Joshua 5:2

Authorized King James Version

At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בָּעֵ֣ת

H6256

At that time

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֗יא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אָמַ֤ר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙

H3068

the LORD

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ

H3091

unto Joshua

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

עֲשֵׂ֥ה

H6213

Make

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְךָ֖

חַֽרְב֣וֹת

H2719

knives

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#10

צֻרִ֑ים

H6697

thee sharp

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

#11

וְשׁ֛וּב

H7725

again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#12

מֹ֥ל

H4135

and circumcise

to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

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

#15

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

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

#16

שֵׁנִֽית׃

H8145

the second time

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

Analysis

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

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 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?
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 this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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