Judges 4:13

Authorized King James Version

And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּזְעֵ֨ק

H2199

gathered together

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

סִֽיסְרָ֜א

H5516

And Sisera

sisera, the name of a canaanitish king and of one of the nethinim

אֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

רֶ֣כֶב

H7393

all his chariots

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

תְּשַׁ֤ע

H8672

even nine

nine or (ordinal) ninth

מֵאוֹת֙

H3967

hundred

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

רֶ֣כֶב

H7393

all his chariots

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

בַּרְזֶ֔ל

H1270

of iron

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

#10

וְאֶת

H853

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

#11

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

הָעָ֖ם

H5971

and all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#13

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#14

אִתּ֑וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#15

מֵֽחֲרֹ֥שֶׁת

H2800

that were with him from Harosheth

charosheth, a place in palestine

#16

הַגּוֹיִ֖ם

H1471

of the Gentiles

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

#17

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#18

נַ֥חַל

H5158

unto the river

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

#19

קִישֽׁוֹן׃

H7028

of Kishon

kishon, a river of palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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