Joshua 23:10

One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִישׁ

H376

man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶחָ֥ד

H259

One

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מִכֶּ֖ם

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

יִרְדָּף

H7291

of you shall chase

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

אָ֑לֶף

H505

a thousand

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

כִּ֣י׀

H3588

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

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

for the LORD

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֗ם

H430

your 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

ה֚וּא

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

הַנִּלְחָ֣ם

H3898

he it is that fighteth

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

#11

לָכֶ֔ם

#12

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

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

#13

דִּבֶּ֥ר

H1696

for you as he hath promised

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#14

לָכֶֽם׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights covenant 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant 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?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 23 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the covenant 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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