Joshua 22:22
The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֣ל׀
God
H410
אֵ֣ל׀
God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
1 of 20
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀
of gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀
of gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 20
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה
The LORD
H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֵ֣ל׀
God
H410
אֵ֣ל׀
God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
4 of 20
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀
of gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀
of gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 20
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה
The LORD
H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 20
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יֵדָ֑ע
he knoweth
H3045
יֵדָ֑ע
he knoweth
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
8 of 20
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
and Israel
H3478
וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
and Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 20
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יֵדָ֑ע
he knoweth
H3045
יֵדָ֑ע
he knoweth
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
11 of 20
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
12 of 20
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
14 of 20
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה
The LORD
H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
16 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
17 of 20
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תּֽוֹשִׁיעֵ֖נוּ
save
H3467
תּֽוֹשִׁיעֵ֖נוּ
save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
Cross References
Deuteronomy 10:17For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:1 Kings 8:39Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)Psalms 44:21Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.Job 10:7Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand.Jeremiah 17:10I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Historical Context
Self-maledictory oaths were common in Ancient Near Eastern treaty contexts, where parties called down curses on themselves if they violated agreements. This formula proves the eastern tribes understood the gravity of the accusation and were willing to die if guilty.
Questions for Reflection
- How does appealing to God as ultimate witness demonstrate faith that truth will prevail?
- What does their willingness to accept immediate judgment reveal about the authenticity of their defense?
- How can we cultivate this kind of transparent integrity that invites divine examination (Psalm 139:23-24)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know—This solemn oath formula repeats "the LORD God of gods" (אֵל אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה, El Elohim YHWH) twice for emphasis, invoking God's supreme authority as witness. The threefold divine name—El (mighty God), Elohim (gods/judges), YHWH (covenant name)—represents the fullest affirmation of monotheistic faith.
If it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day)—The eastern tribes invoke a self-maledictory oath: if we built this altar for idolatry or rebellion (מֶרֶד, mered, or מַעַל, ma'al), may God destroy us immediately. This demonstrates absolute confidence in their innocence—they stake their lives on their pure motive.