Joshua 9

Joshua 9

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NowI when allII the kingsIII who were beyondIV the JordanV

Notes on verse 1a

I {untranslated} = hayah. This is to be or become, to happen.
II “all” = kol. From kalal (to complete). This is all or every.
III “kings” = melek. From malak (to be or become king or queen, to rise to the throne, to be crowned; by implication, to take counsel). This is king or royal.
IV “beyond” = eber. From abar (to pass over, pass through, or pass by; cross over or to alienate; used for transitions). This is the place across or beyond, by, from, other, the opposite side, against, over. It often refers to the other side of the Jordan river or toward the east.
V “Jordan” = Yarden. From yarad (to go down, descend; going down in a literal or figurative sense; going to the shore or a boundary, bringing down an enemy). This is the Jordan River, meaning “descending.”

in the hill countryVI and in the lowlandVII all along the coastVIII of the GreatIX SeaX

Notes on verse 1b

VI “hill country” = har. From harar (hill or mountain). This is mountain, hill, hilly region.
VII “lowland” = shephelah. From shaphel (to be low, sink, be cast down, put down, humble, or humiliate). This is Shephelah, the name of a place. It means “lowland.”
VIII “coast” = choph. 7x in OT. From chaphaph (to surround, cover, or shield; to surround in order to protect). This is a shore, cove, or haven.
IX “Great” = gadol. From gadal (to grow up, become great, become wealthy – to advance. The root meaning may be to twist in the sense of the process of growing). This is great, high, bigger, noble, old, marvelous. It can also refer to someone who is powerful or distinguished.
X “Sea” = yam. Root may mean to roar. This is the sea, often referring to the Mediterranean. It comes from the root in the sense of the roar of crashing surf. This word is sometimes used for rivers or other sources of water. It can mean to the west or to the south.

towardXI LebanonXII—the Hittites,XIII the Amorites,XIV

Notes on verse 1c

XI “toward” = mul. Perhaps from mul (to cut short, circumcise, blunt, destroy). This is in front of, opposite, with, abrupt. Literally, it refers to some kind of precipice.
XII “Lebanon” = Lebanon. From laben (to be white, make white, make bricks) OR form Aramaic lebab (heart); corresponding to Hebrew lebab (heart, courage, one’s inner self, the mind, or the will). This is Lebanon. The sense of “white” comes from the snow on the top of its mountains. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanon
XIII “Hittites” = Chitti. From cheth (Heth or Cheth; one of Canaan’s sons from whom perhaps the Hittites descend) OR from hatat (terror, lacking strength or courage); perhaps from hata (to seize; often used of coals from a fire). This is Hittite – perhaps meaning terrors or terrible. See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Hittite.html#.XyMgpp5KhPY
XIV “Amorites” = Emori. From amar (to speak, say, answer, command, promise, report). This is Amorite or Emori, perhaps meaning talkers.

the Canaanites,XV the Perizzites,XVI the Hivites,XVII

Notes on verse 1d

XV “Canaanites” = Knaaniy. From Kanaan (Canaan, his descendants, and the land where they settled; perhaps meaning lowlands, describing their land or subjugated in reference to being conquered by Egypt); from kana (to be humble, subdue; properly, bend the knee). This is Canaanite, which in some instances would imply a peddler or sometimes used in place of Ishmaelite. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaan
XVI “Perizzites” = Perizzi. Perhaps from perazi (rural area, unwalled land); from the same as perazah (rural, village without walls, open country); from the same as paraz (root may mean to separate; perhaps warriors, chieftan, or throng). This is Perizzite, perhaps meaning rural or wild one.
XVII “Hivites” = Chivvi. Probably from the same as chavyah (life-giving, which implies the place where one lives like a village or place where one camps); probably from the same as Chavvah (Eve, life-giver); from chavah (show, tell, live, declare). This is Hivite, perhaps meaning villagers or tent villagers.

and the JebusitesXVIII—heardXIX of this, they gatheredXX togetherXXI with oneXXII accordXXIII

Notes on verses 1e-2a

XVIII “Jebusites” = Yebusi. From yebus (threshing place; one of the former names of Jerusalem); from bus (to trample down, tread in a literal or figurative sense; to loathe, pollute, squirm). This is Jebusite, meaning treaders or threshers.
XIX “heard” = shama. This is to hear, call, consent, or consider. It implies listening intelligently, giving attention, and, because of these two factors, obedience and action are often implied.
XX “gathered” = qabats. This is to collect, assemble, heap, grasp, or gather.
XXI “together” = yachad. From yachad (to join, be united). This is a unit, both, altogether, unitedness, alike.
XXII “one” = echad. Perhaps from achad (to unify, continue on a path; figuratively, to gather one’s thoughts). This is the number one, first, united. It can also be alone, altogether, a certain, a few.
XXIII “accord” = peh. This is mouth in a literal or figurative sense. So, more literally, it can be beak or jaws. More figuratively, it refers to speech, commands, or promises.

