Joshua 3:9 kjv

And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.

Joshua 3:9 nkjv

So Joshua said to the children of Israel, "Come here, and hear the words of the LORD your God."

Joshua 3:9 niv

Joshua said to the Israelites, "Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God.

Joshua 3:9 esv

And Joshua said to the people of Israel, "Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God."

Joshua 3:9 nlt

So Joshua told the Israelites, "Come and listen to what the LORD your God says.

Joshua 3 verses

Joshua 3 9 Meaning

Joshua 3:9 presents a divine summons for the entire congregation of Israel to draw near and pay close attention to the specific words YHWH, their covenant God, is about to speak through His chosen leader, Joshua. It marks a pivotal moment demanding focused, obedient listening from the people as they stand on the threshold of entering the Promised Land by miraculous means.

Joshua 3 9 Context

Joshua 3:9 is spoken just prior to the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, a significant event mirroring the crossing of the Red Sea under Moses. The broader context of Joshua chapter 3 sees the Israelites, having journeyed for 40 years, preparing to enter the Promised Land. Joshua has given initial instructions (vs. 2-6) for the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to lead the way, symbolizing God's active presence and guidance. Verse 7 indicates God's intent to "exalt" Joshua in the eyes of Israel, affirming his divine leadership as Moses' successor. In this setting, verse 9 serves as a crucial summons for Israel to gather, listen attentively, and be spiritually prepared to witness and experience the next great demonstration of YHWH's power and faithfulness. The Jordan crossing is not merely a logistical move but a divine act that requires the active, spiritual participation of the people through their obedience and faith.

Joshua 3 9 Word analysis

• And Joshua said (וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙ - wa-yyo'mer Yəhôšua')
  • And Joshua said: Denotes a direct, authoritative command from the leader appointed by God. Joshua is acting as God's mouthpiece.
• to the children of Israel, (אֶל־ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵל֮ - 'el bənê Yiśrā'ēl)
  • children of Israel: Refers to the entire community, indicating that the command is for all the people collectively, not just a select few. Emphasizes corporate responsibility and experience.
• ‘Come here (קִרְב֣וּ הֵ֠נָּה - qirbu hēnna)
  • Come here: From the Hebrew verb קָרַב (qarav), meaning "to draw near," "to approach."
  • Significance: More than just a physical gathering; it implies drawing near in attentiveness and reverence, ready to receive a divine oracle. It resonates with the idea of drawing near to God in worship or for revelation (e.g., at Sinai). This call signals a moment of profound importance and immediate divine encounter.
• and hear (וְשִׁמְע֗וּ - wə-šim'u)
  • and hear: From the Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (shama'), meaning "to hear," "to listen," "to obey," "to understand."
  • Significance: This is not mere auditory perception but an active, responsive hearing that leads to obedience. It's the core concept of the Shema, fundamental to Israel's covenant relationship with God—to listen and act upon His words. This prepares them for direct instruction regarding the upcoming miracle.
• the words (אֶת־ דִּבְרֵי֙ - 'et-divrê)
  • the words: From the Hebrew plural noun דָּבָר (davar), meaning "word," "speech," "matter," "affair," "command."
  • Significance: Refers to specific, authoritative pronouncements from God, not general advice. These "words" are potent and carry divine power and instruction. They are binding commands or declarations.
• of the LORD (יְהוָה֙ - YHWH)
  • of the LORD: The covenant name of God (Tetragrammaton).
  • Significance: Emphasizes God's personal, covenantal relationship with Israel and His unchanging faithfulness to His promises. This God, their deliverer and guide, is the source of these words. It points to His active involvement in their lives and the coming miracle.
• your God.’ (אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם - 'Eloheikem)
  • your God: Refers to God as the sovereign ruler and possessor of Israel, highlighting the exclusive and intimate relationship between them.
  • Significance: Reinforces the idea that the speaker of these words is not a generic deity but their specific God, the one who has guided them through the wilderness and is now bringing them into their inheritance. It underscores His authority over them and their dependence on Him.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• ‘Come here and hear’: A double imperative expressing urgency and solemnity. It's a call not just to physical presence but to deep, receptive attention that precedes and enables obedient action. It emphasizes a collective spiritual readiness for what God is about to reveal and accomplish.
• ‘the words of the LORD your God’: This phrase emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the forthcoming message. It's a reminder of God's covenant identity (YHWH) and His personal relationship with Israel (your God). The words are from the highest authority, pertaining to their specific destiny and demanding their devoted attention. This signals that what Joshua is about to declare is not his own strategy but a direct mandate from God Himself.

Joshua 3 9 Bonus section

• The call to "draw near and hear" in Josh 3:9 carries echoes of the instruction at Horeb/Sinai (Deut 4:10, 5:1, 6:4). Just as at Sinai, where Israel drew near to hear the covenant stipulations for the wilderness journey, now at the Jordan, they draw near to hear instructions for entering and possessing the land. This establishes a thematic continuity of God's direct revelation and Israel's required response.
• The event signifies God's vindication and elevation of Joshua as Moses' successor in the eyes of all Israel (Josh 3:7). By directing the people to "hear the words" from Joshua, God confirms Joshua's authority, much as He confirmed Moses. This builds faith and trust in Joshua's leadership before the daunting task of conquest.
• This verse encapsulates a crucial principle for believers today: before undertaking significant steps or facing great challenges, especially those where divine intervention is expected, one must intentionally "draw near" to God and "hear His word." It's a call to quiet the distractions and focus on His instructions, fostering a posture of readiness and faith.

Joshua 3 9 Commentary

Joshua 3:9 stands as a pivotal command, orchestrating the transition from Israel's encampment in Moab to their miraculous crossing into Canaan. Joshua, acting under divine appointment, convenes the nation with a dual imperative: "draw near" and "hear." This is far more than a practical instruction for logistics; it's a spiritual injunction. "Drawing near" (qarav) evokes the posture of reverence and expectation for divine encounter, echoing the profound moments at Sinai where Israel drew near to receive God's law. The command to "hear" (shama') is fundamental to Israel's faith, implying active listening that leads to understanding and, crucially, obedience. The message comes directly as "the words of YHWH your God," establishing their supreme authority and affirming the unique, personal covenant relationship between God and His people. This summons sets the stage for God's demonstration of power at the Jordan, underscoring that their entry into the land would be entirely His doing, facilitated by their attentive and obedient faith. It's a reminder that truly encountering God's mighty works often requires a receptive heart that has first drawn near to hear His specific command.