The Commander Appears and the Fall of Jericho
Joshua 5:13-6:27
Jos.5.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בהיות: PREP+VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביריחו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עיניו: NOUN,f,pl,suff
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והנה: ADV
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לנגדו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+suff3,m,sg
- וחרבו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+suff3,m,sg
- שלופה: ADJ,ptc,f,sg
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- הלנו: PART
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- אם: CONJ
- לצרינו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+suff1,pl
Parallels
- Joshua 5:14 (structural): Immediate literary continuation: the same figure identifies himself as 'commander of the army of the LORD,' resolving Joshua’s question about whose side he is on.
- Judges 6:11-12 (thematic): A theophanic appearance to a judge (Gideon): an angel/ divine messenger stands before a leader, initiating a decisive commissioning encounter.
- Judges 13:3-22 (thematic): Manoah’s encounter with the angel of the LORD parallels Joshua’s meeting—an otherworldly man appears, is approached by a Hebrew leader, and elicits a transformative revelation.
- Exodus 3:2 (thematic): Theophanic imagery: the appearance of a divine/angelic figure in a striking manifestation (burning phenomenon) parallels the motif of God’s messenger confronting a leader.
- Revelation 19:11-16 (allusion): Apocalyptic portrayal of a divine warrior on a white horse with a sword echoes the motif of the 'commander/warrior' figure who stands ready with drawn sword in Joshua’s theophany.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, a man was standing before him with his sword drawn in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, "Are you for us, or for our adversaries?"
- And it came to pass, when Joshua was near Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold— a man stood opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, ‘Are you for us or for our adversaries?’
Jos.5.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- כי: CONJ
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,const
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עתה: ADV
- באתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- ויפל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- פניו: NOUN,m,pl,cons+3,m,sg
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וישתחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- מה: PRON,int
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- מדבר: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- עבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 3:2-6 (thematic): A theophany/angel of the LORD appears to a leader (Moses); holy-ground motif and divine self-manifestation parallel Joshua’s encounter with the commander of the LORD’s host.
- Exodus 34:8 (verbal): Moses ‘bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped’—language and action parallel Joshua’s falling on his face and prostration before the divine figure.
- Judges 6:11-24 (thematic): Gideon’s meeting with the angel of the LORD, his fear on realizing whom he has seen, and the commissioning-before-battle setting closely parallel Joshua’s encounter and response.
- Judges 13:3-22 (thematic): Manoah and his wife’s encounter with the angel of the LORD (their fear that they will die, the sacrificial/altar responses) echoes the pattern of an Israelite leader meeting a divine messenger.
- Zechariah 3:1-2 (allusion): A theophanic scene involving ‘Joshua’ (Yeshua) before the angel of the LORD; echoes theological/nominal and priestly-leadership motifs in Joshua’s encounter.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said, "No; rather I am the commander of the LORD's army." Then Joshua fell on his face to the ground and bowed, and said to him, "What does my lord say to his servant?"
- And he said, ‘No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD.’ Then Joshua fell on his face to the earth and bowed down, and said to him, ‘What does my lord say to his servant?’
Jos.5.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,const
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- של: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- נעלך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2,m,sg
- מעל: PREP
- רגלך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+SUFF,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- עמד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כן: ADV
Parallels
- Exodus 3:5 (verbal): Moses is told to remove his sandals because the ground is holy—language and command nearly identical, framing both encounters as theophanies requiring reverent removal of footwear.
- Acts 7:33 (quotation): Stephen’s speech quotes the Exodus command to take off shoes and names the place 'holy ground,' directly echoing the same wording and theological point.
- Genesis 28:16-17 (thematic): Jacob awakens from a vision and recognizes the site as a sacred place ('this is none other than the house of God'), a comparable response of awe and designation of holy ground.
- Judges 6:20-23 (thematic): Gideon’s encounter with the angel of the LORD produces fear, reverence, and recognition of a divine presence—paralleling Joshua’s theophanic meeting with the commander of the LORD’s army and the required reverent response.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the commander of the LORD's army said to Joshua, "Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so.
- And the commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, ‘Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy.’ And Joshua did so.
Jos.6.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויריחו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סגרת: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- ומסגרת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- מפני: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אין: PART,neg
- יוצא: VERB,qal,part,ms,sg
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Joshua 6:20 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: records the collapse of Jericho’s walls and the city’s capture, the outcome of the sealed city described in 6:1.
- Joshua 2:1 (structural): Sets the immediate context for Joshua 6: the sending of spies into Jericho and Rahab’s report, explaining the city’s closed posture toward Israel.
- Joshua 5:1 (thematic): Reports that the Canaanite kings’ hearts ‘melted’ when they heard of Israel’s crossing of the Jordan—explains the fear that led cities like Jericho to be tightly shut.
- Hebrews 11:30 (allusion): New Testament allusion to the walls of Jericho falling ‘by faith,’ recalling the miraculous collapse of the sealed city in Joshua 6.
- Judges 7:22 (thematic): Like Jericho, the Midianite host is defeated by direct divine action rather than conventional siege tactics, highlighting divine agency in victories over closed enemy strongholds.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites; none went out, and none came in.
- Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the people of Israel; none went out and none came in.
Jos.6.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- נתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- יריחו: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- ואת: CONJ
- מלכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גבורי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- החיל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Joshua 10:8 (verbal): God tells Joshua not to be afraid because He has delivered the enemies into his hand—language and immediate assurance mirror the declaration that Jericho and its king are given to Joshua.
- Deuteronomy 11:24-25 (verbal): God promises that every place the Israelites set foot will be theirs and that no one shall stand before them—closely parallels the promise of divine grant of cities, kings, and warriors into Israel’s hand.
- 1 Samuel 17:46 (verbal): David declares that the LORD will deliver Goliath into his hand; shares the same idiom of God handing an enemy over to a human agent and the motif of divine victory.
- Deuteronomy 7:1-2 (thematic): God commands Israel to dispossess and destroy the nations He is giving them—the broader theme of Yahweh granting cities, kings, and peoples into Israelite possession resonates with Joshua’s receipt of Jericho.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor.
- And the LORD said to Joshua, ‘See, I have given into your hand Jericho and its king, and the mighty men of valor.'
Jos.6.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וסבתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- כל: DET
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הקיף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- פעם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- כה: ADV
- תעשה: VERB,qal,imf,2,m,sg
- ששת: NUM,m,pl,cons
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Hebrews 11:30 (allusion): NT reference to the fall of Jericho as an act of faith—explicitly alludes to the ritual march and divine vindication described in Joshua 6.
- Judges 7:16-22 (thematic): Gideon’s night attack features circling-like maneuvering, trumpet blasts and a shouted signal that rout the enemy—paralleling the ritualized marching, trumpets and shout at Jericho.
- Numbers 10:5-6 (verbal): Instruction about blowing silver trumpets to direct the movement of the camps; parallels the priests’ trumpet-blowing that accompanies the Israelites’ march around Jericho.
- Joshua 8:3-9 (structural): Joshua’s tactics at Ai (sending a detachment to lie in ambush while other troops draw the city out) show another instance in Joshua of coordinated troop movements and encircling maneuvers.
- 2 Chronicles 20:21-22 (thematic): Jehoshaphat’s army goes out with singers/priestly praise and achieves victory when the Lord causes the enemy to be defeated—similar motif of worship-led/miraculous victory tied to ritual action rather than conventional assault.
Alternative generated candidates
- You shall march around the city, all the men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do for six days.
- You shall march around the city, all the men of war; you shall go around the city once. Thus you shall do for six days.
Jos.6.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושבעה: CONJ+NUM,m,sg
- כהנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ישאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שבעה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שופרות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- היובלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לפני: PREP
- הארון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וביום: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השביעי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- תסבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- שבע: NUM,card
- פעמים: NOUN,m,du,abs
- והכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- יתקעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בשופרות: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 10:1-10 (structural): Prescriptive use of trumpets to direct Israel’s movement and assembly; establishes cultic/military function of horns that Joshua applies in the Jericho march.
- Judges 7:19-22 (verbal): Gideon’s troops blow trumpets as a battle signal and to create panic among the enemy—parallels the trumpet-blowing as a means of achieving victory through sound and ritual action.
- 2 Chronicles 20:21-22 (thematic): Jehoshaphat’s forces go out before the battle with singers/priests leading; like Joshua’s procession, worship and a led procession precede God’s decisive intervention.
- Revelation 8:2 (allusion): Vision of seven angels with seven trumpets echoes the motif of seven trumpets associated with divine acts and judgment, suggesting an intertextual link to Joshua’s seven trumpets and theomachic victory motif.
- Psalm 98:6 (verbal): Calls for trumpets and the sound of the horn in celebration of God’s victory—echoes Joshua’s use of trumpets as instruments of divine triumph and public praise.
Alternative generated candidates
- And seven priests shall bear seven ram's-horn trumpets before the ark; on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets.
- And seven priests shall carry seven trumpets of ram’s horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets.
Jos.6.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- במשך: PREP
- בקרן: PREP
- היובל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כשמעכם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השופר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יריעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תרועה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדולה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ונפלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- חומת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- תחתיה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ועלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נגדו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Hebrews 11:30 (allusion): Explicit New Testament reference to the fall of Jericho — credits the event to faith: 'By faith the walls of Jericho fell down.' Alludes to the same miraculous collapse described in Joshua 6:5–20.
- Judges 7:20 (verbal): Gideon’s men blow trumpets, break jars and shout, producing panic and defeat of the enemy. Parallels the use of trumpet blasts and a great shout as means of victory in Joshua 6:5.
- Psalm 98:6 (thematic): Calls for trumpets and the sound of the horn to make a joyful noise before the LORD. The association of trumpets and a triumphant shout links cultic/celebratory trumpet sounds to decisive divine action, echoing Joshua's trumpets and shout.
- Revelation 11:15 (thematic): The seventh trumpet proclaims the kingdom and divine judgment. Though apocalyptic and broader in scope, it reflects the motif of trumpet blasts as divine signal for decisive, cosmic action similar to the Jericho trumpets.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it shall be that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up every man straight before him."
