Joshua 21:2

Authorized King James Version

And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְדַבְּר֨וּ
And they spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
בְּשִׁלֹ֗ה
unto them at Shiloh
shiloh, a place in palestine
#4
בְּאֶ֤רֶץ
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
כְּנַ֙עַן֙
of Canaan
kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him
#6
לֵאמֹ֔ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
יְהוָה֙
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
צִוָּ֣ה
commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#9
בְיַד
by the hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#10
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
of Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#11
לָֽתֶת
to give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#12
לָ֥נוּ
H0
#13
עָרִ֖ים
us cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#14
לָשָׁ֑בֶת
to dwell in
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#15
וּמִגְרְשֵׁיהֶ֖ן
with the suburbs
a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea
#16
לִבְהֶמְתֵּֽנוּ׃
thereof for our cattle
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

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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