Exodus 19:20

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֧רֶד
came down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#2
יְהוָ֧ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
הָהָ֖ר
of the mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#5
סִינַ֖י
Sinai
sinai, mountain of arabia
#6
אֶל
up to
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
רֹ֥אשׁ
on the top
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#8
הָהָ֖ר
of the mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#9
וַיִּקְרָ֨א
called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#10
יְהוָ֧ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
מֹשֶֽׁה׃
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#12
אֶל
up to
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
רֹ֥אשׁ
on the top
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#14
הָהָ֖ר
of the mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#15
וַיַּ֥עַל
went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#16
מֹשֶֽׁה׃
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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