Joshua 6:9

Authorized King James Version

And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rereward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֶֽחָל֣וּץ
And the armed
to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen
#2
הָל֖וֹךְ
came
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
לִפְנֵי֙
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
#4
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#5
וְתָק֥וֹעַ
and blowing
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
#6
בַּשּֽׁוֹפָרֽוֹת׃
with the trumpets
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
#7
וְהַֽמְאַסֵּ֗ף
and the rereward
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#8
הָל֖וֹךְ
came
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#10
הָֽאָר֔וֹן
the ark
a box
#11
הָל֖וֹךְ
came
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#12
וְתָק֥וֹעַ
and blowing
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
#13
בַּשּֽׁוֹפָרֽוֹת׃
with the trumpets
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

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

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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