Judges 2:12

Authorized King James Version

And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּֽעַזְב֞וּ

H5800

And they forsook

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אֶת

H853

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

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מֵֽאֱלֹהֵ֤י

H430

God

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

אֲבוֹתָ֗ם

of their fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

הַמּוֹצִ֣יא

H3318

which brought them out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אוֹתָם֮

H853

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

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַיִם֒

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#10

וַיֵּֽלְכ֞וּ

H1980

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

#11

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י׀

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#12

מֵֽאֱלֹהֵ֤י

H430

God

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

#13

אֲחֵרִ֗ים

H312

other

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

#14

מֵֽאֱלֹהֵ֤י

H430

God

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

#15

הָֽעַמִּים֙

H5971

of the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#16

אֲשֶׁר֙

H834

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

#17

סְבִיב֣וֹתֵיהֶ֔ם

H5439

that were round about

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

#18

וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲו֖וּ

H7812

them and bowed

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

#19

לָהֶ֑ם

#20

וַיַּכְעִ֖סוּ

H3707

to anger

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

#21

אֶת

H853

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

#22

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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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