Joshua 22:34

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיִּקְרְא֛וּ

H7121

called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

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

רְאוּבֵ֥ן

H7205

of Reuben

reuben, a son of jacob

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

גָ֖ד

H1410

of Gad

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

לַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ

H4196

the altar

an altar

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עֵ֥ד

H5707

Ed for it shall be a witness

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

הוּא֙

H1931

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

#10

בֵּֽינֹתֵ֔ינוּ

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#11

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#12

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

between us that the LORD

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

#13

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

is 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

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

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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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