- And it shall be, when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn and you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up— every man straight before him.’
Jos.6.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- שאו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הברית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ושבעה: NUM,m,pl,abs
- כהנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ישאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שבעה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שופרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יובלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לפני: PREP
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 10:2-10 (verbal): God's instruction to make and sound trumpets for summoning the congregation and signaling movement — provides the cultic/functional background for priests carrying trumpets before the ark in Joshua 6.
- 1 Chronicles 15:24-28 (structural): Description of priests and Levites blowing trumpets and making music before the ark during its transport/dedication — a close structural parallel to priests bearing trumpets in procession with the ark.
- 2 Chronicles 5:12-14 (thematic): Priests and Levites blow trumpets and instruments before the ark at the temple dedication and the LORD's glory fills the house — parallels the cultic procession around Jericho and the ark’s role in divine presence and victory.
- Psalm 98:6 (thematic): Call to make a joyful noise with trumpet and horn before the LORD the King — echoes the use of trumpets in ritual praise and proclamation associated with the ark's procession.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, "Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven ram's-horn trumpets before the ark of the LORD."
- Then Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, ‘Take up the ark of the covenant and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of ram’s horns before the ark of the LORD.’
Jos.6.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עברו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- וסבו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והחלוץ: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יעבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 10:33-35 (verbal): Describes the ark going before Israel in their journeys and the people passing on—language and motif of the ark leading the host echo Joshua’s command that the vanguard pass before the ark.
- Joshua 3:3-4 (structural): Another procession where the priests carry the ark to lead Israel (here at the Jordan); closely parallels the structure of a sacred vanguard and the ark directing the people’s march.
- 1 Samuel 4:3-4 (thematic): The Israelites bring the ark out to the battle front at Ebenezer—theme of the ark accompanying and leading Israel in military engagement, as in Joshua’s march around Jericho.
- 2 Samuel 6:2-3 (structural): David’s organized procession to bring up the ark (priests/Levites and a leading movement) parallels the ceremonial, structured movement with the ark placed at the center of Israel’s advance.
- Psalm 68:1-2 (thematic): A liturgical invocation for God to ‘arise’ and scatter his enemies—reflects the theological purpose behind the ark-led march in Joshua: God acting to overthrow the city’s defenders.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said to the people, "Pass on, march around the city, and let the vanguard go before the ark of the LORD."
- And he said to the people, ‘Go forward, march around the city, and let the armed men go on before the ark of the LORD.’
Jos.6.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כאמר: PREP+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ושבעה: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נשאים: PARTCP,pual,pass,m,pl
- שבעה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שופרות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- היובלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עברו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- ותקעו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בשופרות: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וארון: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחריהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 10:2,8-10 (verbal): Commands for using silver trumpets (rams' horns) to signal the camps and set out; directly parallels the use of horns and trumpet blasts before the LORD in Joshua 6.
- Joshua 3:3-4 (structural): Earlier in Joshua the priests bearing the ark go before the people during the Jordan crossing; same ritual pattern of priestly procession with the ark leading Israel.
- 2 Samuel 6:12-15 (thematic): David brings the ark into Jerusalem with priests, shouting, and music; thematically parallels the ark's movement in a liturgical/militarized procession and the centrality of the ark in Israel's advance.
- 1 Chronicles 15:24-25 (thematic): Description of Levites and musicians blowing trumpets and celebrating as the ark is brought up; echoes the combination of priests, trumpets, and the ark in a sacred procession.
Alternative generated candidates
- So it was, when Joshua had spoken to the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets went before the LORD and blew the trumpets, and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them.
- So it was, as Joshua had commanded the people, that the seven priests who bore the seven trumpets of ram’s horns went on before the LORD and blew the trumpets; and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them.
Jos.6.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והחלוץ: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- תקעי: PART,qal,ptc,.,m,pl,cons
- השופרות: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והמאסף: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- הארון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הלוך: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- ותקוע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בשופרות: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 10:2-5 (verbal): God's instruction about using two silver trumpets to summon the congregation and signal the breaking of camp; establishes trumpet-blowing as the means of directing Israel's movements, as in Joshua 6.
- Numbers 10:35 (verbal): When the ark set forward Moses said, 'Rise up, LORD,' and the ark's movement is coordinated with trumpet blasts—direct verbal parallel to priests blowing as the ark moves.
- Joshua 3:3-4 (structural): Priests bearing the ark go before the people while the people keep a distance; a similar processional arrangement where the ark and priests lead the march.
- 1 Chronicles 15:24 (verbal): Priests and Levites sounded trumpets and other instruments before the ark—an explicit liturgical/sonic parallel to the priests blowing trumpets around the ark.
- 2 Samuel 6:15-17 (thematic): Procession bringing the ark with music, shouting and priestly activity; shares the motif of the ark-led cultic procession accompanied by trumpet-sounding and organized ranks.
Alternative generated candidates
- The vanguard went before the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard went after the ark, while they continued to blow the trumpets.
