Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version All the Israelites, with their elders, officials and judges, were standing on both sides of the ark of the covenant of the LORD, facing the Levitical priests who carried it. Both the foreigners living among them and the native-born were there. Half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had formerly commanded when he gave instructions to bless the people of Israel. New Living Translation Then all the Israelites—foreigners and native-born alike—along with the elders, officers, and judges, were divided into two groups. One group stood in front of Mount Gerizim, the other in front of Mount Ebal. Each group faced the other, and between them stood the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant. This was all done according to the commands that Moses, the servant of the LORD, had previously given for blessing the people of Israel. English Standard Version And all Israel, sojourner as well as native born, with their elders and officers and their judges, stood on opposite sides of the ark before the Levitical priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, half of them in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded at the first, to bless the people of Israel. Berean Standard Bible All Israel, foreigners and citizens alike, with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on both sides of the ark of the covenant of the LORD facing the Levitical priests who carried it. Half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded earlier, to bless the people of Israel. Berean Literal Bible And all Israel, and its elders, and its officers, and its judges, stood on this side and on this side of the ark before the priests, the Levites who bore the ark of the covenant of YHWH, as the sojourner as the native. Half of them were toward the front of Mount Gerizim, and half of them toward the front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of YHWH had commanded, that they should bless the people of Israel at the first. King James Bible And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel. New King James Version Then all Israel, with their elders and officers and judges, stood on either side of the ark before the priests, the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, the stranger as well as he who was born among them. Half of them were in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel. New American Standard Bible And all Israel with their elders, officers, and their judges were standing on both sides of the ark before the Levitical priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, the stranger as well as the native. Half of them stood in front of Mount Gerizim, and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded at first to bless the people of Israel. NASB 1995 All Israel with their elders and officers and their judges were standing on both sides of the ark before the Levitical priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, the stranger as well as the native. Half of them stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had given command at first to bless the people of Israel. NASB 1977 And all Israel with their elders and officers and their judges were standing on both sides of the ark before the Levitical priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, the stranger as well as the native. Half of them stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had given command at first to bless the people of Israel. Legacy Standard Bible And all Israel with their elders and officers and their judges were standing on both sides of the ark before the Levitical priests who carried the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, the sojourner as well as the native. Half of them stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of Yahweh had given a command at first to bless the people of Israel. Amplified Bible All Israel, the stranger as well as the native born [among them], with their elders and officers and their judges, stood on either side of the ark before the Levitical priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD. Half of them stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded at first to bless the people of Israel. Berean Annotated Bible All Israel (he wrestles with God), foreigners and citizens alike, with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on both sides of the ark of the covenant of the LORD {YHWH} facing the Levitical priests who carried it. Half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim (cuttings off) and half of them in front of Mount Ebal (stone), as Moses (drawn out) the servant of the LORD had commanded earlier, to bless the people of Israel. Christian Standard Bible All Israel—resident alien and citizen alike—with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on either side of the ark of the LORD’s covenant facing the Levitical priests who carried it. Half of them were in front of Mount Gerizim and half in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the LORD’s servant had commanded earlier concerning blessing the people of Israel. Holman Christian Standard Bible All Israel, foreigner and citizen alike, with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on either side of the ark of the LORD’s covenant facing the Levitical priests who carried it. As Moses the LORD’s servant had commanded earlier, half of them were in front of Mount Gerizim and half in front of Mount Ebal, to bless the people of Israel. American Standard Version And all Israel, and their elders and officers, and their judges, stood on this side of the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, that bare the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, as well the sojourner as the home-born; half of them in front of mount Gerizim, and half of them in front of mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of Jehovah had commanded at the first, that they should bless the people of Israel. English Revised Version And all Israel, and their elders and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger as the homeborn; half of them in front of mount Gerizim, and half of them in front of mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded, that they should bless the people of Israel first of all. GOD'S WORD® Translation