Judges 18:24

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Ye have taken away my gods which I made, and the priest, and ye are gone away: and what have I more? and what is this that ye say unto me, What aileth thee?

Word-by-Word Analysis

תֹּֽאמְר֥וּ

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶת

H853

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

אֱלֹהַי֩

H430

my gods

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

עָשִׂ֨יתִי

H6213

which I made

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

לְקַחְתֶּ֧ם

H3947

Ye have taken away

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

וְֽאֶת

H853

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

הַכֹּהֵ֛ן

H3548

and the priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וַתֵּֽלְכ֖וּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#10

וּמַה

H4100

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

#11

לִּ֣י

#12

ע֑וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#13

וּמַה

H4100

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

#14

זֶּ֛ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#15

תֹּֽאמְר֥וּ

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

#16

אֵלַ֖י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#17

מַה

H4100

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

#18

לָּֽךְ׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about 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?

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