to fightXXIV JoshuaXXV and Israel.XXVI

Notes on verse 2b

XXIV “fight” = lacham. This is to eat or feed on. Figuratively, it is to battle as a kind of consumption/destruction.
XXV “Joshua” = Yehoshua. Related to {untranslated} in v1. From YHVH (proper name of the God of Israel; the self-existent and eternal one); {from havah (to become) or from hayah (see note I above)} + yasha (to deliver, defend, help, preserve, rescue; properly, to be open, wide or free, which implies being safe. So, in a causative sense, this is to free someone). This is Joshua, Jeshua, or Yehoshua, which means “the Lord is salvation.”
XXVI “Israel” = Yisrael. From sarah (to persist, exert oneself, contend, persevere, wrestle, prevail) + El (God or god). This is Israel, meaning God strives or one who strives with God; new name for Jacob and for his offspring. This refers to the people and to the land.

But when the inhabitantsXXVII of GibeonXXVIII heard what Joshua had doneXXIX to JerichoXXX and to Ai,XXXI 

Notes on verse 3

XXVII “inhabitants” = yashab. This is to sit and so to remain and so to dwell. It is sitting for any reason – as a judge, in order to ambush, or just sitting quietly. Causatively, this can mean settling or marrying. This can also mean continue, endure, or establish.
XXVIII “Gibeon” = Gibon. From the same as Geba (Geba or Gibeah; hillock); from the same as gabia (cup, bowl, flower; root might mean being convex). This is Gibeon or Gibon, meaning hilly.
XXIX “done” = asah. This is to make, do, act, appoint, become in many senses.
XXX “Jericho” = Yericho. From yareach (moon); {from the same as yerach (month)} OR from ruach (smell, breathe, perceive, anticipate, accept, enjoy). This is Jericho meaning either “moon city” or “fragrant place.”
XXXI “Ai” = Ay. Perhaps from iy (a ruin or a heap as a place that was overturned); from avah (to bend, twist, be amiss). This is Ai, a city in Canaan. It means “ruin.”

they on their partXXXII actedXXXIII with cunning:XXXIV they wentXXXV and prepared provisionsXXXVI 

Notes on verse 4a

XXXII “on…part” = gam. This is also, moreover, again.
XXXIII “acted” = asah. Same as “done” in v3. See note XXIX above.
XXXIV “with cunning” = ormah. 5x in OT. From orem (craftiness, shrewdness); from arom (being shrewd or crafty, cunning; properly, being or making bare). This is prudence or wisdom. Alternately, it’s craftiness, guile, or trickery.
XXXV “went” = halak. This is go, come, walk. It is walk literally and figuratively and includes people and animals. It can be used figuratively for one’s moral life – how we walk according to God’s way or against it. It can also refer to the walk of life as in the course one’s life takes, the choices we make, etc.
XXXVI “prepared provisions” = tsayar. 1x in OT. From tsir (envoy, pain, sorrow, pressure); from tsur (to confine, besiege, to cramp). This is to take the role of envoy, to conduct an errand.

and tookXXXVII worn-outXXXVIII sacksXXXIX for their donkeysXL and wineskins,XLI

Notes on verse 4b

XXXVII “took” = laqach. This is to take, accept, carry away, receive. It can also have the sense of take a wife or take in marriage.
XXXVIII “worn-out” = baleh. 5x in OT – 4x in Joshua 9 & 1x in Ezekiel 23. From balah (to grow old, wear out, waste away, consume, spend). This is worn or old.
XXXIX “sacks” = saq. Perhaps from shaqaq (to run, rush; to pursue like a predator; to search for with greed or appetite). This is sack or sackcloth. It is a mesh fabric used for bags or clothes. It is used as clothing for times of grief or humiliation. It is perhaps the same root that the word “sack” comes from.
XL “donkeys” = chamor From chamar (to be red, blush). This is a male donkey.
XLI “wineskins” = nod + yayin. Nod is 6x in OT. This is a wineskin or a jug or leather bag. It is used to hold liquids. Yayin has a root that may mean to effervesce, referring to the fermentation process. This is wine, grape, or banquet. It can imply intoxication.

