Translation commentary on Joshua 10:25

For the language of this verse, see verses 8.1 and 1.9. At the beginning of the verse the Hebrew has “And Joshua said to them”; this “them” could be all the men of Israel, but more probably it refers to the officers, who are the nearest antecedents.

Because this is … to all your enemies may be made into a separate sentence and translated, “The LORD is going to do this same thing to all your enemies.”

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 .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Joshua 10:25

10:25a

“Do not be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua said: Use whatever connecting word is natural to indicate continuing narrative action.

Do not be afraid or discouraged: The two words afraid and discouraged have a similar meaning. This command is similar to the command that Yahweh gave to Joshua in 1:9 and uses the same words that Yahweh spoke to Joshua in 8:1. These two words together indicate that the Israelites should not be afraid at all.

10:25b

Be strong and courageous: The command Be strong and courageous repeats the words that Yahweh spoke to Joshua in 1:9. It is recommended that you translate them in the same way as 1:9 if possible.

10:25c

for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight: The clause for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight indicates the reason that the Israelites did not have to be afraid. Yahweh will defeat all the Israelites’ enemies as he defeated the Amorite kings and their armies.

you: The pronoun you refers to the army commanders.

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