Exodus 5:22

Authorized King James Version

And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֧שָׁב
returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
יְהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
וַיֹּאמַ֑ר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אֲדֹנָ֗י
Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#7
לָמָ֤ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#8
הֲרֵעֹ֙תָה֙
wherefore hast thou so evil entreated
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
#9
לָעָ֣ם
this people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
הַזֶּ֔ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#11
לָ֥מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#12
זֶּ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#13
שְׁלַחְתָּֽנִי׃
why is it that thou hast sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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

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