Judges 18:26

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back unto his house.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּֽלְכ֥וּ

H1980

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

בְנֵי

H1121

And 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

דָ֖ן

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

לְדַרְכָּ֑ם

H1870

their way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וַיַּ֣רְא

H7200

saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

מִיכָ֗ה

H4318

and when Micah

micah, the name of seven israelites

כִּֽי

H3588

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

חֲזָקִ֥ים

H2389

that they were too strong

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

הֵ֙מָּה֙

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#10

מִמֶּ֔נּוּ

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#11

וַיִּ֖פֶן

H6437

for him he turned

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

#12

וַיָּ֥שָׁב

H7725

and went back

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#13

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#14

בֵּיתֽוֹ׃

H1004

unto his house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

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

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

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?

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