Deuteronomy 2:35

Authorized King James Version

Only the cattle we took for a prey unto ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we took.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רַ֥ק
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
#2
הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה
Only the cattle
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#3
בָּזַ֣זְנוּ
we took for a prey
to plunder
#4
לָ֑נוּ
H0
#5
וּשְׁלַ֥ל
unto ourselves and the spoil
booty
#6
הֶֽעָרִ֖ים
of the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#7
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
לָכָֽדְנוּ׃
which we took
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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