Judges 18:27

Authorized King James Version

And they took the things which Micah had made, and the priest which he had, and came unto Laish, unto a people that were at quiet and secure: and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and burnt the city with fire.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֵ֨מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#2
לָֽקְח֜וּ
And they took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#3
אֵ֧ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
עָשָׂ֣ה
had made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
מִיכָ֗ה
the things which Micah
micah, the name of seven israelites
#7
וְֽאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַכֹּהֵן֮
and the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#9
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
הָֽיָה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
לוֹ֒
H0
#12
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ
which he had and came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
לַ֗יִשׁ
unto Laish
laish, the name of two places in palestine
#15
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
עַם֙
unto a people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#17
שֹׁקֵ֣ט
that were at quiet
to repose (usually figurative)
#18
וּבֹטֵ֔חַ
and secure
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
#19
וַיַּכּ֥וּ
and they smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#20
אוֹתָ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#21
לְפִי
them with the edge
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#22
חָ֑רֶב
of the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#23
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#24
הָעִ֖יר
the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#25
שָֽׂרְפ֥וּ
and burnt
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#26
בָאֵֽשׁ׃
with fire
fire (literally or figuratively)

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 covenant community 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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