Joshua 22:2

Authorized King James Version

And said unto them, Ye have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

And said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַתֶּ֣ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

שְׁמַרְתֶּ֔ם

H8104

unto them Ye have kept

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אֵ֚ת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

צִוִּ֖יתִי

H6680

commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶתְכֶ֔ם

H853

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

#10

מֹשֶׁ֖ה

H4872

all that Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

#11

עֶ֣בֶד

H5650

the servant

a servant

#12

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#13

וַתִּשְׁמְע֣וּ

H8085

you and have obeyed

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

#14

בְקוֹלִ֔י

H6963

my voice

a voice or sound

#15

לְכֹ֥ל

H3605

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

#16

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#17

צִוִּ֖יתִי

H6680

commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#18

אֶתְכֶֽם׃

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 does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 22 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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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