worn out and tornXLII and mended,XLIII with worn-out, patchedXLIV sandalsXLV on their feetXLVI

Notes on verses 4c-5a

XLII “torn” = baqa. This is to break open, breach, divide, rip, shake, tear. It can also mean dash into pieces or being ready to burst.
XLIII “mended” = tsarar. This is to bind, restrict, narrow, be cramped, an adversary.
XLIV “patched” = tala. 8x in OT. This is to patch, to cover with bits or fragments. It can mean spotted or having several different colors like a tapestry.
XLV “sandals” = naal. From naal (properly to secure with a bar or cord; to lock, bolt, enclose; to secure with a cord i.e. to put on a sandal). This is the tongue of a sandal and, by extension, a sandal or shoe itself. Figuratively, this can refer to occupancy, unwillingness to marry, or something without value.
XLVI “feet” = regel. This is foot, endurance, or journey. It is a foot as the means of walking and so it implies a step or a greater journey. It can be used euphemistically for private parts.

and worn-out clothes,XLVII and all their provisionsXLVIII were dryXLIX andL moldy.LI 

Notes on verse 5b

XLVII “clothes” = salmah. 16x in OT. From simlah (mantle, clothes, wrapper); perhaps from semel (image, figure, likeness). This is the same word as simlah with the letters transposed. So, this is clothing, a cloak, or mantle.
XLVIII “provisions” = lechem + tsedah. Lechem is related to “fight” in v2. From lacham (see note XXIV above). This is bread, food, loaf. It can refer to food more generally for people or for animals. Tsedah is 11x in OT. From the same as tsayid (food or provision). This is food, meat, or other provisions.
XLIX “were dry” = yabesh. This is to be dry, withered, confused, or ashamed. It can also be to fail.
L {untranslated} = hayah. Same as {untranslated} in v1. See note I above.
LI “moldy” = niqqud. 3x in OT – 2x in Joshua 9 & 1x in 1 Kings 14. From the same as naqod (speckled or spotted; its root may refer to something that is branded or marked through a piercing action). This is something that crumbles. It could be cakes or biscuits. It might also refer to something that is moldy.

They went to Joshua in the campLII at GilgalLIII and saidLIV to him

Notes on verse 6a

LII “camp” = machaneh. From chanah (to decline, bending down, or living in tents; can be camping to create a home or camping as a part of battle). This is an encampment, whether of people traveling together or soldiers. So, it can be a camp band, or company as well as an army of soldiers. Also can be used of other groups like animals, angels or stars.
LIII “Gilgal” = Gilgal. From galgal (wheel, wagon, whirl, whirlwind; something that rolls); from galal (to roll, roll away, wallow, commit, remove; rolling in a literal or figurative sense). This is Gilgal – perhaps circle of stones.
LIV “said” = amar. Related to “Amorites” in v1. See note XIV above.

and to the Israelites,LV “We have comeLVI from a farLVII country,LVIII so now makeLIX a treatyLX with us.” 

Notes on verse 6b

LV “Israelites” = ish + Yisrael. Literally, “men of Israel.” Ish is perhaps from enosh (human, humankind, mortal); from anash (to be weak, sick, or frail). This is man, husband, another, or humankind. Yisrael is the same as “Israel” in v2. See note XXVI above.
LVI “come” = bo. This is to enter, come in, advance, fulfill, bring offerings, enter to worship, attack. It can also have a sexual connotation.
LVII “far” = rachoq. From rachaq (to widen, become distant, cast, or remove in a literal or figurative sense). This is distant or far, whether of space or of time.
LVIII “country” = erets. Root may mean to be firm. This is earth, ground, field land, or country.
LIX “make” = karat. This is to cut down, cut off, or make a covenant (idiom for making a covenant is “to cut a covenant”). It can also mean to destroy, fail, or consume.
LX “treaty” = berit. Perhaps from barah (to eat, choose, make clear); perhaps from bar (grain, wheat); from barar (to select, purify, cleanse, test, brighten, polish). This is a compact, covenant, alliance, treaty, or league.

But the Israelites said to the Hivites, “PerhapsLXI you liveLXII amongLXIII us; then how can we make a treaty with you?” 

They said to Joshua, “We are your servants.”LXIV

And Joshua said to them, “Who are you? And where do you come from?” 

