Judges 3:12

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּסִ֙פוּ֙
again
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#2
בְּנֵ֣י
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
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
against Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
עָשׂ֥וּ
because they had done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
הָרַ֖ע
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#6
בְּעֵינֵ֥י
in the sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#7
יְהוָֽה׃
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
וַיְחַזֵּ֨ק
strengthened
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#9
יְהוָֽה׃
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
עֶגְל֤וֹן
Eglon
eglon, the name of a place in palestine and of a moabitish king
#12
מֶֽלֶךְ
the king
a king
#13
מוֹאָב֙
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
against Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#16
עַ֛ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#18
עָשׂ֥וּ
because they had done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#19
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
הָרַ֖ע
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#21
בְּעֵינֵ֥י
in the sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#22
יְהוָֽה׃
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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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