- The armed men went before the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard went after the ark, going and blowing the trumpets.
Jos.6.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- לא: PART_NEG
- תריעו: VERB,hiph,impf,2,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- תשמיעו: VERB,hiph,impf,2,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- קולכם: NOUN,m,sg,pr,2,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מפיכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,pr,2,pl
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמרי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- אליכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
- הריעו: VERB,hiph,impv,2,pl
- והריעתם: CONJ+VERB,hiph,perf,2,pl
Parallels
- Exod.14.14 (verbal): Moses tells the people 'The LORD will fight for you; you shall hold your peace'—a direct command to keep silent while God acts, paralleling Joshua's order to be quiet until the commanded shout.
- Judg.7.16-18 (structural): Gideon arranges his men with trumpets and gives them a signal to blow and shout at the appointed moment—a similar military tactic of waiting in silence until a coordinated signal.
- Hab.2.20 (thematic): 'But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him'—the motif of enforced or reverent silence in the presence of divine action resonates with Joshua's command.
- Ps.46.10 (thematic): 'Be still, and know that I am God' emphasizes quietness and trust while God acts, thematically akin to the injunction to remain silent until God's appointed moment.
- Rev.8.1 (structural): 'There was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour'—a notable instance of silence immediately preceding trumpet judgments, echoing the pattern of silence before a divinely-ordered blast/shout.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joshua commanded the people, "You shall not shout, nor let your voice be heard, nor shall any word come out of your mouth, until the day I tell you, 'Shout!'—then you shall shout."
- And Joshua commanded the people, ‘You shall not shout nor let your voice be heard, nor shall any word come out of your mouth, until the day I tell you, “Shout!”—then you shall shout.’
Jos.6.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הקף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- פעם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- המחנה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וילינו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- במחנה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Josh.6.4 (verbal): Direct instruction in the same narrative: the Israelites (with the ark) are to compass the city once each day — repeats the key verb and action of encircling the city.
- Josh.6.20 (structural): Closing action of the Jericho episode: after circling with the ark the city falls — connects the marching/encamping pattern to the narrative outcome.
- Num.10.33-36 (thematic): The ark of the LORD goes before Israel in their journeys and Israel sets out and encamps under its guidance — parallels the motif of the ark leading movement and the people encamping.
- 1 Sam.6:11-12 (thematic): After the ark is returned from the Philistines it is brought into a house and remains there — parallels the movement of the ark into a place and the subsequent lodging/staying.
- 2 Sam.6:11 (thematic): The ark ‘remained’ in the house of Obed‑edom for three months after being brought back — another instance of the ark being moved and then lodged/encamped among the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the ark of the LORD circled the city, passing around it once; then they returned to the camp and spent the night in the camp.
- So the ark of the LORD circled the city, once; then they returned to the camp and spent the night in the camp.
Jos.6.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישכם: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בבקר: PREP
- וישאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Josh.3.3 (verbal): Same narrative motif: 'the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the LORD passed before them'—priests carry the ark to lead Israel in a rite of crossing/advance.
- Num.4.15 (structural): Law/ritual provision for moving sacred objects: Levites (Kohathites) are assigned to carry the holy things on poles—parallel in responsibility and manner of transporting the ark.
- 1 Chr.15.15 (verbal): Chronicle account of bringing up the ark: 'the priests and the Levites brought the ark of God'—a direct verbal and functional parallel to priests bearing the ark in Joshua.
- 2 Sam.6.15 (thematic): Narrative of conveying the ark into a new place with priestly/communal accompaniment and ritual display ('with shouting and the sound of the horn')—parallels the cultic procession led by the ark in Joshua 6.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD.
- And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD.
Jos.6.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושבעה: NUM,m,sg,abs
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נשאים: PARTCP,pual,pass,m,pl
- שבעה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שופרות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- היבלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לפני: PREP
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הלכים: VERB,qal,ptc,.,m,pl
- הלוך: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- ותקעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בשופרות: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- והחלוץ: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לפניהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- והמאסף: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הלוך: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- ותקוע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בשופרות: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 10:2-5 (verbal): God's instruction to make trumpets and to blow them to signal assemblies, marching, and battle—parallels Joshua's use of horns/trumpets to accompany the ark and signal movement in a military/ritual context.
- 1 Chronicles 15:24 (verbal): When the ark is brought to Jerusalem the priests and Levites 'blew trumpets' before the ark—an explicit parallel in wording and ritual function to the priests blowing horns before the ark in Joshua 6:13.
- 2 Samuel 6:15-16 (structural): David's procession bringing up the ark is accompanied by shouting and the sound of the horn/trumpet—a similar liturgical-military procession structure as Joshua's march with priests blowing horns around the city.
- Judges 7:20-22 (thematic): Gideon's men blow trumpets, break jars, and shout to rout the enemy—parallels the use of shofar/trumpet blasts as a military signal and means to secure victory, echoing the horn-blowing at Jericho.
Alternative generated candidates
- The seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of ram's horns before the ark of the LORD went on continually and blew the trumpets; and the vanguard went before them, and the rear guard went after the ark, while they blew the trumpets.
