Joshua 8:20

Authorized King James Version

And when the men of Ai looked behind them, they saw, and, behold, the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven, and they had no power to flee this way or that way: and the people that fled to the wilderness turned back upon the pursuers.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּפְנ֣וּ

H6437

looked

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אַנְשֵׁי֩

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָעַ֨י

H5857

of Ai

ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֜ם

H310

behind

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וַיִּרְא֗וּ

H7200

them they saw

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

וְהִנֵּ֨ה

H2009

lo!

עָלָ֜ה

H5927

ascended up

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

עֲשַׁ֤ן

H6227

and behold the smoke

smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)

הָעִיר֙

H5892

of the city

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

#10

הַשָּׁמַ֔יְמָה

H8064

to heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#11

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#12

הָיָ֨ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#13

בָהֶ֥ם

#14

יָדַ֛יִם

H3027

and they had no power

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

#15

הַנָּ֣ס

H5127

that fled

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

#16

וָהֵ֑נָּה

H2008

this way or that way

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

#17

וָהֵ֑נָּה

H2008

this way or that way

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

#18

וְהָעָם֙

H5971

and the people

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

#19

הַנָּ֣ס

H5127

that fled

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

#20

הַמִּדְבָּ֔ר

H4057

to the wilderness

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

#21

נֶהְפַּ֖ךְ

H2015

turned back

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

#22

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#23

הָֽרוֹדֵֽף׃

H7291

upon the pursuers

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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