Judges 11:20

Authorized King James Version

But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

הֶאֱמִ֨ין

H539

trusted

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

סִיחוֹן֙

H5511

But Sihon

sichon, an amoritish king

אֶת

H853

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

against Israel

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

עֲבֹ֣ר

H5674

to pass

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בִּגְבֻל֔וֹ

H1366

through his coast

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

וַיֶּֽאֱסֹ֤ף

H622

gathered

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

סִיחוֹן֙

H5511

But Sihon

sichon, an amoritish king

#10

אֶת

H853

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

#11

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

עַמּ֔וֹ

H5971

all his people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#13

וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ

H2583

and pitched

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

#14

בְּיָ֑הְצָה

H3096

in Jahaz

jahats or jahtsah, a place east of the jordan

#15

וַיִּלָּ֖חֶם

H3898

and fought

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

#16

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#17

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

against Israel

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

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 covenant community 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 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 Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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