In verses 5-7a it is noticed how the text alternates between “your ancestors” and “you” (plural) as participants in the events of the exodus and the deliverance at the Sea of Reeds (see Revised Standard Version). This is especially noticeable in verse 7. Some scholars may believe that the use of different sources accounts for these variations. But this may be also the author’s way of reminding the people of his day that they are personally related to the great redemptive event that the Lord accomplished for their ancestors in Egypt.

At the beginning of verse 5, Good News Translation has introduced Later in order to provide some sense of the lapse of time; Hebrew has simply “And I sent Moses…” (Revised Standard Version).

One may wish to introduce the persons to whom the Lord sent Moses and Aaron: “Later I sent Moses and Aaron to your ancestors in Egypt.”

And I brought great trouble on Egypt translates a Hebrew text which has some repetition: “and I plagued Egypt with what I did in the midst of it” (Revised Standard Version). Although the land of Egypt suffered under the plagues which the Lord sent, the people of Egypt are really the ones in focus. Therefore the clause may be translated, “and brought great trouble on the people of Egypt.”

The great trouble refers to the plagues.

But I led you out may require the complete form, “But I led you out of Egypt,” or even “… safely out of Egypt.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on Joshua. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .