Joshua 24:4

Authorized King James Version

And I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it; but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָֽאֶתֵּ֨ן

H5414

And I gave

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

לְיִצְחָ֔ק

H3327

unto Isaac

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

אֶֽת

H853

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

וְיַֽעֲקֹ֥ב

H3290

Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וְאֶת

H853

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

לְעֵשָׂ֜ו

H6215

and Esau

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

וָֽאֶתֵּ֨ן

H5414

And I gave

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

לְעֵשָׂ֜ו

H6215

and Esau

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

אֶת

H853

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

#10

הַ֤ר

H2022

mount

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#11

שֵׂעִיר֙

H8165

Seir

seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine

#12

לָרֶ֣שֶׁת

H3423

to possess

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

#13

אוֹת֔וֹ

H853

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

#14

וְיַֽעֲקֹ֥ב

H3290

Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

#15

וּבָנָ֖יו

H1121

and his children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#16

יָֽרְד֥וּ

H3381

went down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#17

מִצְרָֽיִם׃

H4714

into Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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