Paragraph 4:8–9
4:8a
Thus: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Thus indicates that the next action in the story is about to take place. Use a word or particle in your language to show that the story line is progressing.
the Israelites: The phrase the Israelites refers to the twelve men that Joshua chose to carry the stones.
did as Joshua had commanded them: Here are some other ways to translate this part of the verse:
The men followed Joshua’s orders (Good News Translation)
-or-
So the Israelites obeyed Joshua (New Century Version)
4:8b
took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan: The phrase took up twelve stones means that they picked up twelve stones, The stones were lying in the riverbed. Because the water had stopped flowing, the men could pick up the stones easily.
the middle of the Jordan: The phrase the middle of the Jordan refers to the middle of the Jordan riverbed that was dry.
4:8c
one for each tribe of Israel: The phrase one for each tribe of Israel is a repetition of 4:5d. There were twelve tribes, and there were also twelve stones.
4:8d
just as the LORD had told Joshua: The phrase as the LORD had told Joshua emphasizes that the command to pick up the stones came from Yahweh, not from Joshua. It may be more natural in some languages to combine this phrase with 4:8a. For example:
The men followed the instructions that the Lord had given Joshua (Contemporary English Version)
4:8e
and: The word and indicates that the next action in the story is about to take place. It may be more natural in some languages to begin a new sentence here. Use a word or particle in your language to show that the story line is progressing.
they carried them: The phrase they carried them means that the twelve men carried the twelve stones across the river.
to the camp: The phrase to the camp refers to the place where the Israelites set up their camp or temporary dwelling place. If there is no word “camp” in your language, you may translate this phrase as “the place where they stayed for a short time.”
4:8f
where they set them down: The phrase where they set them down means that the twelve men put down the stones on the ground at the place where they camped.
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