- The seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of ram’s horns went on before the ark of the LORD and blew the trumpets, while the vanguard went before them and the rear guard went after the ark, blowing the trumpets as they went.
Jos.6.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ביום: PREP
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- פעם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- המחנה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כה: ADV
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ששת: NUM,m,pl,cons
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 6:3 (verbal): Gives the original instruction that they were to march around the city once a day for six days — the direct command that Josh. 6:14 says they carried out.
- Joshua 6:15 (structural): Describes the culminating action on the seventh day when they marched seven times and the walls fell — the immediate narrative parallel and outcome of the six‑day pattern in v.14.
- Hebrews 11:30 (allusion): Uses the fall of Jericho as an example of faith: 'By faith the walls of Jericho fell,' explicitly alluding to the same events and interpreting them theologically.
- Acts 7:45 (thematic): Stephen’s speech recounts how Joshua gave Israel the land by dispossessing the nations — a New Testament summary reference to the conquest that includes Jericho as part of that divine deliverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- So they marched around the city once on the second day and returned to the camp; thus they did six days.
- They marched around the city once on the second day and returned to the camp; thus they did six days.
Jos.6.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ביום: PREP
- השביעי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- וישכמו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- כעלות: PREP
- השחר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויסבו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- כמשפט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- שבע: NUM,card
- פעמים: NOUN,m,du,abs
- רק: PRT
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- סבבו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- שבע: NUM,card
- פעמים: NOUN,m,du,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 6:4 (structural): Immediate instruction preceding v.15: Israelites to march once a day for six days and then seven times on the seventh — establishes the pattern that is carried out in v.15.
- Joshua 6:20 (verbal): Describes the result of the seven circuits: the people shouted, the trumpet was blown, and the wall fell — direct narrative continuation and verbal parallel to the action in v.15.
- Hebrews 11:30 (allusion): New Testament reflection on the Jericho episode: the walls fell by faith, highlighting the theological significance of the obedient procession described in v.15.
- Judges 7:20-22 (thematic): Gideon’s use of trumpets, shout, and surprise to rout the enemy parallels the motif of ritualized sound and shouting producing victory, as in Joshua’s circling and final shout.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now it came to pass on the seventh day that they rose early, at the dawning of the day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times; only on that day they marched around the city seven times.
- Now on the seventh day they rose early, at dawn, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times; only on that day they marched around the city seven times.
Jos.6.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בפעם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg
- השביעית: ADJ,ord,f,sg,def
- תקעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בשופרות: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הריעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- כי: CONJ
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Hebrews 11:30 (allusion): Direct New Testament reference to the fall of Jericho’s walls—attributes the victory to faith, echoing Joshua’s command to shout because the LORD had given the city.
- Psalm 98:6 (verbal): Calls for trumpets and the sound of the horn with a joyful shout before the LORD—verbal parallel to the priests blowing trumpets and the people shouting at Jericho.
- Numbers 10:9 (structural): Prescribes the use of silver trumpets in time of war and to signal the community—parallels the trumpet blasts that functioned as liturgical/military signals in the assault on Jericho.
- 2 Chronicles 20:22 (thematic): Jehoshaphat’s army advanced after singers praised the LORD and God delivered their enemies—the motif of praise/shout accompanying divine victory parallels Joshua’s command and the fall of Jericho.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, that Joshua said to the people, "Shout, for the LORD has given you the city.
- And it came about at the seventh time, when the priests blew the trumpets, that Joshua said to the people, ‘Shout, for the LORD has given you the city!'”
Jos.6.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- חרם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היא: PRON,dem,3,f,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- רק: PRT
- רחב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הזונה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- תחיה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- היא: PRON,dem,3,f,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- החבאתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg+OBJ,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המלאכים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שלחנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 20:16-18 (thematic): Prescribes the wartime 'ban' (ḥerem): destroy all living in certain cities—parallels Joshua's declaration that the city and all within are devoted to the LORD.
- 1 Samuel 15:3 (verbal): God's command to Saul to 'utterly destroy' Amalek and all that they have uses language and practice of ḥerem similar to Joshua's command.
- Joshua 2:12-13 (structural): Rahab's plea and the spies' promise to spare her and her household explains the reason for the exception made in 6:17 (she hid the messengers).
- Joshua 6:25 (structural): Immediate outcome verse stating that Rahab the harlot lived and dwelt among the Israelites—direct follow-up and fulfillment of the exception in 6:17.
- Hebrews 11:31 (allusion): New Testament reference that commends Rahab for her faith and cites her preservation, echoing the OT account and its theological significance.
Alternative generated candidates
- The city shall be devoted—its people and all that is in it—to the LORD; only Rahab the prostitute shall live, she and all who are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers whom we sent.
- And the city shall be under the ban; it and all that is in it belong to the LORD. Only Rahab the prostitute shall live, she and all that is with her in her house, because she hid the messengers whom we sent.
