Judges 13:18

Authorized King James Version

And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לוֹ֙
H0
#3
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
And the angel
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#4
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
לָ֥מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#6
זֶּ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#7
תִּשְׁאַ֣ל
unto him Why askest
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#8
לִשְׁמִ֑י
thou thus after my name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#9
וְהוּא
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
#10
פֶֽלִאי׃
seeing it is secret
remarkable

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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