Judges 21:15

Authorized King James Version

And the people repented them for Benjamin, because that the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָעָ֥ם
And the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#2
נִחָ֖ם
repented
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
#3
לְבִנְיָמִ֑ן
them for Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#4
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
עָשָׂ֧ה
had made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
יְהוָ֛ה
because that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
פֶּ֖רֶץ
a breach
a break (literally or figuratively)
#8
בְּשִׁבְטֵ֥י
in the tribes
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#9
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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