Joshua 24:10

Authorized King James Version

But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
אָבִ֖יתִי
H14
But I would
to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent
#3
לִשְׁמֹ֣עַ
not hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#4
לְבִלְעָ֑ם
unto Balaam
bilam, a place in palestine
#5
בָּרוֹךְ֙
therefore he 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
#6
בָּרוֹךְ֙
therefore he 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
#7
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
וָֽאַצִּ֥ל
so I delivered
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#9
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
מִיָּדֽוֹ׃
you out of his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 revelation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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