Joshua 8:35

There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them.

There was not a word {H1697} of all that Moses {H4872} commanded {H6680}, which Joshua {H3091} read {H7121} not before all the congregation {H6951} of Israel {H3478}, with the women {H802}, and the little ones {H2945}, and the strangers {H1616} that were conversant {H1980} among {H7130} them.

There was not a word of everything Moshe had ordered that Y'hoshua did not read before all Isra'el assembled, including the women, the little ones and the foreigners living with them.

There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua failed to read before the whole assembly of Israel, including the women, the little ones, and the foreigners who lived among them.

There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the assembly of Israel, and the women, and the little ones, and the sojourners that were among them.

Commentary

Joshua 8:35 marks the conclusion of a profoundly significant event in Israel's early history in the Promised Land: the covenant renewal ceremony at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. This verse underscores Joshua's meticulous obedience to God's commands, delivered through Moses, ensuring that the entire community heard and understood the Law of God.

Context

Following the significant victory over Ai, Joshua led the entire congregation of Israel to a central location in the land, between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. This act was a direct fulfillment of specific instructions given by Moses in Deuteronomy 27 and Deuteronomy 31. There, Joshua built an altar, offered sacrifices, and, crucially, inscribed a copy of the Law on stones. This public reading of the Law served as a powerful re-affirmation of Israel's covenant with God before they fully possessed the land, reminding them of the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Obedience: Joshua's leadership is highlighted by his strict adherence to "all that Moses commanded." This demonstrates the paramount importance of obeying God's divine instructions without omission or alteration.
  • The Centrality of God's Word: The complete reading of the Law emphasizes its foundational role for Israel's national and spiritual life. It was not merely a historical document but the living constitution of their relationship with God.
  • Covenant Renewal: This event was a solemn act of re-committing to the covenant established at Sinai, ensuring that the new generation entering the land understood their obligations and God's promises.
  • Inclusivity of the Congregation: The verse explicitly states that "the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them" were present. This highlights that God's covenant and His Word are for every member of the community, regardless of age, gender, or ethnic background. All were accountable and all were beneficiaries of the covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not" underscores the absolute completeness and faithfulness of Joshua's recitation. The Hebrew emphasizes this thoroughness, indicating that no part of the divine instruction was omitted. This thoroughness ensured that the entire community was fully exposed to the terms of their covenant with God. The term for "strangers" (Hebrew: ger) refers to resident aliens who had chosen to live among Israel and were expected to abide by its laws.

Practical Application

Joshua 8:35 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Value God's Word: Just as the Law was central to Israel's identity, the Bible remains the essential guide for Christian life. We are called to hear, read, and understand it diligently.
  • Faithful Leadership: Leaders in the church and home are called to faithfully teach and uphold God's truth, ensuring that the full counsel of God is proclaimed.
  • Intergenerational Discipleship: The inclusion of "little ones" reminds us of the critical importance of teaching children God's Word from a young age, nurturing their faith and understanding. Deuteronomy 6:7 emphasizes this parental responsibility.
  • Inclusivity in Faith: The presence of "strangers" reminds us that God's message of salvation and His community are open to all who seek Him, regardless of their background, echoing the broader theme of God's love for all humanity.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 31:12

    Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that [is] within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:

  • Nehemiah 8:2

    And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.

  • Jeremiah 26:2

    Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD'S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD'S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:

  • Joel 2:16

    Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

  • Ezra 10:1

    ¶ Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.

  • Mark 10:14

    But when Jesus saw [it], he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

  • Deuteronomy 29:11

    Your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger that [is] in thy camp, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water:
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