Deuteronomy 20:2

Authorized King James Version

And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֕ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כְּקָֽרָבְכֶ֖ם
And it shall be when ye are come nigh
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
unto the battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#5
וְנִגַּ֥שׁ
shall approach
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#6
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
that the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#7
וְדִבֶּ֥ר
and speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
הָעָֽם׃
unto the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 covenant community 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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