Joshua 23:2

Authorized King James Version

And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
יְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙
And Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#3
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
for all Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
לִזְקֵנָיו֙
and for their elders
old
#6
וּלְרָאשָׁ֔יו
and for their heads
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#7
וּלְשֹֽׁפְטָ֖יו
and for their judges
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#8
וּלְשֹֽׁטְרָ֑יו
and for their officers
properly, a scribe, i.e., (by analogy or implication) an official superintendent or magistrate
#9
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
אֲנִ֣י
i
#12
זָקַ֔נְתִּי
unto them I am old
to be old
#13
בָּ֖אתִי
and stricken
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#14
בַּיָּמִֽים׃
in age
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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