Judges 3:4

Authorized King James Version

And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּֽהְי֕וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְנַסּ֥וֹת

H5254

And they were to prove

to test; by implication, to attempt

בָּ֖ם

אֶת

H853

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לָדַ֗עַת

H3045

by them to know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

הֲיִשְׁמְעוּ֙

H8085

whether they would hearken

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת

H853

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

מִצְוֹ֣ת

H4687

unto the commandments

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

#10

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#11

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

צִוָּ֥ה

H6680

which he commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

אֲבוֹתָ֖ם

their fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#15

בְּיַד

H3027

by the 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

#16

מֹשֶֽׁה׃

H4872

of Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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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