Judges 3:13

Authorized King James Version

And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֶּֽאֱסֹ֣ף
And he gathered
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#2
אֵלָ֔יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
בְּנֵ֥י
unto him 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
#5
עַמּ֖וֹן
of Ammon
ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country
#6
וַֽעֲמָלֵ֑ק
and Amalek
amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country
#7
וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#8
וַיַּךְ֙
and smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#11
וַיִּֽירְשׁ֖וּ
and possessed
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
עִ֥יר
the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#14
הַתְּמָרִֽים׃
of palm trees
a palm tree

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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