All the people of Israel, whether foreigners or native Israelites, the leaders, officers, and judges were standing on opposite sides of the ark. They faced the Levitical priests who carried the ark of the LORD's promise. Half of the people were in front of Mount Gerizim and the other half in front of Mount Ebal. Right from the beginning, the LORD's servant Moses had commanded the priests to bless the people of Israel this way. Good News Translation The Israelites, with their leaders, officers, and judges, as well as the foreigners among them, stood on two sides of the LORD's Covenant Box, facing the levitical priests who carried it. Half of the people stood with their backs to Mount Gerizim and the other half with their backs to Mount Ebal. The LORD's servant Moses had commanded them to do this when the time came for them to receive the blessing. International Standard Version All Israel, both foreigners and citizens, together with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on opposite sides of the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD. Half stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half stood in front of Mount Ebal, just as Moses, the LORD's servant had commanded at the first, so that they could bless the people of Israel. NET Bible All the people, rulers, leaders, and judges were standing on either side of the ark, in front of the Levitical priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD. Both resident foreigners and native Israelites were there. Half the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim and the other half in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the LORD's servant had previously instructed to them to do for the formal blessing ceremony. New Heart English Bible All Israel, and their elders and officers, and their judges, stood on this side of the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, who carried the ark of the LORD's covenant, the foreigner as well as the native; half of them in front of Mount Gerizim, and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded at the first, that they should bless the children of Israel. Webster's Bible Translation And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side of the ark, and on that side, before the priests the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAll Israel, foreigners and citizens alike, with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on both sides of the ark of the covenant of the LORD facing the Levitical priests who carried it. Half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded earlier, to bless the people of Israel. World English Bible All Israel, with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on both sides of the ark before the Levitical priests, who carried the ark of Yahweh’s covenant, the foreigner as well as the native; half of them in front of Mount Gerizim, and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of Yahweh had commanded at the first, that they should bless the people of Israel. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd all Israel, and its elderly, and authorities, and his judges, are standing on this [side] and on that [side] of the Ark, before the priests, the Levites, carrying the Ark of the Covenant of YHWH, the sojourner as well as the native, half of them in front of Mount Gerizim, and the half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses servant of YHWH had commanded to bless the people of Israel at the first. Berean Literal Bible And all Israel, and its elders, and its officers, and its judges, stood on this side and on this side of the ark before the priests, the Levites who bore the ark of the covenant of YHWH, as the sojourner as the native. Half of them were toward the front of Mount Gerizim, and half of them toward the front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of YHWH had commanded, that they should bless the people of Israel at the first. Young's Literal Translation And all Israel, and its elders, and authorities, and its judges, are standing on this side and on that of the ark, over-against the priests, the Levites, bearing the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, as well the sojourner as the native, half of them over-against mount Gerizim, and the half of them over-against mount Ebal, as Moses servant of Jehovah commanded to bless the people of Israel at the first. Smith's Literal Translation All Israel and his old men and scribes, and his judges stood hence, and thence, to the ark before the priests the Levites, lifting up the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, so the stranger as the native; half of them in front of mount Gerizim, and half of them in front of mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of Jehovah commanded to bless the people of Israel in the beginning. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd all the people, and the ancients, and the princes and judges stood on both sides of the ark, before the priests that carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, both the stranger and he that was born among them, half of them by mount Garizim, and half by mount Hebal, as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded. And first he blessed the people of Israel. Catholic Public Domain Version Then all the people, and those greater by birth, and the commanders and judges were standing on both sides of the ark, in the sight of the priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord, with both the new arrival and the native born, one half part of them beside Mount Gerizim, and one half beside Mount Ebal, just as Moses, the servant of the Lord, had instructed. And first, certainly, he blessed the people of Israel. New American Bible And all Israel, resident alien and native alike, with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on either side of the ark facing the levitical priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD. Half of them were facing Mount Gerizim and half Mount Ebal, just as Moses, the servant of the LORD, had first commanded for the blessing of the people of Israel. New Revised Standard Version All Israel, alien as well as citizen, with their elders and officers and their judges, stood on opposite sides of the ark in front of the levitical priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, half of them in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded at the first, that they should bless the people of Israel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd all Israel and their elders and their scribes and their judges stood on this side of the ark, and on that side the priests and the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, the natives as well as the sojourners; half of them toward mount Gerizim, and half of them toward mount Gebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded, that they should bless the people of Israel as before. