Judges 20:2

Authorized King James Version

And the chief of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּֽתְיַצְּב֞וּ
presented
to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue
#2
פִּנּ֣וֹת
And the chief
an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain
#3
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
עַ֣ם
of all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
כֹּ֚ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
שִׁבְטֵ֣י
even of all the tribes
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#7
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
בִּקְהַ֖ל
themselves in the assembly
assemblage (usually concretely)
#9
עַ֣ם
of all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
of 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
#11
אַרְבַּ֨ע
four
four
#12
מֵא֥וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#13
אֶ֛לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#14
אִ֥ישׁ
footmen
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#15
רַגְלִ֖י
a footman (soldier)
#16
שֹׁ֥לֵֽף
that drew
to pull out, up or off
#17
חָֽרֶב׃
sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

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

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