Notes on verses 7-8

LXI “perhaps” = ulay. Perhaps from o (or). This is perhaps, if, or suppose.
LXII “live” = yashab. Same as “inhabitants” in v3. See note XXVII “above.
LXIII “among” = qereb. Perhaps from qarab (to come near or approach). This is among, in the midst, before, the center It is the inward part, whether literal or figurative. It can also be used for the heart, the site of thoughts and feelings. This word is also used as a technical term for the entrails of the animals who are sacrificed.
LXIV “servants” = ebed. From abad (to work, serve, compel; any kind of work; used causatively, can mean to enslave or keep in bondage). This is a servant, slave, or bondservant.

They said to him, “Your servants have come from a veryLXV far country because of the nameLXVI of the LordLXVII  your God,LXVIII for we have heard a reportLXIX of him, of all that he did in EgyptLXX 

Notes on verse 9

LXV “very” = meod. Perhaps from the same as uwd (firebrand, a poker). This is very, greatly, exceedingly. It can also mean vehemence, force, abundance.
LXVI “name” = shem. May be from sum (to put, place, set). This is name, fame, renown. A name was thought to indicate something essential about a person – something about their individuality. So, this word can also mean honor, authority, or character.
LXVII “Lord” = YHVH. Related to {untranslated} in v1 & “Joshua” in v2. See note XXV above.
LXVIII “God” = Elohim. Related to “Israel” in v2. See note XXVI above.
LXIX “report” = shoma. Related to “heard” in v1. 4x in OT. From shama (see note XIX above). This is a report, news, or fame.
LXX “Egypt” = Mitsrayim. Related to “prepared provisions” in v4. Perhaps from matsor (besieged or fortified place, bulwark, entrenchment; something hemmed in; a siege or distress or fastness); from tsur (see note XXXVI above). This is Egypt.

10 and of all that he did to the twoLXXI kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, King SihonLXXII of HeshbonLXXIII

Notes on verse 10a

LXXI “two” = shenayim. From sheni (double, again, another, second); from shanah (to fold, repeat, double, alter, or disguise). This is two, both, second, couple.
LXXII “Sihon” = Sichon. Perhaps from the same a ssuach (Suach, a name); from the same as suchah (something swept away, refuse). This is Sihon or Sichon, a name perhaps meaning “tempestuous.”
LXXIII “Heshbon” = Cheshbon. From chashab (properly, to braid or interpenetrate; literally, to create or to wear; figuratively, plotting – generally in a negative sense; think, consider, or make account of). This is Heshbon or Cheshbon, meaning “library of synthetic wisdom” or “intelligence” or “reason.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Heshbon.html

and King OgLXXIV of BashanLXXV who lived in Ashtaroth.LXXVI 

Notes on verse 10b

LXXIV “Og” = Og. From the same as uggah (bread cake, round ash cake); from ug (to gyrate, bake; baking a round cake). This is Og, a name perhaps meaning “round.”
LXXV “Bashan” = Bashan. Bashan is a place whose name may mean “smooth.”
LXXVI “Ashtaroth” = Ashtaroth. 12x in OT. From ashtrah (young, enlarge a flock); from ashath (to think) or ashar (to gain wealth, become rich, enrich; to accumulate) OR {from ashat (form a union that is cohesive or solid) + torah (Torah, instruction, law); {from yarah (to throw, shoot, be stunned; to flow as water so figuratively to instruct or teach)}}. This is Ashtaroth, a location and the name of a Sidonian goddess, also called Astarte. It may mean “Astarte” or “unions of instructions” or “clusters of one law.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Ashtaroth.html

11 So our eldersLXXVII and all the inhabitants of our country said to us,LXXVIII ‘Take provisionsLXXIX in your handLXXX for the journey;LXXXI go to meetLXXXII them, and say to them, “We are your servants; come now, make a treaty with us.”’ 

Notes on verse 11

LXXVII “elders” = zaqen. From the same as zaqan (beard or chin – the beard represents old age). This is old, aged, or elder.
LXXVIII {untranslated} = amar. Same as “said” in v6. See note LIV above.
LXXIX “provisions” = tsedah. Same as “provisions” in v5. See note XLVIII above.
LXXX “hand” = yad. This is hand, ability, power. Hand in a literal sense, but also what one can do or the means by which one does it.
LXXXI “journey” = derek. From darak (to tread, march, to walk. Can also mean affixing a string to a box since one needs to step on it to bend it in the process; so also an archer). This is a road as a thing that is walked on. Can be used figuratively for the path that one’s life takes or how one chooses to live one’s life.
LXXXII “meet” = qirah. From the same as qara (to happen, meet, bring about). This is any kind of encounter, whether peaceful, hostile, or incidental. It can also mean help or seek.

