Joshua 8:29

Authorized King James Version

And the king of Ai he hanged on a tree until eventide: and as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his carcase down from the tree, and cast it at the entering of the gate of the city, and raise thereon a great heap of stones, that remaineth unto this day.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֶת

H853

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

מֶ֧לֶךְ

H4428

And the king

a king

הָעַ֛י

H5857

of Ai

ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine

תָּלָ֥ה

H8518

he hanged

to suspend (especially to gibbet)

עַל

H5921

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

הָעֵ֗ץ

H6086

from the tree

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עֵ֣ת

H6256

until eventide

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הָעָ֑רֶב

H6153

dusk

#10

וּכְב֣וֹא

H935

was down

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#11

הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ֩

H8121

and as soon as the sun

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

#12

צִוָּ֨ה

H6680

commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#13

יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ

H3091

Joshua

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

#14

וַיֹּרִ֧ידוּ

H3381

down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#15

אֶת

H853

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

#16

נִבְלָת֣וֹ

H5038

his carcase

a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol

#17

מִן

H4480

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

#18

הָעֵ֗ץ

H6086

from the tree

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#19

וַיַּשְׁלִ֤יכוּ

H7993

and cast

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

#20

אוֹתָהּ֙

H853

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

#21

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#22

פֶּ֙תַח֙

H6607

it at the entering

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

#23

שַׁ֣עַר

H8179

of the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#24

הָעִ֔יר

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)

#25

וַיָּקִ֤ימוּ

H6965

and raise

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

#26

עָלָיו֙

H5921

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

#27

גַּל

H1530

heap

something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)

#28

אֲבָנִ֣ים

H68

of stones

a stone

#29

גָּד֔וֹל

H1419

thereon a great

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

#30

עַ֖ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#31

הַיּ֥וֹם

H3117

that remaineth unto this day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#32

הַזֶּֽה׃

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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