Judges 18:16

Authorized King James Version

And the six hundred men appointed with their weapons of war, which were of the children of Dan, stood by the entering of the gate.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְשֵׁשׁ

H8337

And the six

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

מֵא֣וֹת

H3967

hundred

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אִ֗ישׁ

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)

חֲגוּרִים֙

H2296

appointed

to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)

כְּלֵ֣י

H3627

with their weapons

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

מִלְחַמְתָּ֔ם

H4421

of war

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

נִצָּבִ֖ים

H5324

stood

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

פֶּ֣תַח

H6607

by the entering

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

הַשָּׁ֑עַר

H8179

of the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#10

אֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

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

#11

מִבְּנֵי

H1121

which were of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#12

דָֽן׃

H1835

of Dan

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

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 revelation 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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