Judges 5:18

Authorized King James Version

Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זְבֻל֗וּן
Zebulun
zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe
#2
עַ֣ם
were a people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
חֵרֵ֥ף
that jeoparded
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;
#4
נַפְשׁ֛וֹ
their lives
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#5
לָמ֖וּת
unto the death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#6
וְנַפְתָּלִ֑י
and Naphtali
naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#7
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
מְרוֹמֵ֥י
in the high places
altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)
#9
שָׂדֶֽה׃
of the field
a field (as flat)

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 covenant community 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

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 salvation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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