Exodus 18:15

Authorized King James Version

And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
לְחֹֽתְנ֑וֹ
unto his father in law
to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage
#4
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
יָבֹ֥א
come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#6
אֵלַ֛י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
הָעָ֖ם
Because the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
לִדְרֹ֥שׁ
unto me to enquire
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#9
אֱלֹהִֽים׃
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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