Judges 20:27

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁאֲל֥וּ
enquired
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#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
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
בַּֽיהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
וְשָׁ֗ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#6
אֲרוֹן֙
for the ark
a box
#7
בְּרִ֣ית
of the covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#8
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
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
#9
בַּיָּמִ֖ים
was there in those days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#10
הָהֵֽם׃
they (only used when emphatic)

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing covenant contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 covenant 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 in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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