12 Here is our bread;LXXXIII it was still warmLXXXIV when we took it from our housesLXXXV as our foodLXXXVI for the journey,

Notes on verse 12a

LXXXIII “bread” = lechem. Same as “provisions” in v5. See note XLVIII above.
LXXXIV “warm” = cham. 2x in OT. From chamam (to be warm, heat; to be hot in a literal or figurative sense; to mate). This is hot or warm.
LXXXV “houses” = bayit. Probably from banah (to build, make, set up, obtain children; to build literally or figuratively). This is house, court, family, palace, temple.
LXXXVI “took…as…food” = tsud. Related to “provisions” in v5. 18x in OT. Perhaps related to tsayid (see note XLVIII above). This is to hunt, to lie in wait in order to catch an animal. It can be used figuratively for capturing people.

on the dayLXXXVII we set outLXXXVIII to comeLXXXIX to you, but now, see,XC it is dry andXCI moldy; 

Notes on verse 12b

LXXXVII “day” = yom. Root may mean being hot. This is the day in a literal or figurative sense. It can also mean birth, age, daylight, continually or other references to time.
LXXXVIII “set out” = yatsa. This is to go or come out, bring forth, appear. It is to go out in a literal or figurative sense.
LXXXIX “come” = halak. Same as “went” in v4. See note XXXV above.
XC “see” = hinneh. From hen (lo! Behold! If, though; an expression of surprise). This is to draw attention, show suddenness or surprise, or to emphasize the importance of the coming statement. See! Lo! Behold!
XCI {untranslated} = hayah. Same as {untranslated} in v1. See note I above.

13 these wineskins were newXCII when we filledXCIII them, and see, they are burst,XCIV and these garmentsXCV and sandals of ours are worn outXCVI from the very longXCVII journey.” 

Notes on verse 13

XCII “new” = chadash. From chadash (to renew or restore, to repair or rebuild). This is something fresh or new.
XCIII “filled” = male. This is fill, satisfy, replenish, accomplish, fulfill, confirm, or consecrate. It is fill in a literal or figurative sense.
XCIV “burst” = baqa. Same as “torn” in v4. See note XLII above.
XCV “garments” = salmah. Same as “clothes” in v5. See note XLVII above.
XCVI “are worn out” = balah. Related to “worn-out” in v4. 17x in OT. See note XXXIII above.
XCVII “long” = rob. From rabab (to be or become much or many, multiply). This is any kind of abundance.

14 So the leadersXCVIII partookXCIX of their provisionsC and did not askCI directionCII from the Lord. 

Notes on verse 14

XCVIII “leaders” = enosh. Related to “Israelites” in v6. See note LV above.
XCIX “partook” = laqach. Same as “took” in v4. See note XXXVII above.
C “provisions” = tsayid. Related to “provisions” in v5 & “took…as…food” in v12. 17x in OT. See note XLVIII above.
CI “ask” = shaal. This is to ask, inquire, beg, borrow, desire, request. It can also mean to demand.
CII “direction” = peh. Same as “accord” in v2. See note XXIII above.

15 And Joshua madeCIII peaceCIV with them, guaranteeingCV their livesCVI by a treaty,

Notes on verse 15a

CIII “made” = asah. Same as “done” in v3. See note XXIX above.
CIV “peace” = shalom. From shalam (to be complete or sound; to have safety mentally, physically, or extending to one’s estate; so, if these things are safe and complete, the implication is that one would be friendly; and, if being friendly, one would make amends and that friendship would be reciprocated). This is completeness, soundness, welfare, favor, friend, good health. It is to be safe and figuratively well, happy, at peace, friendly. Abstractly, it includes the ideas of welfare and prosperity (not in excessive wealth, but in having enough).
CV “guaranteeing” = karat. Same as “make” in v6. See note LIX above.
CVI “lives” = chayah. This is to live or keep alive in a literal or figurative sense. So, it can be revive, nourish, or save.

and the leadersCVII of the congregationCVIII swore an oathCIX to them.

