Joshua 8:1

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

And the LORD

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙

H3091

unto Joshua

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

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּירָ֣א

H3372

Fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

וְאַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּחָ֔ת

H2865

not neither be thou dismayed

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

קַ֣ח

H3947

take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#10

עִמְּךָ֗

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#11

אֵ֚ת

H853

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

#12

כָּל

H3605

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

#13

עַמּ֔וֹ

H5971

all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#14

הַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה

H4421

of war

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#15

וְק֖וּם

H6965

with thee and arise

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#16

עֲלֵ֣ה

H5927

go up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#17

הָעַי֙

H5857

of Ai

ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine

#18

רְאֵ֣ה׀

H7200

see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#19

נָתַ֣תִּי

H5414

I have given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#20

בְיָֽדְךָ֗

H3027

into thy hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#21

אֶת

H853

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

#22

מֶ֤לֶךְ

H4428

the king

a king

#23

הָעַי֙

H5857

of Ai

ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine

#24

וְאֶת

H853

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

#25

עַמּ֔וֹ

H5971

all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#26

וְאֶת

H853

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

#27

עִיר֖וֹ

H5892

and his city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#28

וְאֶת

H853

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

#29

אַרְצֽוֹ׃

H776

and his land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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

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?
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 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?

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