Exodus 14:22

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֧אוּ
went
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
בְנֵֽי
And the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
בְּת֥וֹךְ
into the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#5
הַיָּ֖ם
of the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#6
בַּיַּבָּשָׁ֑ה
upon the dry
dry ground
#7
וְהַמַּ֤יִם
ground and the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#8
לָהֶם֙
H0
#9
חוֹמָ֔ה
were a wall
a wall of protection
#10
מִֽימִינָ֖ם
unto them on their right hand
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#11
וּמִשְּׂמֹאלָֽם׃
and on their left
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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