Jos.6.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ורק: ADV
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- שמרו: VERB,qal,imper,2,m,pl
- מן: PREP
- החרם: VERB,qal,perf,1,pl
- פן: CONJ
- תחרימו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ולקחתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- מן: PREP
- החרם: VERB,qal,perf,1,pl
- ושמתם: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- מחנה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחרם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועכרתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- אותו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Joshua 6:17 (verbal): Earlier command in the same context declaring Jericho and its spoil 'devoted' (ḥērem) to the Lord—same terminology and prohibition echoed in 6:18.
- Joshua 6:19 (verbal): Immediate follow-up instruction specifying that silver, gold, bronze, and iron are to be devoted—expands the prohibition mentioned in 6:18.
- Joshua 6:21 (structural): Reports the execution of the ban—Israel 'utterly destroyed' and put all under the ḥērem, showing how the prohibition in 6:18 was carried out.
- Joshua 7:1 (structural): Narrative consequence: Achan takes some of the devoted things and Israel becomes subject to the Lord's anger and military defeat at Ai—direct example of the warning in 6:18 about making the camp a curse.
- Deuteronomy 20:16-18 (thematic): Deuteronomic law commanding the complete destruction/devotion of certain cities and forbidding the taking of spoil—shares the legal/theological rationale behind the ḥērem practice reflected in Joshua 6:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- But you, keep yourselves from the devoted things, lest you make yourselves accursed by taking any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel accursed and bring trouble upon it.
- But you, keep yourselves from the devoted things, lest you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel accursed, and bring trouble upon it.
Jos.6.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וזהב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- נחשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וברזל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אוצר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- יבוא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Joshua 6:17 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same narrative: the city and its spoil are declared accursed/devoted to the LORD, setting up the prohibition on taking the plunder.
- Leviticus 27:28-29 (verbal): Legal background for 'devoted' (herem): things or persons devoted to the LORD are most holy and not redeemable — theological basis for consecrating silver and gold to God.
- Numbers 31:50-54 (verbal): After battle with Midian the Israelites set apart portions of the spoil as holy to the LORD and apportioned the rest, reflecting the practice of dedicating war booty to the sanctuary/treasury.
- 1 Samuel 15:3, 15-23 (thematic): Samuel’s rebuke of Saul for sparing spoil and living things that were to be destroyed highlights the same theme of herem and the prohibition/seriousness of taking devoted property.
- Deuteronomy 20:16-18 (thematic): Deuteronomic warfare laws command the utter destruction of certain peoples and their exclusion from booty, providing a broader legal framework for declaring cities and their goods devoted to the LORD.
Alternative generated candidates
- All silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron—these are consecrated to the LORD; they shall come into the treasury of the LORD."
- All silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, are holy to the LORD; they shall come into the treasury of the LORD.
Jos.6.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירע: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויתקעו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בשפרות: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כשמע: CONJ
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השופר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויריעו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תרועה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדולה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ותפל: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- החומה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- תחתיה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- העירה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נגדו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- וילכדו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Hebrews 11:30 (allusion): Explicit New Testament reference to the fall of Jericho — cites the event (walls falling after the procession) as an act of faith, echoing Joshua 6's outcome and theological point.
- Judges 7:20 (verbal): Gideon’s men blew trumpets and shouted, causing panic and rout of the enemy — parallel use of trumpets and a shout as means by which God brings victory.
- 2 Chronicles 20:22-23 (thematic): Jehoshaphat’s army began to sing and praise, and the Lord routed their enemies — parallels the motif of praise/shouting accompanying miraculous deliverance rather than conventional fighting.
- Psalm 98:6 (verbal): Calls for making a joyful noise with trumpets and the horn — shares the image of trumpet-sound and shout in liturgical/celebratory proclamation of God’s victory, resonant with Joshua’s trumpets and the people’s shout.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the people shouted, and the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat; then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city.
- So the people shouted, and the priests blew the trumpets. And it came to pass when the people heard the sound of the trumpet that the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city.
Jos.6.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחרימו: VERB,hiphil,imperfect,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בעיר: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- אשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מנער: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- זקן: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- שור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחמור: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפי: PREP
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 20:16-18 (verbal): Explicit law commanding that certain cities be 'devoted to destruction'—you shall not leave alive—parallels Joshua's wholesale annihilation of Jericho.
- Deuteronomy 7:2 (thematic): God's command to 'utterly destroy' the Canaanite nations and show them no mercy; provides the theological rationale for conquest and herem actions like Josh 6:21.
- 1 Samuel 15:3 (quotation): God's injunction to Saul to 'strike Amalek and devote to destruction all that they have'—uses the same language and concept of herem applied to another military command.
- Judges 1:8 (verbal): Narrative description of taking a city and striking it 'with the edge of the sword,' echoing the martial phrasing and totality of destruction found in Josh 6:21.
Alternative generated candidates
- They devoted the city and all that was in it to destruction—both man and woman, young and old, ox and sheep, and donkey—with the edge of the sword.
- They devoted to destruction by the edge of the sword everything in the city— both man and woman, young and old, ox and sheep and donkey.
