Deuteronomy 33:26

Authorized King James Version

There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#2
כָּאֵ֖ל
There is none like unto the God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#3
יְשֻׁר֑וּן
of Jeshurun
jeshurun, a symbolic name for israel
#4
רֹכֵ֤ב
who rideth
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#5
שָׁמַ֙יִם֙
upon the heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#6
בְעֶזְרֶ֔ךָ
in thy help
aid
#7
וּבְגַֽאֲוָת֖וֹ
and in his excellency
arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament
#8
שְׁחָקִֽים׃
on the sky
a powder (as beaten small); by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament

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 sovereignty 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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