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And all Israel and its Elders and its Scribes and its Judges stood from here and from there, on both sides of the ark next to the Priests, and the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of LORD JEHOVAH, half of them next to the Mountain of Garzim and half of them next to the Mountain of Gebal, just as Moshe the Servant of LORD JEHOVAH commanded to bless Israel as from former times OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And all Israel, and their elders and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, that bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger as the home-born; half of them in front of mount Gerizim and half of them in front of mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded at the first, that they should bless the people of Israel. Brenton Septuagint Translation And all Israel, and their elders, and their judges, and their scribes, passed on one side and on the other before the ark; and the priests and the Levites took up the ark of the covenant of the Lord; and the stranger and the native were there, who were half of them near mount Garizin, and half near mount Gaebal, as Moses the servant of the Lord commanded at first, to bless the people. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Joshua Renews the Covenant…32And there in the presence of the Israelites, Joshua inscribed on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written. 33All Israel, foreigners and citizens alike, with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on both sides of the ark of the covenant of the LORD facing the Levitical priests who carried it. Half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded earlier, to bless the people of Israel. 34Afterward, Joshua read aloud all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—according to all that is written in the Book of the Law.… Cross References All Israel, foreigners and citizens alike, Exodus 12:49 The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.” Leviticus 24:22 You are to have the same standard of law for the foreign resident and the native; for I am the LORD your God.’” Deuteronomy 31:12 Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law. with their elders, officers, and judges, Deuteronomy 29:10 All of you are standing today before the LORD your God—you leaders of tribes, elders, officials, and all the men of Israel, Deuteronomy 31:28 Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officers so that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them. Deuteronomy 1:15 So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes. stood on both sides of the ark of the covenant of the LORD Deuteronomy 31:26 “Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, so that it may remain there as a witness against you. Numbers 7:89 When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony. Thus the LORD spoke to him. Exodus 25:22 And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites. facing the Levitical priests who carried it. Deuteronomy 31:9 So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel. Joshua 3:3 and commanded the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, you are to set out from your positions and follow it. Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. Half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, Deuteronomy 27:12 “When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. Deuteronomy 27:13 And these tribes shall stand on Mount Ebal to deliver the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. Deuteronomy 11:29 When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, you are to proclaim the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal. as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded earlier, Joshua 1:13 “Remember what Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you when he said, ‘The LORD your God will give you rest, and He will give you this land.’ Treasury of Scripture And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel. all Israel Joshua 23:2 And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age: Joshua 24:1 And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God. Deuteronomy 27:12,13 These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin: … priests Joshua 3:3,6,14 And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it… Joshua 4:10,18 For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over… Joshua 6:6 And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD. stranger Exodus 12:49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. Leviticus 24:22 Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God. Numbers 15:16,29 One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you… Moses Joshua 8:30-32 Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal, … Deuteronomy 11:29 And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal. Deuteronomy 27:12 These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin: Jump to Previous Ark Bless Born Carried Commanded Covenant Ebal Elders Half Israel Judges Levites Moses Mount Native Officers Priests Servant Side Stood StrangerJump to Next Ark Bless Born Carried Commanded Covenant Ebal Elders Half Israel Judges Levites Moses Mount Native Officers Priests Servant Side Stood StrangerJoshua 8 1. God encourages Joshua3. The plan whereby Ai was taken 29. The king thereof is hanged 30. Joshua builds an altar 32. writes the law on stones 33. and pronounces the blessings and curses All Israel, foreigners and citizens alike This phrase emphasizes the inclusivity of the assembly, highlighting that both native Israelites and foreigners residing among them were present. This reflects the covenant community's openness to those who align themselves with the God of Israel, as seen in Exodus 12:49, which states that there shall be one law for the native and for the stranger who sojourns among you. with their elders, officers, and judges stood on both sides of the ark of the covenant of the LORD facing the Levitical priests who carried it Half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded earlier to bless the people of Israel Persons / Places / Events 1. All IsraelThis refers to the entire nation of Israel, including both native-born Israelites and foreigners living among them, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's covenant. 