Judges 20:43

Authorized King James Version

Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּתְּר֤וּ
Thus they inclosed
to enclose; hence (in a friendly sense) to crown, (in a hostile one) to besiege; also to wait (as restraining oneself)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
בִּנְיָמִן֙
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#4
הִרְדִיפֻ֔הוּ
and chased
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#5
מְנוּחָ֖ה
with ease
repose or (adverbially) peacefully; figuratively, consolation (specifically, matrimony); hence (concretely) an abode
#6
הִדְרִיכֻ֑הוּ
them and trode them down
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
#7
עַ֛ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#8
נֹ֥כַח
over against
properly, the front part; used adverbially (especially with preposition), opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of
#9
הַגִּבְעָ֖ה
Gibeah
gibah; the name of three places in palestine
#10
מִמִּזְרַח
toward the sunrising
sunrise, i.e., the east
#11
שָֽׁמֶשׁ׃
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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