Deuteronomy 1:24

Authorized King James Version

And they turned and went up into the mountain, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, and searched it out.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּפְנוּ֙
And they turned
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#2
וַיַּֽעֲל֣וּ
and went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#3
הָהָ֔רָה
into the mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#4
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ
and came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#5
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#6
נַ֣חַל
unto the valley
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#7
אֶשְׁכֹּ֑ל
of Eshcol
eshcol, the name of an amorite, also of a valley in palestine
#8
וַֽיְרַגְּל֖וּ
and searched it out
to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be a tale-bearer (i.e., slander); to lead about
#9
אֹתָֽהּ׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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