Exodus 24:11

Authorized King James Version

And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲצִילֵי֙

H678

And upon the nobles

an extremity (see isaiah 41:9), also a noble

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁלַ֖ח

H7971

he laid

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יָד֑וֹ

H3027

not his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַֽיֶּחֱזוּ֙

H2372

also they saw

to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of

אֶת

H853

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

#10

הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

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

#11

וַיֹּֽאכְל֖וּ

H398

and did eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#12

וַיִּשְׁתּֽוּ׃

H8354

and drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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