Genesis 13:16

13:16 And I will make your descendants like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone is able to count the dust of the earth, then your descendants also can be counted. ¹ 

Genesis 22:17

22:17 I will indeed bless you, ²  and I will greatly multiply ³  your descendants ⁴  so that they will be as countless as the stars in the sky or the grains of sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession ⁵  of the strongholds ⁶  of their enemies.

Joshua 11:4

11:4 These kings came out with their armies; they were as numerous as the sand on the seashore and had a large number of horses and chariots. ⁷ 

Joshua 11:1

Israel Defeats a Northern Coalition

11:1 When King Jabin of Hazor ⁸  heard the news, he organized a coalition, including ⁹  King Jobab of Madon, the king of Shimron, the king of Acshaph,

Joshua 4:20

4:20 Now Joshua set up in Gilgal the ¹⁰  twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan.

Joshua 20:1

Israel Designates Cities of Refuge

20:1 The Lord instructed Joshua:

¹ tn The translation “can be counted” (potential imperfect) is suggested by the use of יוּכַל (yukhal, “is able”) in the preceding clause.

² tn The use of the infinitive absolute before the finite verbal form (either an imperfect or cohortative) emphasizes the certainty of the blessing.

³ tn Here too the infinitive absolute is used for emphasis before the following finite verb (either an imperfect or cohortative).

⁴ tn The Hebrew term זֶרַע (zera’) occurring here and in v. 18 may mean “seed” (for planting), “offspring” (occasionally of animals, but usually of people), or “descendants” depending on the context.

⁵ tn Or “inherit.”

⁶ tn Heb “gate,” which here stands for a walled city. To break through the gate complex would be to conquer the city, for the gate complex was the main area of defense (hence the translation “stronghold”).

⁷ tn Heb “They and all their camps with them came out, a people as numerous as the sand which is on the edge of the sea in multitude, and [with] horses and chariots very numerous.”

⁸ map For location see Map1-D2; Map2-D3; Map3-A2; Map4-C1.

⁹ tn Heb “he sent to.”

¹⁰ tn Heb “these,” referring specifically to the twelve stones mentioned in vv. 3-7.