Judges 20:30

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Israel went up against the children of Benjamin on the third day, and put themselves in array against Gibeah, as at other times.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּֽעֲל֧וּ

H5927

went up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל

H3478

of Israel

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

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

בִנְיָמִ֖ן

H1144

of Benjamin

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

בַּיּ֣וֹם

H3117

day

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

הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֑י

H7992

on the third

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

וַיַּֽעַרְכ֥וּ

H6186

and put themselves in array

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

הַגִּבְעָ֖ה

H1390

against Gibeah

gibah; the name of three places in palestine

#12

בְּפָֽעַם׃

H6471

as at other times

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

#13

בְּפָֽעַם׃

H6471

as at other times

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

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 revelation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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