Judges 11:26

Authorized King James Version

While Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three hundred years? why therefore did ye not recover them within that time?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּשֶׁ֣בֶת
dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#2
יִ֠שְׂרָאֵל
While Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#3
בְּחֶשְׁבּ֨וֹן
in Heshbon
cheshbon, a place east of the jordan
#4
וּבִבְנוֹתֶ֗יהָ
and her towns
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#5
וּבְעַרְע֣וֹר
and in Aroer
aror, the name of three places in or near palestine
#6
וּבִבְנוֹתֶ֗יהָ
and her towns
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#7
וּבְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
הֶֽעָרִים֙
and in all the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#9
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
יְדֵ֣י
that be along by the coasts
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
#12
אַרְנ֔וֹן
of Arnon
the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory
#13
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#14
מֵא֖וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#15
שָׁנָ֑ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#16
וּמַדּ֥וּעַ
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
#17
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
הִצַּלְתֶּ֖ם
why therefore did ye not recover
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#19
בָּעֵ֥ת
them within that time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#20
הַהִֽיא׃
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 Judges.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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