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ

H935

and came

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

הָהָ֔רָה

H2022

unto the mountain

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וַיֵּ֤שְׁבוּ

H3427

and abode

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָׁם֙

H8033

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

שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת

H7969

there three

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

יָמִ֔ים

H3117

days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שָׁ֖בוּ

H7725

were returned

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

#10

הָרֹֽדְפִ֛ים

H7291

and the pursuers

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

#11

וַיְבַקְשׁ֧וּ

H1245

sought

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

#12

הָרֹֽדְפִ֛ים

H7291

and the pursuers

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

#13

בְּכָל

H3605

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

#14

הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ

H1870

them throughout all the way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#15

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#16

מָצָֽאוּ׃

H4672

but found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

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 revelation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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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