Judges 3:28

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶם֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רִדְפ֣וּ

H7291

unto them Follow

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

אַֽחֲרָ֗יו

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נָתְנ֥וּ

H5414

and suffered

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָ֧ה

H3068

me for the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֹֽיְבֵיכֶ֛ם

H341

your enemies

hating; an adversary

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

לְמוֹאָ֔ב

H4124

the Moabites

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

#12

בְּיֶדְכֶ֑ם

H3027

into your hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#13

וַיֵּֽרְד֣וּ

H3381

And they went down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#14

אַֽחֲרָ֗יו

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#15

וַֽיִּלְכְּד֞וּ

H3920

him and took

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

#16

אֶֽת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

מַעְבְּר֤וֹת

H4569

the fords

a crossing-place (of a river, a ford; of a mountain, a pass); abstractly, a transit, i.e., (figuratively) overwhelming

#18

הַיַּרְדֵּן֙

H3383

of Jordan

jarden, the principal river of palestine

#19

לְמוֹאָ֔ב

H4124

the Moabites

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

#20

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#21

נָתְנ֥וּ

H5414

and suffered

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#22

אִ֖ישׁ

H376

not a man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#23

לַֽעֲבֹֽר׃

H5674

to pass over

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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