Joshua 24:26

Authorized King James Version

And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּכְתֹּ֤ב

H3789

wrote

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

יְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙

H3091

And Joshua

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

אֶת

H853

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

הַדְּבָרִ֣ים

H1697

these words

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

הָאֵ֔לֶּה

H428

these or those

בְּסֵ֖פֶר

H5612

in the book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

תּוֹרַ֣ת

H8451

of the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

אֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

of 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

וַיִּקַּח֙

H3947

and took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#10

אֶ֣בֶן

H68

stone

a stone

#11

גְּדוֹלָ֔ה

H1419

a great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#12

וַיְקִימֶ֣הָ

H6965

and set it up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#13

שָּׁ֔ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#14

תַּ֚חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#15

הָֽאַלָּ֔ה

H427

there under an oak

an oak or other strong tree

#16

אֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

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

#17

בְּמִקְדַּ֥שׁ

H4720

that was by the sanctuary

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

#18

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 salvation 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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation 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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