Deuteronomy 2:1

Authorized King James Version

Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea, as the LORD spake unto me: and we compassed mount Seir many days.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַנֵּ֜פֶן
Then we turned
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#2
וַנִּסַּ֤ע
and took our journey
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#3
הַמִּדְבָּ֙רָה֙
into the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#4
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#5
יַם
sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#6
ס֔וּף
of the Red
a reed, especially the papyrus
#7
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
דִּבֶּ֥ר
spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#9
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
אֵלָ֑י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
וַנָּ֥סָב
unto me and we compassed
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
הַר
mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#14
שֵׂעִ֖יר
Seir
seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine
#15
יָמִ֥ים
days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#16
רַבִּֽים׃
many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Deuteronomy.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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