Joshua 8:9

Authorized King James Version

Joshua therefore sent them forth: and they went to lie in ambush, and abode between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֣ם
therefore sent them forth
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ
Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#3
וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
הַמַּאְרָ֔ב
to lie in ambush
an ambuscade
#6
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֗וּ
and abode
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#7
בֵּ֧ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#8
בֵּֽית
H0
#9
אֵ֛ל
between Bethel
beth-el, a place in palestine
#10
וּבֵ֥ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#11
לָעָ֑י
and Ai
ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine
#12
מִיָּ֣ם
on the west side
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#13
לָעָ֑י
and Ai
ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine
#14
וַיָּ֧לֶן
lodged
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
#15
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ
Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#16
בַּלַּ֥יְלָה
that night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#17
הַה֖וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#18
בְּת֥וֹךְ
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#19
הָעָֽם׃
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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