Joshua 22:33

Authorized King James Version

And the thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and did not intend to go up against them in battle, to destroy the land wherein the children of Reuben and Gad dwelt.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּיטַ֣ב

H3190

pleased

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

הַדָּבָ֗ר

H1697

And the thing

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

בְּעֵינֵי֙

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וּבְנֵי

H1121

and the 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

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

וַיְבָֽרְכ֥וּ

H1288

blessed

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

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

וּבְנֵי

H1121

and the 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

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

#10

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

#11

אָֽמְר֗וּ

H559

and did not intend

to say (used with great latitude)

#12

לַֽעֲל֤וֹת

H5927

to go up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#13

עֲלֵיהֶם֙

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#14

לַצָּבָ֔א

H6635

against them in battle

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#15

לְשַׁחֵת֙

H7843

to destroy

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

#16

אֶת

H853

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

#17

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#18

אֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

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

#19

וּבְנֵי

H1121

and the 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

#20

רְאוּבֵ֥ן

H7205

of Reuben

reuben, a son of jacob

#21

וּבְנֵי

H1121

and the 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

#22

גָ֖ד

H1410

and Gad

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

#23

יֹֽשְׁבִ֥ים

H3427

dwelt

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

#24

בָּֽהּ׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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 passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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