Jos.6.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולשנים: CONJ+PREP,NUM,m,pl
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- המרגלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- את: PRT,acc
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האשה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הזונה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והוציאו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- משם: PREP
- את: PRT,acc
- האשה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- נשבעתם: VERB,niphal,perf,2,m,pl
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Josh.2:14 (verbal): The spies' original promise to Rahab that her family would be spared if she hid them—Joshua's order enacts that pledge.
- Josh.2:18-21 (structural): The agreement’s terms (the scarlet cord, secrecy, and promise of protection) that underpin Joshua’s command to bring Rahab out.
- Josh.6:25 (structural): The immediate outcome of Joshua’s command: Rahab and her household are spared and live among Israel, fulfilling the oath.
- Hebrews 11:31 (thematic): New Testament citation that highlights Rahab’s faith in sheltering the spies—interprets the episode as an example of faith leading to salvation.
- James 2:25 (allusion): James refers to Rahab’s reception of the messengers and her actions as evidence that faith was demonstrated by works, alluding to the same incident.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, "Go into the house of the prostitute and bring out from there the woman and all that she has, as you swore to her."
- But to the two men who had spied out the land Joshua said, ‘Go into the house of the woman and bring out from there the woman and all that belongs to her, as you swore to her.’
Jos.6.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הנערים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- המרגלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויציאו: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- רחב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- אביה: NOUN,m,sg,suff
- ואת: CONJ
- אמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- אחיה: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- משפחותיה: NOUN,f,pl,abs,3f.suff
- הוציאו: VERB,hiphil,impv,2,pl
- ויניחום: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,pl
- מחוץ: PREP
- למחנה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 2:1-21 (verbal): Earlier account of the same spies and Rahab’s protection of them; provides the backstory for why Rahab and her family are spared and brought out of the city.
- Joshua 6:25 (structural): Immediate follow-up stating that Rahab was spared, lived among the Israelites, and that her family was saved — a direct narrative continuation of v.23.
- Hebrews 11:31 (allusion): Uses Rahab’s rescue as an example of faith: 'By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish...' alluding to her sheltering the spies and being saved.
- James 2:25 (thematic): Cites Rahab’s actions in harboring the messengers as evidence of works accompanying faith, referring to the same episode of the spies and her deliverance.
- Matthew 1:5 (structural): Mentions Rahab in the genealogy of Jesus, implying her incorporation into Israel (as v.23/6:25 narrate) and the long-term outcome of her salvation.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the young men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, her mother, her brothers, and all that she had; and they brought out all her relatives and set them outside the camp of Israel.
- So the young men who were spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, her mother, her brothers, and all that belonged to her; they brought out all her relatives and set them outside the camp of Israel.
Jos.6.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והעיר: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,def
- שרפו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- באש: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- רק: PRT
- הכסף: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והזהב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- הנחשת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והברזל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- נתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- אוצר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Josh.6.19 (verbal): Same episode—explicit statement that "all the silver and gold and vessels of bronze and iron" are consecrated to the LORD and to be put into the house of the Lord (same wording/theme).
- Josh.6.21 (structural): Immediate parallel within the chapter describing the burning/devotion of the city and reiterating that the silver, gold, bronze and iron were sacred to the LORD (closely parallel narrative and legal outcome).
- Josh.6.17 (thematic): Earlier command in the Jericho narrative that the city and its spoil be devoted (herem) to the LORD—establishes the legal/ritual framework behind burning the city and dedicating the valuables.
- Deut.20.16-18 (thematic): Law regulating warfare: towns of the nations given as inheritance are to be devoted and not spared—provides the Deuteronomic basis for destroying cities and devoting spoils to God.
- 1 Sam.15.3,9 (thematic): Divine command to devote Amalek to destruction (and later the people's partial preservation of spoil under Saul): thematically connected as another case of herem and its problematic implementation/obedience.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then they burned the city with fire, and all that was in it; only the silver and gold, and the vessels of bronze and iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD.
- Then they burned the city with fire and devoted everything in it to destruction. But silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD.
Jos.6.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- רחב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הזונה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביה: NOUN,m,sg,suff
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- החיה: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותשב: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- בקרב: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- החביאה: VERB,hiph,perf,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המלאכים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לרגל: PREP
- את: PRT,acc
- יריחו: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
Parallels
- Joshua 2:1-21 (structural): Narrative account of Rahab hiding the Israelite spies and negotiating their protection — the event that explains why she and her household were spared.
- Joshua 6:22-23 (structural): Immediate chapter context: Joshua's command to save Rahab and her father's household and bring them out alive because she hid the messengers.
- Hebrews 11:31 (thematic): Commends Rahab for her faith and cites her deliverance as an example in the faith hall of fame, linking her saving act to spiritual faithfulness.
- James 2:25 (allusion): Uses Rahab as an example of being ‘justified by works’ — her sheltering of the messengers is presented as proof of faith demonstrated in action.
- Matthew 1:5 (thematic): Records Rahab in the genealogy of Jesus, highlighting her integration into Israel (and Israel’s line) — a long-term consequence of her being spared.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Rahab the prostitute and her father's household and all who belonged to her, Joshua spared; and she has lived among the people of Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.