Notes on verse 15b

CVII “leaders” = nasi. From nasa (to lift in a broad sense, literally and figuratively; to carry, take, or arise; to bring forth, advance, accept). This is one lifted up or exalter. So, it could be prince, chief, ruler, captain, king, or vapor.
CVIII “congregation” = edah. From yaad (to appoint, assemble or gather selves, agree) OR from ed (witness, testimony, recorder); from ud (to admonish, repeat, duplicate, testify, restore, record, relieve). This is a congregation, assembly, or company. It could be a family, crowd, or fixture.
CIX “swore an oath” = shaba. Perhaps from sheba (seven – the number of perfection/sacred fullness). This is to swear, curse, vow, make a covenant. Properly, it can mean to be complete. This is to seven oneself – as in affirming something so strongly it is as though it were said seven times.

16 ButCX when threeCXI days had passedCXII afterCXIII they had madeCXIV a treaty with them, they heard that they were their neighborsCXV and were livingCXVI among them. 

Notes on verse 16

CX {untranslated} = hayah. Same as {untranslated} in v1. See note I above.
CXI “three” = shalosh. This is three, fork, three times.
CXII “passed” = qatseh. From qatsah (to cut off, cut short; figuratively, to destroy). This is end, brink, border, edge, frontier. It can refer to that which is within set boundaries.
CXIII “after” = achar. From achar (to remain behind, linger, continue, be behind, or delay; can also imply procrastination). This is after or the last part, following.
CXIV “made” = karat. Same as “make” in v6. See note LIX above.
CXV “neighbors” = qarob. Related to “among” in v7. From qarab (see note LXIII above). This is near whether nearby, related, near in time, or allied.
CXVI “living” = yashab. Same as “inhabitants” in v3. See note XXVII above.

17 So the IsraelitesCXVII set outCXVIII and reachedCXIX their citiesCXX

Notes on verse 17a

CXVII “Israelites” = ben + Yisrael. Literally, “children of Israel.” Ben is related to “houses” in v12. From banah (see note LXXXV above). This is son, age, child. It is son in a literal or figurative sense. Yisrael is the same as “Israel” in v2. See note XXVI above.
CXVIII “set out” = nasa. This is properly pulling up as when one pulls up tent pegs or stakes. This would imply striking tents in order to start a journey. So this could be bring, pullout, set out, journey, or cause to go away.
CXIX “reached” = bo. Same as “come” in v6. See note LVI above.
CXX “cities” = iyr. From uwr (to awaken or wake oneself up). This can mean excitement in the sense of wakefulness or city. Properly, this is a place that is guarded. Guards kept schedules according to watches. This sense of the word would include cities as well as encampments or posts that were guarded.

on the thirdCXXI day. Now their cities were Gibeon, Chephirah,CXXII Beeroth,CXXIII and Kiriath-jearim.CXXIV 

Notes on verse 17b

CXXI “third” = shelishi. Related to “three” in v16. From shalosh (see note CXI above). This is third or one-third of something.
CXXII “Chephirah” = Kphiyrah. 4x in OT. From kephir (a young lion, village); from kaphar (to appease, cover, pacify, cancel. This is Chephirah, a city whose name means “the village.
CXXIII “Beeroth” = Beeroth. 5x in OT. From beer (a well or pit); {from baar (to make plain; to dig; can also mean to engrave or figuratively to explain). This is Beeroth, a place whose name means “wells.”
CXXIV “Kiriath-jearim” = Qiryath Yearim. Related to “cities” in v17. From qiryah (city, building); {from qarah (to happen, meet, bring about)} + yaar (honeycomb, forest, thicket) OR form qiryah (see above) + iyr (see CXX above). This is Kiriath-jearim, which is a city whose name means either “city of forests” or “city of towns.”

18 But the IsraelitesCXXV did not attackCXXVI them because the leadersCXXVII of the congregation had swornCXXVIII to them by the Lord, the God of Israel. Then all the congregation murmuredCXXIX against the leaders.CXXX 

Notes on verse 18

CXXV “Israelites” = ben + Yisrael. See note CXVII above.
CXXVI “attack” = nakah. This is to hit whether lightly or severely. It can be used in a literal or figurative sense. So, this could be beat, punish, give wounds, kill, or slaughter.
CXXVII “leaders” = nasi. Same as “leaders” in v15. See note CVII above.
CXXVIII “sworn” = shaba. Same as “swore and oath” in v15. See note CIX above.
CXXIX “murmured” = lun. This is to stop – usually to lodge for the night. It can imply dwelling, enduring, or staying permanently. Figuratively, it can mean being obstinate, particularly with one’s words – to complain.
CXXX “leaders” = nasi. Same as “leaders” in v15. See note CVII above.

19 But all the leadersCXXXI said to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by the Lord, the God of Israel, and now we mustCXXXII not touchCXXXIII them. 20 This is what we will do to them: we will let them live,CXXXIV so that wrathCXXXV may not comeCXXXVI upon us, because of the oathCXXXVII that we swore to them.” 

