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.
Joshua 8:35 · King James Version
Meaning
Joshua's reading of all that Moses commanded to the congregation of Israel, including the women, little ones, and strangers among them, holds significant meaning in the context of biblical teachings. This act not only emphasizes the importance of passing down God's instructions from one generation to the next but also highlights the inclusivity of God's message. By ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or social status, heard and understood the commandments, Joshua was reinforcing the idea that God's laws apply to all members of the community. This public reading also served as a way to unify the people of Israel, reminding them of their shared history and collective responsibility to follow God's word. Overall, this verse showcases the transmission of knowledge and faith within the community, emphasizing the importance of communal worship and adherence to God's commands.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, we see a powerful display of the reverence and importance that the Israelites placed on the words and commands of Moses. The fact that Joshua read every single word before the entire congregation of Israel, including women, children, and foreigners, highlights the unity and inclusivity of God's chosen people. This act of reading the commands aloud served not only as a way to ensure everyone understood what was expected of them but also as a way to emphasize the significance of obeying God's laws. The theological interpretation of this verse could be seen as a reminder of the communal nature of faith and the necessity of passing down teachings from one generation to the next. It also underscores the idea that God's commandments are meant to be followed by every member of the community, regardless of their background or status. By emphasizing the universal application of these laws, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the covenant relationship between God and his people.
Joshua 8:35 in other translations
American Standard Version
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.
World English Bible
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.
Douay-Rheims
He left out nothing of those things which Moses had commanded, but he repeated all before all the people of Israel, with the women and children, and strangers, that dwelt among them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
There was not a worde of all that Moses had commanded, which Ioshua read not before all the Congregation of Israel, as well before the women and the children, as the stranger that was conuersant among them.