Joshua 8:16

Authorized King James Version

And all the people that were in Ai were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּזָּֽעֲק֗וּ
were called
to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly
#2
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
הָעָם֙
And all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
הָעִֽיר׃
from the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#6
וַֽיִּרְדְּפוּ֙
them and they pursued
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#7
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#8
וַֽיִּרְדְּפוּ֙
them and they pursued
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#9
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#10
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ
Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#11
וַיִּנָּֽתְק֖וּ
and were drawn away
to tear off
#12
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#13
הָעִֽיר׃
from the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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