Joshua 8:32

Authorized King James Version

And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּתַ֔ב

H3789

And he wrote

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

שָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עַל

H5921

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

הָֽאֲבָנִ֑ים

H68

there upon the stones

a stone

אֵ֗ת

H853

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

מִשְׁנֵה֙

H4932

a copy

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

תּוֹרַ֣ת

H8451

of the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

מֹשֶׁ֔ה

H4872

of Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#10

כָּתַ֔ב

H3789

And he wrote

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

#11

לִפְנֵ֖י

H6440

in the presence

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#12

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

of 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

#13

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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

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?
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 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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