Judges 1:35

Authorized King James Version

But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיּ֤וֹאֶל
would
properly, to yield, especially assent; hence (pos.) to undertake as an act of volition
#2
הָֽאֱמֹרִי֙
But the Amorites
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes
#3
לָשֶׁ֣בֶת
dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#4
בְּהַר
in mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#5
חֶ֔רֶס
Heres
cheres, a mountain in palestine
#6
בְּאַיָּל֖וֹן
in Aijalon
ajalon, the name of five places in palestine
#7
וּבְשַֽׁעַלְבִ֑ים
and in Shaalbim
shaalbim or shaalabbin, a place in palestine
#8
וַתִּכְבַּד֙
prevailed
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
#9
יַ֣ד
yet the 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
#10
בֵּית
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
יוֹסֵ֔ף
of Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#12
וַיִּֽהְי֖וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
לָמַֽס׃
so that they became tributaries
properly, a burden (as causing to faint), i.e., a tax in the form of forced labor

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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