Joshua 6:7

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto the people, Pass on, and compass the city, and let him that is armed pass on before the ark of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֙אמֶרוּ
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הָעָ֔ם
unto the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
יַֽעֲבֹ֕ר
Pass on
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#5
וְסֹ֣בּוּ
and compass
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
הָעִ֑יר
the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#8
וְהֶ֣חָל֔וּץ
and let him that is armed
to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen
#9
יַֽעֲבֹ֕ר
Pass on
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#10
לִפְנֵ֖י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#11
אֲר֥וֹן
the ark
a box
#12
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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