Joshua 7:9

Authorized King James Version

For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְיִשְׁמְע֣וּ

H8085

shall hear

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

הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֗י

H3669

For the Canaanites

a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c

וְכֹל֙

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יֹֽשְׁבֵ֣י

H3427

and all the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

from the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְנָסַ֣בּוּ

H5437

of it and shall environ us round

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

עָלֵ֔ינוּ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְהִכְרִ֥יתוּ

H3772

and cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת

H853

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

#10

לְשִׁמְךָ֥

H8034

name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#11

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#12

הָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

from the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#13

וּמַֽה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#14

תַּעֲשֵׂ֖ה

H6213

and what wilt thou do

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

#15

לְשִׁמְךָ֥

H8034

name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#16

הַגָּדֽוֹל׃

H1419

unto thy great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

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 revelation 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

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 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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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