Exodus 16:2

Authorized King James Version

And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּלִּיֹנוּ
murmured
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
#2
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
עֲדַ֧ת
And the whole congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#4
בְּנֵֽי
of 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
#5
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
against Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#8
וְעַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
and Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#10
בַּמִּדְבָּֽר׃
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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