Judges 4:3

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּצְעֲק֥וּ

H6817

cried

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

בְּנֵ֧י

H1121

And the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל

H3478

of Israel

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

unto the LORD

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

כִּ֠י

H3588

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

תְּשַׁ֨ע

H8672

for he had nine

nine or (ordinal) ninth

מֵא֤וֹת

H3967

hundred

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

רֶֽכֶב

H7393

chariots

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

#10

בַּרְזֶל֙

H1270

of iron

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

#11

ל֔וֹ

#12

וְ֠הוּא

H1931

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

#13

לָחַ֞ץ

H3905

oppressed

properly, to press, i.e., (figuratively) to distress

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

בְּנֵ֧י

H1121

And the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#16

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל

H3478

of Israel

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

#17

בְּחָזְקָ֖ה

H2394

he mightily

vehemence (usually in a bad sense)

#18

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים

H6242

and twenty

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

#19

שָׁנָֽה׃

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

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

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 divine sovereignty 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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

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