Judges 5:20

Authorized King James Version

They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#2
שָׁמַ֖יִם
from heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#3
נִלְחֲמ֖וּ
They fought
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#4
הַכּֽוֹכָבִים֙
the stars
a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince
#5
מִמְּסִלּוֹתָ֔ם
in their courses
a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase
#6
נִלְחֲמ֖וּ
They fought
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#7
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#8
סִֽיסְרָֽא׃
against Sisera
sisera, the name of a canaanitish king and of one of the nethinim

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 revelation 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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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