Exodus 34:31

Authorized King James Version

And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֲלֵהֶם֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#4
וַיָּשֻׁ֧בוּ
returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#5
אֵלָ֛יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
אַֽהֲרֹ֥ן
unto them and Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#7
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
הַנְּשִׂאִ֖ים
and all the rulers
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#9
בָּֽעֵדָ֑ה
of the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#10
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
talked
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#11
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#12
אֲלֵהֶֽם׃
near, with or among; often in general, to

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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