Deuteronomy 9:20

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD was very angry with Aaron to have destroyed him: and I prayed for Aaron also the same time.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַֽהֲרֹ֖ן
for Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#2
הִתְאַנַּ֧ף
angry
to breathe hard, i.e., be enraged
#3
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
מְאֹ֖ד
was very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#5
לְהַשְׁמִיד֑וֹ
to have destroyed
to desolate
#6
וָֽאֶתְפַּלֵּ֛ל
him and I prayed
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
#7
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#8
בְּעַ֥ד
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
#9
אַֽהֲרֹ֖ן
for Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#10
בָּעֵ֥ת
also the same time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#11
הַהִֽוא׃
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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