2. Elders, Officers, and Judges These are the leaders and officials of Israel, representing the governance and judicial authority within the community. 3. Ark of the Covenant A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Law, symbolizing God's presence and covenant with Israel. 4. Levitical Priests Members of the tribe of Levi tasked with religious duties, including carrying the Ark and performing sacrifices. 5. Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal Two mountains in the land of Canaan where the Israelites were commanded to pronounce blessings and curses, respectively, as part of a covenant renewal ceremony. Teaching Points Covenant RenewalThe ceremony at Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal underscores the importance of renewing one's commitment to God's covenant. Believers today are called to regularly renew their commitment to God through prayer, worship, and obedience. Inclusivity in Worship The inclusion of both foreigners and citizens highlights the universal nature of God's covenant. The church today should be a place where all are welcome to participate in the worship and community of God. Leadership and Responsibility The presence of elders, officers, and judges emphasizes the role of leadership in guiding the community in faithfulness to God's commands. Christian leaders are called to lead with integrity and uphold God's standards. Symbolism of the Ark The Ark of the Covenant represents God's presence and His promises. Christians are reminded that God's presence is with them through the Holy Spirit, guiding and empowering them in their daily lives. Blessings and Curses The ceremony illustrates the consequences of obedience and disobedience. Believers are encouraged to choose obedience, knowing that it leads to blessings and a deeper relationship with God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 8:33?2. How does Joshua 8:33 illustrate the importance of unity among God's people? 3. What role do the "elders, officers, and judges" play in this gathering? 4. How can we apply the principle of "half of them in front" today? 5. What does the assembly at Mount Ebal teach about obedience to God's commands? 6. How does this event connect to Deuteronomy's instructions on blessings and curses? 7. What is the significance of Joshua 8:33 in Israel's covenant renewal ceremony? 8. How does Joshua 8:33 reflect the unity of Israel under God's law? 9. Why were both Israelites and foreigners present in Joshua 8:33? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 8? 11. What is the significance of Mount Ebal? 12. What is the significance of Mount Gerizim? 13. What is the significance of Mount Gerizim? 14. What is the significance of Mount Ebal? What Does Joshua 8:33 Mean All Israel, foreigners and citizens alike, with their elders, officers, and judges• The narrative stresses that every category of person—native-born, sojourner, leaders, and laypeople—was present. God’s covenant embraces anyone who aligns with His people in faith and obedience (Exodus 12:49; Numbers 15:15-16). • By listing elders, officers, and judges, Scripture shows that civil leadership must submit to God’s law alongside everyone else (Deuteronomy 29:10-13). • The scene underlines unity: one nation under one covenant, gathered to listen and respond to God together (Ephesians 2:11-19). stood on both sides of the ark of the covenant of the LORD facing the Levitical priests who carried it. • The ark, signifying God’s presence and the tablets of the Law inside it, is physically central (Joshua 3:3-17). The people’s posture—facing the ark—visually places the Lord at the heart of national life. • The Levitical priests, set apart to bear the ark (Deuteronomy 10:8), mediate the moment. Their role reminds Israel that access to God is on His terms, through appointed servants and, ultimately, through the coming High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). • Positioning themselves “on both sides” expresses reverence and order (Numbers 4:15). Corporate worship is not haphazard; it follows God-given patterns. Half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim • Mount Gerizim, the mountain of blessing (Deuteronomy 11:29; 27:12), faces Ebal across a natural amphitheater near Shechem. The geography amplifies the spoken word so the entire assembly can hear. • Standing before Gerizim to hear blessings dramatizes the tangible choice of obedience that yields life and prosperity (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). • The scene foreshadows the fuller blessing in Christ, who “redeemed us from the curse of the Law” that we might receive “the blessing of Abraham” (Galatians 3:13-14). and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded earlier, to bless the people of Israel. • Mount Ebal is the designated site for pronouncing curses (Deuteronomy 27:13). By including both mountains, Joshua reaffirms that God’s covenant offers blessing for obedience and warning for rebellion. • Joshua’s strict obedience to “what Moses…had commanded” (Deuteronomy 27:4-8) demonstrates continuity: God’s Word does not change with leadership transitions. • Although curses are announced from Ebal, the verse highlights blessing, showing God’s heart to bless His people when they walk in His ways (Psalm 67:1-2). • The event follows the defeat of Ai; before pushing farther into Canaan, Israel pauses to anchor the conquest in covenant faithfulness. Victory must rest on obedience, not military might (Joshua 1:7-9). summary Joshua 8:33 pictures the entire covenant community—leaders and common people, natives and foreigners—gathered around the ark, facing the priests, and divided between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. The arrangement fulfills