Judges 20:38

Authorized King James Version

Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהַמּוֹעֵ֗ד

H4150

Now there was an appointed sign

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

הָיָ֛ה

H1961

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

לְאִ֥ישׁ

H376

between the men

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)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

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

עִם

H5973

and

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הָֽאֹרֵ֑ב

H693

the liers in wait

to lurk

הֶ֕רֶב

H7235

that they should make a great

to increase (in whatever respect)

לְהַֽעֲלוֹתָ֛ם

H5927

rise up

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

מַשְׂאַ֥ת

H4864

flame

properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr

#10

הֶֽעָשָׁ֖ן

H6227

with smoke

smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)

#11

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#12

הָעִֽיר׃

H5892

out of the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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