Notes on verses 19-20

CXXXI “leaders” = nasi. Same as “leaders” in v15. See note CVII above.
CXXXII “must” = yakol. This is to be able, endure, overcome, prevail.
CXXXIII “touch” = naga. This is touch, reach, arrive, come near, strike. This is touching for any reason including sexual or violent.
CXXXIV “live” = chayah. Same as “lives” in v15. See note CVI above.
CXXXV “wrath” = qetseph. From qatsaph (angry or provoked to wrath; a bursting into anger). This is indignation, rage, strife, foam, a splinter.
CXXXVI “come” = hayah. Same as {untranslated} in v1. See note I above.
CXXXVII “oath” = shebuah. Related to “swore an oath” in v15. From sheba (seven – the number of perfection/sacred fullness); from shaba (see note CIX above). This is oath or curse.

21 The leadersCXXXVIII said to them, “Let them live.”CXXXIX So they becameCXL woodcuttersCXLI

Notes on verse 21a

CXXXVIII “leaders” = nasi. Same as “leaders” in v15. See note CVII above.
CXXXIX “live” = chayah. Same as “lives” in v15. See note CVI above.
CXL “became” = hayah. Same as {untranslated} in v1. See note I above.
CXLI “woodcutters” = chatab + ets. Chatab is 9x in OT. This is to chop wood, a woodcutter, to polish or carve wood. Ets perhaps from atsah (to shut, fasten, firm up, to close one’s eyes). This is tree or other things related to trees like wood, sticks, or stalks. It can also refer to wood products like a plank or staff or gallows. Additionally, this can refer to a carpenter.

and drawersCXLII of waterCXLIII for all the congregation, as the leadersCXLIV had decidedCXLV concerning them.

22 Joshua summonedCXLVI them and saidCXLVII to them,CXLVIII

Notes on verses 21b-22a

CXLII “drawers” = shaab. 19x in OT. This is to draw water – as pulling it up from a well.
CXLIII “water” = mayim. This is water, waters, or waterway in a general sense. Figuratively, it can also mean juice, urine, or semen.
CXLIV “leaders” = nasi. Same as “leaders” in v15. See note CVII above.
CXLV “decided” = dabar. This is generally to speak, answer, declare, or command. It might mean to arrange and so to speak in a figurative sense as arranging words.
CXLVI “summoned” = qara. This is to call or call out – to call someone by name. Also used more broadly for calling forth.
CXLVII “said” = dabar. Same as “decided” in v21. See note CXLV above.
CXLVIII {untranslated} = amar. Same as “said” in v6. See note LIV above.

“Why did you deceiveCXLIX us, saying,CL ‘We are very far from you,’ while in fact you are livingCLI among us? 23 Now, therefore, you are cursed, and some of you shall always beCLII slaves, woodcutters and drawers of water for the house of my God.” 

Notes on verses 22b-23

CXLIX “deceive” = ramah. 13x in OT. This is to hurl, shoot, carry, or throw. Figuratively, it is to beguile, delude or betray. It can also refer to an archer.
CL “saying” = amar. Same as “said” in v6. See note LIV above.
CLI “living” = yashab. Same as “inhabitants” in v3. See note XXVII “above.
CLII “be” = karat. Same as “make” in v6. See note LIX above.

24 They answeredCLIII Joshua,CLIV “Because it was told to your servants for a certaintyCLV

Notes on verse 24a

CLIII “answered” = anah. This is answer, respond, announce, sing, shout, or testify. It means to pay attention, which implies responding and, by extension, starting to talk. Used in a specific sense for singing, shouting, testifying, etc.
CLIV {untranslated} = amar. Same as “said” in v6. See note LIV above.
CLV “told…for a certainty” = nagad + nagad. This is to declare, make conspicuous, stand in front, manifest, predict, explain. The word is repeated twice – the first time as an Infinitive Absolute. The Infinitive Absolute serves to emphasize the sentiment of the word. It is rather like Foghorn Leghorn’s speech pattern, “I said, I said.”

that the Lord your God had commandedCLVI his servant MosesCLVII to giveCLVIII you all the landCLIX and to destroyCLX all the inhabitants of the land beforeCLXI you,

