Judges 2:4

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֗י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּדַבֵּ֞ר

H1696

spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

מַלְאַ֤ךְ

H4397

And it came to pass when the angel

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

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

אֶת

H853

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

הַדְּבָרִ֣ים

H1697

these words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֔לֶּה

H428

these or those

אֶֽל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

בְּנֵ֖י

H1121

unto all 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

#11

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#12

וַיִּשְׂא֥וּ

H5375

lifted up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#13

הָעָ֛ם

H5971

that the people

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

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

קוֹלָ֖ם

H6963

their voice

a voice or sound

#16

וַיִּבְכּֽוּ׃

H1058

and wept

to weep; generally to bemoan

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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