Joshua 22:24

Authorized King James Version

And if we have not rather done it for fear of this thing, saying, In time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, What have ye to do with the LORD God of Israel?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֤א

H3808

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

מִדְּאָגָה֙

H1674

it for fear

anxiety

מִדָּבָ֔ר

H1697

of this thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

עָשִׂ֥ינוּ

H6213

And if we have not rather done

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

אֶת

H853

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

זֹ֖את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

might speak

to say (used with great latitude)

מָחָ֗ר

H4279

In time to come

properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter

#10

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

might speak

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

לְבָנֵ֙ינוּ֙

H1121

unto our children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#12

לְבָנֵ֙ינוּ֙

H1121

unto our children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#13

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

might speak

to say (used with great latitude)

#14

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#15

לָּכֶ֕ם

#16

וְלַֽיהוָ֖ה

H3068

What have ye to do with the LORD

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

#17

אֱלֹהֵ֥י

H430

God

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

#18

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 22 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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