Exodus 12:25

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֞ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תָבֹ֣אוּ

H935

And it shall come to pass when ye be come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאָ֗רֶץ

H776

to the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִתֵּ֧ן

H5414

will give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

which the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לָכֶ֖ם

#10

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

דִּבֵּ֑ר

H1696

you according as he hath promised

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#12

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם

H8104

that ye shall keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#13

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

הָֽעֲבֹדָ֥ה

H5656

this service

work of any kind

#15

הַזֹּֽאת׃

H2063

this (often used adverb)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights covenant 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 Exodus.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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