Judges 15:11

Authorized King James Version

Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּֽרְד֡וּ

H3381

went

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

שְׁלֹשֶׁת֩

H7969

Then three

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

אֲלָפִ֨ים

H505

thousand

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

אִ֜ישׁ

H376

men

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִֽיהוּדָ֗ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

סְעִיף֮

H5585

to the top

a fissure (of rocks); also a bough (as subdivided)

סֶ֣לַע

H5553

of the rock

a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

עֵיטָם֒

H5862

Etam

etam, a place in palestine

#10

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

לְשִׁמְשׁ֗וֹן

H8123

to Samson

shimshon, an israelite

#12

הֲלֹ֤א

H3808

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

#13

יָדַ֙עְתָּ֙

H3045

Knowest

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#14

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#15

מֹשְׁלִ֥ים

H4910

are rulers

to rule

#16

בָּ֙נוּ֙

#17

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים

H6430

thou not that the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

#18

וּמַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#19

זֹּ֖את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#20

עָשִׂ֥יתִי

H6213

over us what is this that thou hast done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#21

לָּ֑נוּ

#22

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#23

לָהֶ֔ם

#24

כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#25

עָשִׂ֥יתִי

H6213

over us what is this that thou hast done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#26

לִ֔י

#27

כֵּ֖ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#28

עָשִׂ֥יתִי

H6213

over us what is this that thou hast done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#29

לָהֶֽם׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights kingdom of God 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 kingdom of God 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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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