Joshua 9:18

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹ֤א

H3808

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

הִכּוּם֙

H5221

smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

And 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

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

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִשְׁבְּע֤וּ

H7650

had sworn

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

לָהֶם֙

הַנְּשִׂיאִֽים׃

H5387

against the princes

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

הָֽעֵדָ֖ה

H5712

And all the congregation

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

#10

בַּֽיהוָ֖ה

H3068

unto them by the LORD

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

#11

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#12

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

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

#13

וַיִּלֹּ֥נוּ

H3885

murmured

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

#14

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#15

הָֽעֵדָ֖ה

H5712

And all the congregation

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

#16

עַל

H5921

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

#17

הַנְּשִׂיאִֽים׃

H5387

against the princes

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty 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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