Judges 11:23

Authorized King James Version

So now the LORD God of Israel hath dispossessed the Amorites from before his people Israel, and shouldest thou possess it?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֞ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יְהוָ֣ה׀

H3068

So now the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

Israel

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

תִּֽירָשֶֽׁנּוּ׃

H3423

and shouldest thou possess

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

אֶת

H853

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

הָ֣אֱמֹרִ֔י

H567

the Amorites

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

מִפְּנֵ֖י

H6440

from 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

עַמּ֣וֹ

H5971

his people

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

#10

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

Israel

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

#11

וְאַתָּ֖ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#12

תִּֽירָשֶֽׁנּוּ׃

H3423

and shouldest thou possess

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

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 sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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 divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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