Judges 4:15

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֣הָם
discomfited
properly, to put in commotion; by implication, to disturb, drive, destroy
#2
יְ֠הוָה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
סִֽיסְרָ֛א
Sisera
sisera, the name of a canaanitish king and of one of the nethinim
#5
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
הָרֶ֧כֶב
and all his chariots
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
#8
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֛ה
and all his host
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#11
לְפִי
with the edge
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#12
חֶ֖רֶב
of the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#13
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#14
בָרָ֑ק
Barak
barak, an israelite
#15
וַיֵּ֧רֶד
lighted 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
#16
סִֽיסְרָ֛א
Sisera
sisera, the name of a canaanitish king and of one of the nethinim
#17
מֵעַ֥ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
הַמֶּרְכָּבָ֖ה
off his chariot
a chariot
#19
וַיָּ֥נָס
and fled away
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#20
בְּרַגְלָֽיו׃
on his feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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