Joshua 23:15

Authorized King James Version

Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all good things are come upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֗ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁר

H834

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

יָבִ֨יא

H935

are come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עֲלֵיכֶם֙

H5921

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

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַדָּבָ֣ר

H1697

things

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

הַטּוֹבָה֙

H2896

Therefore it shall come to pass that as all good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

דִּבֶּ֛ר

H1696

promised

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

#10

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

upon you which the LORD

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

#11

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃

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

#12

אֲלֵיכֶ֑ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

כֵּן֩

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#14

יָבִ֨יא

H935

are come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#15

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

upon you which the LORD

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

#16

עֲלֵיכֶ֗ם

H5921

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

#17

אֵ֚ת

H853

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

#18

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#19

הַדָּבָ֣ר

H1697

things

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

#20

הָרָ֔ע

H7451

upon you all evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#21

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#22

הַשְׁמִיד֣וֹ

H8045

until he have destroyed

to desolate

#23

אֽוֹתְכֶ֗ם

H853

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

#24

מֵ֠עַל

H5921

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

#25

הָֽאֲדָמָ֤ה

H127

land

soil (from its general redness)

#26

הַטּוֹבָה֙

H2896

Therefore it shall come to pass that as all good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#27

הַזֹּ֔את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#28

אֲשֶׁר֙

H834

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

#29

נָתַ֣ן

H5414

hath given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#30

לָכֶ֔ם

#31

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

upon you which the LORD

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

#32

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃

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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?

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