Moses’ commands, placing God’s presence at the center, and dramatizes the choice between blessing and curse. In renewing their commitment, Israel affirms that national success depends on wholehearted obedience to the unchanging Word of God. Verse 33. - And all Israel (see Joshua 23:2; Joshua 24:1, 2). The word כל is used very loosely in Hebrew (see Genesis 4:14). We need not, therefore, assume as a matter of course that the whole people, men, women, and children, were taken up to Shechem to behold this ceremony. It is quite possible that during all Joshua's marches and campaigns a large number of the people remained under guard at Gilgal (see Joshua 9:6), which remained the headquarters of the Israelites until the country was subdued. All that is here meant is that a very great number of the people were gathered together, and that every tribe, every age, and each sex were largely represented at this important ceremony. And officers. Shoterim (see Joshua 1:10). Half of them. Origen's explanation of the spiritual meaning of this passage is noteworthy, even though somewhat farfetched. He regards those of the tribes who stood on Mount Gerizim to bless, as the type of those who are led, not by fear of God's threatenings, but by a longing for God's promises and blessings; those who stood on Mount Ebal to curse, as the type of those who are driven by the fear of punishment to obey the will of God, and these finally attain salvation. The former, he adds, are the more noble of the two; but Jesus, who reads the hearts, gives each their proper station, and places some on Mount Ebal to curse, not that they themselves may receive the curse, but, by regarding the curse pronounced on sinners, may learn thereby how to escape it. Over against. אֶל־מוּל rather, "in the direction off" The command in Deuteronomy 27:12 is that they shall stand upon the two mountains. No doubt certain representatives of the tribes stood on the mountain, and the rest of the people at the foot of the mountain, on either side of the valley, "crowding the slopes," as Canon Tristram says. The valley is narrow here, and the voice in mountainous regions, where the air is rarer, carries far. Under special circumstances, such as frosty weather, the voices of men crying their wares have been distinctly heard across the Humber in our own country. And in mountain passes, as any one who has travelled in them may easily ascertain, conversations may be carried on from opposite sides of a valley or ravine without the slightest difficulty. In this particular place Canon Tristram tell us ('Land of Israel,' pp. 149, 150) that when on Mount Gerizim he heard every word uttered by a man who was then driving his ass down Mount Ebal, and that afterwards two of his party recited the commandments antiphonally from the two sides of the valley without the least difficulty.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Allוְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֡ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc foreigners כַּגֵּר֙ (kag·gêr) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1616: A guest, a foreigner and citizens alike, כָּֽאֶזְרָ֔ח (kā·’ez·rāḥ) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 249: A spontaneous growth, native with their elders, וּזְקֵנָ֡יו (ū·zə·qê·nāw) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2205: Old officers, וְשֹׁטְרִ֣ים ׀ (wə·šō·ṭə·rîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 7860: A scribe, an official superintendent, magistrate and judges, וְשֹׁפְטָ֡יו (wə·šō·p̄ə·ṭāw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate stood עֹמְדִ֣ים (‘ō·mə·ḏîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations on both sides מִזֶּ֣ה ׀ (miz·zeh) Preposition-m | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that of the ark לָאָר֡וֹן (lā·’ā·rō·wn) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 727: A chest, ark of the covenant בְּרִית־ (bə·rîṯ-) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1285: A covenant of the LORD יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel facing נֶגֶד֩ (ne·ḡeḏ) Preposition Strong's 5048: A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before the Levitical הַלְוִיִּ֜ם (hal·wî·yim) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi priests הַכֹּהֲנִ֨ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3548: Priest who carried נֹשְׂאֵ֣י ׀ (nō·śə·’ê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take [it]. אֲר֣וֹן (’ă·rō·wn) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 727: A chest, ark Half [of the people stood] חֶצְיוֹ֙ (ḥeṣ·yōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2677: The half, middle in front מ֣וּל (mūl) Preposition Strong's 4136: Abrupt, a precipice, the front, opposite of Mount הַר־ (har-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country Gerizim גְּרִזִ֔ים (gə·ri·zîm) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1630: Gerizim -- a mountain in Northern Israel and half of them וְהַֽחֶצְי֖וֹ (wə·ha·ḥeṣ·yōw) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2677: The half, middle in front מ֣וּל (mūl) Preposition Strong's 4136: Abrupt, a precipice, the front, opposite of Mount הַר־ (har-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country Ebal, עֵיבָ֑ל (‘ê·ḇāl) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5858: An Edomite name as כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that Moses מֹשֶׁ֣ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver the servant עֶֽבֶד־ (‘e·ḇeḏ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5650: Slave, servant of the LORD יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel had commanded צִוָּ֜ה (ṣiw·wāh) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order earlier בָּרִאשֹׁנָֽה׃ (bā·ri·šō·nāh) Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank to bless לְבָרֵ֛ךְ (lə·ḇā·rêḵ) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse the people הָעָ֥ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock of Israel. יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Links Joshua 8:33 NIVJoshua 8:33 NLT Joshua 8:33 ESV Joshua 8:33 NASB Joshua 8:33 KJV Joshua 8:33 BibleApps.com Joshua 8:33 Biblia Paralela Joshua 8:33 Chinese Bible Joshua 8:33 French Bible Joshua 8:33 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 8:33 All Israel and their elders and officers (Josh. Jos) |
    |