Notes on verse 24b

CLVI “commanded” = tsavah. This is to charge, command, order, appoint, or enjoin. This is the root that the Hebrew word for “commandment” comes from (mitsvah).
CLVII “Moses” = Mosheh. From mashah (to pull out in a literal or figurative sense, to draw out) OR from Egyptian mes or mesu (child, son i.e. child of…). This is Moses – the one drawn out from the water, which is to say, rescued. If derived from the Egyptian, his name would share a root with Rameses and Thutmose.
CLVIII “give” = natan. This is to give, put, set, offer. It is to give literally or figuratively.
CLIX “land” = erets. Same as “country” in v6. See note LVIII above.
CLX “destroy” = shamad. This is to demolish, destroy, perish, overthrow, pluck down.
CLXI “before” = paneh. From panah (to turn, face, appear). This is face in a literal or figurative sense. It could be face, presence, anger, respect. It can also be used of God to indicate divine favor or presence.

so we were in greatCLXII fearCLXIII for our livesCLXIV because ofCLXV you and did this thing.CLXVI 

Notes on verse 24c

CLXII “great” = meod. Same as “very” in v9. See note LXV above.
CLXIII “were in…fear” = yare. This is to fear, be afraid, dreadful. It can also refer to fearful reverence – to fear in a moral sense is to say to revere, respect.
CLXIV “lives” = nephesh. Related to naphash (to refresh or be refreshed). This is soul, self, person, emotion. It is a breathing creature. Can also refer to appetites and desires.
CLXV “because of” = paneh. Same as “before” in v24. See note CLXI above.
CLXVI “thing” = dabar. Related to “decided” in v21. From dabar (see note CXLV above). This is speech, a word, a matter, an affair, charge, command, message, promise, purpose, report, request. It is a word, which implies things that are spoken of in a wide sense.

25 And nowCLXVII we are in your hand: do as it seems goodCLXVIII and rightCLXIX in your sightCLXX to do to us.” 

Notes on verse 25

CLXVII {untranslated} = hen. Related to “see” in v12. See note XC above.
CLXVIII “good” = tob. From tob (to be pleasing, to be good). This is good, beautiful, pleasant, agreeable, bountiful, at ease. This word is used for goodness as a concept, a good thing, a good person. This can refer to prosperity and welfare as well as joy, kindness, sweetness, and graciousness. So, this is ethically good, but also enjoyably good.
CLXIX “right” = yashar. From yashar (to be straight, right, even, smooth, or agreeable; figuratively, to make something pleasant or prosperous). This is straight, right, level. Also, it is pleasing, whether pleasing God or pleasing other people. So, it is upright or righteous.
CLXX “sight” = ayin. This is eye in a literal or figurative sense so eye, appearance, favor, or a fountain (the eye of the landscape).

26 ThisCLXXI is what he did for them: he savedCLXXII them from the Israelites,CLXXIII and they did not killCLXXIV them. 

Notes on verse 26

CLXXI “this” = ken. Perhaps from kun (properly, in a perpendicular position; literally, to establish, fix, fasten, prepare; figuratively, it is certainty, to be firm, faithfulness, render sure or prosperous). This is to set upright. Generally used figuratively to mean thus, so, afterwards, rightly so.
CLXXII “saved” = natsal + et + yad. Natsal is to snatch someone or something away in a good sense – as rescue, defend, or deliver – or in a bad sense – as strip or plunder. Yad is the same as “hand” in v11. See note LXXX above.
CLXXIII “Israelites” = ben + Yisrael. See note CXVII above.
CLXXIV “kill” = harag. This is to strike with deadly intent so it can be kill, destroy, murder, or put to death.

27 But on that day Joshua madeCLXXV them woodcutters and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altarCLXXVI of the Lord, to continue to this day, in the placeCLXXVII that he should choose.CLXXVIII

Notes on verse 27

CLXXV “made” = natan. Same as “give” in v24. See note CLVIII above.
CLXXVI “altar” = mizbeach. From zabach (to kill, slay, offer; slaughtering an animal to offer as a sacrifice). This is an altar.
CLXXVII “place” = maqom. From qum(to arise, stand, accomplish, establish, abide; rising against, getting up after being sick or asleep, arising from one state to another, becoming powerful, or rising for action; standing in a figurative sense). This is a standing, which is to say a spot or space a place. It can also refer to a locality or a physical/mental condition. HaMaqom is also a Jewish name for God – the place, i.e. the Omnipresent One.
CLXXVIII “choose” = bachar. This is to choose, appoint, try, excellent.


Image credit: “Commuters on the Tübingen Neckar Bridge” by Alfred Georg Stockburger. Photo uploaded by Wamito, 2020.

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