Joshua 3:9

Authorized King James Version

And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ

H3091

And Joshua

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

unto the 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

גֹּ֣שׁוּ

H5066

Come hither

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

הֵ֔נָּה

H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

וְשִׁמְע֕וּ

H8085

and hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת

H853

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

#10

דִּבְרֵ֖י

H1697

the words

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

#11

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#12

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃

H430

your 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

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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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