Judges 4:2

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּמְכְּרֵ֣ם
sold
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
#2
יְהוָ֗ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
בְּיַד֙
them into 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
#4
יָבִ֣ין
of Jabin
jabin, the name of two canaanitish kings
#5
מֶֽלֶךְ
king
a king
#6
כְּנַ֔עַן
of Canaan
kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him
#7
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
מָלַ֖ךְ
that reigned
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#9
בְּחָצ֑וֹר
in Hazor
chatsor, the name (thus simply) of two places in palestine and of one in arabia
#10
וְשַׂר
the captain
a head person (of any rank or class)
#11
צְבָאוֹ֙
of whose host
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#12
סִֽיסְרָ֔א
was Sisera
sisera, the name of a canaanitish king and of one of the nethinim
#13
וְה֥וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#14
יוֹשֵׁ֖ב
which dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#15
בַּֽחֲרֹ֥שֶׁת
in Harosheth
charosheth, a place in palestine
#16
הַגּוֹיִֽם׃
of the Gentiles
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Judges. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 kingdom of God 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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