Joshua 8:31

Authorized King James Version

As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּה֩

H6680

commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

מֹשֶׁ֔ה

H4872

As Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עֶֽבֶד

H5650

the servant

a servant

לַֽיהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

אֶת

H853

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

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כַּכָּתוּב֙

H3789

as it is written

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

#10

בְּסֵ֙פֶר֙

H5612

in the book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

#11

תּוֹרַ֣ת

H8451

of the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

#12

מֹשֶׁ֔ה

H4872

As Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

#13

מִזְבַּח֙

H4196

an altar

#14

אֲבָנִ֣ים

H68

stones

a stone

#15

שְׁלֵמ֔וֹת

H8003

of whole

complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly

#16

אֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#17

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#18

הֵנִ֥יף

H5130

over which no man hath lift up

to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad

#19

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ן

H5921

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

#20

בַּרְזֶ֑ל

H1270

any iron

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

#21

וַיַּֽעֲל֨וּ

H5927

and they offered

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

#22

עָלָ֤יו

H5921

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

#23

עֹלוֹת֙

H5930

thereon burnt offerings

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

#24

לַֽיהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#25

וַֽיִּזְבְּח֖וּ

H2076

and sacrificed

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

#26

שְׁלָמִֽים׃

H8002

peace offerings

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, 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

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 systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding peace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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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