Joshua 8:35 - There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua didn’t read before all the assembly of Israel, with the women, the little ones, and the foreigners who were among them.

Generated Verse: Joshua 8:35

What does "Joshua 8:35" mean?


Joshua 8:35 is a powerful statement about the comprehensive nature of God's law and the importance of its public proclamation. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:

"There was not a word of all that Moses commanded...": This emphasizes the entirety of the Law that Moses received from God. No part was omitted or considered unimportant. It refers to the entire Mosaic Law, encompassing the Ten Commandments, laws about sacrifices, civil laws, moral precepts, and more.

"...which Joshua didn't read before all the assembly of Israel...": Joshua, as the leader succeeding Moses, made sure that the entire Law was read aloud. This public reading was crucial for several reasons:

Instruction: It served as a comprehensive instruction for the people, reminding them of their covenant obligations to God.
Renewal: It was a renewal of the covenant between God and Israel. By hearing the Law again, the people were reminded of their promises and responsibilities.
Accountability: The public nature of the reading held everyone accountable to the Law.

"...with the women, the little ones, and the foreigners who were among them.": This highlights the inclusiveness of the Law. It wasn't just for the men or the leaders; it was for everyone living within the community of Israel:

Women: This indicates that women were considered equally responsible for knowing and obeying God's law. They were not excluded from religious education or participation.
Little ones: Children were included so they could learn the law from a young age, ensuring its continuity through generations. This emphasized the importance of teaching children God's ways.
Foreigners who were among them: Even non-Israelites living within the community were included, showing that God's law had implications for all who resided in the land, and they were also expected to abide by the principles of the Law.

In Summary:

Joshua 8:35 emphasizes the importance of:

Complete obedience to God's Law: No part of the Law was to be ignored.
Public and inclusive instruction: The Law was meant to be heard and understood by everyone, regardless of age, gender, or national origin.
Accountability and covenant renewal: The public reading served as a reminder of the people's covenant obligations to God.

The verse highlights the importance of knowing and obeying God's law, not just for individuals but for the entire community. It demonstrates God's desire for all people, including women, children, and foreigners, to understand and live according to His instructions.

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