- But Rahab the prostitute, with her father’s household and all that she had, Joshua spared; and she has lived among the people of Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.
Jos.6.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישבע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ההיא: DEM,f,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- ארור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- האיש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יקום: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ובנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הזאת: DEM,f,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- יריחו: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- בבכרו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss3ms
- ייסדנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+PRON,3,f,sg
- ובצעירו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss3ms
- יציב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דלתיה: NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss3ms
Parallels
- 1 Kings 16:34 (allusion): Explicit fulfillment: Hiel of Bethel rebuilds Jericho and 'laid its foundation with his firstborn' and 'set up its gates with his youngest,' echoing Joshua's curse.
- Joshua 6:17–21 (verbal): Immediate context: the pronouncement of the ban (herem) and the city's being accursed; shares the same language and intent as the later curse against rebuilding.
- Deuteronomy 28:15–68 (thematic): Covenant curses framework: lists consequences for Israel's disobedience, providing the broader theological context for pronouncing a divine curse on a city or person.
- 1 Samuel 15:22–23 (thematic): Theological parallel concerning the seriousness of violating the herem/king's command—disobedience to God's decree brings severe consequences (Saul's rejection).
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joshua made them an oath at that time, saying, "Cursed be the man before the LORD who rises up and builds this city Jericho; with his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and with his youngest shall he set up its gates."
- Then Joshua laid an oath at that time, saying, ‘Cursed be the man before the LORD who rises up and rebuilds this city Jericho; with the loss of his firstborn he shall lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest he shall set up its gates.’
Jos.6.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 3:19-20 (verbal): The LORD is with Samuel and Samuel's prophetic authority/reputation is established throughout Israel—paralleling 'the LORD was with Joshua' and his name being known in the land.
- 1 Chronicles 14:17 (verbal): Speaks of David's fame going out into all lands and the LORD causing fear of him—closely parallels the coupling of God's presence with a leader and widespread renown.
- 2 Chronicles 17:3-6 (thematic): Describes Jehoshaphat having the LORD with him, resulting in stability and success—the theme of divine presence legitimating and enhancing a ruler's standing in the land.
- 2 Chronicles 26:5,15 (thematic): Notes that as long as Uzziah sought the LORD God prospered him and his fame spread—another instance of God's favor accompanying a ruler and producing wide recognition.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame was in all the land.
- And the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was heard throughout all the land.
Now it came to pass, as Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man stood opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, "Are you for us, or for our adversaries?" He said, "No; but I am commander of the army of the LORD." Then Joshua fell on his face to the earth and bowed down, and said to him, "What does my lord say to his servant?"
The commander of the LORD's army said to Joshua, "Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy." And Joshua did so. Now Jericho was tightly shut because of the people of Israel; none went out and none came in. And the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have given into your hand Jericho, its king, and the mighty men of valor.
You shall march around the city, all the men of war shall go all around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days.
Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. And when they make a long blast on the rams' horns, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up every man straight before him. So Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, "Take up the ark of the covenant and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD." And he said to the people, "Pass on, march around the city, and let the armed men go ahead of the ark of the LORD."
As Joshua had commanded the people, the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the LORD passed on and blew the trumpets, and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them.
The armed men went before the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard came after the ark, blowing the trumpets continually. And Joshua commanded the people, "You shall not shout, nor shall you make any noise with your voice, nor shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I tell you, 'Shout!' Then you shall shout." So the ark of the LORD circled the city, and they came into the camp and spent the night in the camp.
Then Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD.
The seven priests who bore the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD walked and blew the trumpets; and the armed men went before them, and the rear guard went after the ark of the LORD, blowing the trumpets. So they did by marching around the city once for six days. On the seventh day they rose early at dawn and marched around the city in the same manner seven times.
Only on that day did they march around the city seven times. And at the seventh time, when the priests blew the trumpets,
Joshua said to the people, "Shout! For the LORD has given you the city. And the city and all that is in it shall be devoted to the LORD; only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers that we sent. But keep yourselves from the devoted things, lest you bring the devoted thing into your camp, and make the camp a thing devoted, and bring trouble upon it.
All silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, are dedicated to the LORD; they shall come into the treasury of the LORD. So the people shouted, and the priests blew the trumpets. When the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city.
They devoted all in the city by the edge of the sword, both men and women, young and old, ox and sheep and donkey. But to the two men who had spied out the land Joshua said, "Go into the house of the woman and bring out from there the woman and all that belongs to her, as you swore to her." So the young men who were spies went in and brought out Rahab and her father and her mother and her brothers and all that she had; and they brought out all her relatives and put them outside the camp of Israel.
They burned the city with fire and devoted it to the LORD along with all that was in it; but they put the silver and the gold and the vessels of bronze and iron into the treasury of the house of the LORD. But Rahab the prostitute, and her father's household, and all that she had, Joshua spared alive. She lived among the people of Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua had sent to spy out Jericho. And Joshua made that oath at that time, saying, "Cursed be the man before the LORD who rises up and rebuilds this city Jericho; with the loss of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest shall he set up its gates." And the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame was in all the land.