Deuteronomy 2:21

Authorized King James Version

A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַ֣ם
A people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#2
גָּד֥וֹל
great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#3
וְרַ֛ב
and many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#4
וָרָ֖ם
and tall
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#5
כָּֽעֲנָקִ֑ים
as the Anakims
an anakite or descendant of anak
#6
וַיַּשְׁמִידֵ֤ם
destroyed
to desolate
#7
יְהוָה֙
but the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם
them before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#9
וַיִּֽירָשֻׁ֖ם
them and they succeeded
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
#10
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֥וּ
them and dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#11
תַחְתָּֽם׃
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 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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