Judges 21:3

Authorized King James Version

And said, O LORD God of Israel, why is this come to pass in Israel, that there should be to day one tribe lacking in Israel?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
And said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לָמָ֗ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#3
יְהוָה֙
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
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
#5
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
in Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
הָ֥יְתָה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
זֹ֖את
this (often used adverb)
#8
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
in Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#9
לְהִפָּקֵ֥ד
lacking
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#10
הַיּ֛וֹם
that there should be to 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
#11
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
in Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#12
שֵׁ֥בֶט
tribe
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#13
אֶחָֽד׃
one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

Analysis

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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