Judges 1:23

Authorized King James Version

And the house of Joseph sent to descry Beth-el. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.)

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּתִ֥ירוּ
sent to descry
to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring
#2
בֵית
And the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#3
יוֹסֵ֖ף
of Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#4
בְּבֵֽית
H0
#5
אֵ֑ל
Bethel
beth-el, a place in palestine
#6
וְשֵׁם
Now the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#7
הָעִ֥יר
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#8
לְפָנִ֖ים
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#9
לֽוּז׃
was Luz
luz, the name of two places in palestine

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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