Joshua 24:2

Authorized King James Version

And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָמַ֣ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ
And Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
הָעָ֗ם
unto all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#6
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#7
אָמַ֣ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
יְהוָה֮
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
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
#10
יִשְׂרָאֵל֒
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#11
בְּעֵ֣בֶר
on the other side
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
#12
הַנָּהָ֗ר
of the flood
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#13
יָֽשְׁב֤וּ
dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#14
וַֽאֲבִ֣י
H1
Your fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#15
מֵֽעוֹלָ֔ם
in old time
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#16
תֶּ֛רַח
even Terah
terach, the father of abraham; also a place in the desert
#17
וַֽאֲבִ֣י
H1
Your fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#18
אַבְרָהָ֖ם
H85
of Abraham
abraham, the later name of abram
#19
וַֽאֲבִ֣י
H1
Your fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#20
נָח֑וֹר
of Nachor
nachor, the name of the grandfather and a brother of abraham
#21
וַיַּֽעַבְד֖וּ
and they served
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#22
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
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
#23
אֲחֵרִֽים׃
other
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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