Judges 2:11

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֧וּ
did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
בְנֵֽי
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
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הָרַ֖ע
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#6
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#7
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
וַיַּֽעַבְד֖וּ
and served
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הַבְּעָלִֽים׃
Baalim
baal, a phoenician deity

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 sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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