Judges 5:28

Authorized King James Version

The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּעַד֩
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
#2
הַֽחַלּ֨וֹן
out at a window
a window (as perforated)
#3
נִשְׁקְפָ֧ה
looked
properly, to lean out (of a window), i.e., (by implication) peep or gaze (passively, be a spectacle)
#4
וַתְּיַבֵּ֛ב
and cried
to bawl
#5
אֵ֥ם
The mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#6
סִֽיסְרָ֖א
of Sisera
sisera, the name of a canaanitish king and of one of the nethinim
#7
בְּעַ֣ד
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
#8
הָֽאֶשְׁנָ֑ב
through the lattice
a latticed window
#9
מַדּ֗וּעַ
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
#10
בֹּשֵׁ֤שׁ
so long
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#11
רִכְבּוֹ֙
Why is his chariot
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
#12
לָב֔וֹא
in coming
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#13
מַדּ֣וּעַ
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
#14
אֶֽחֱר֔וּ
why tarry
to loiter (i.e., be behind); by implication to procrastinate
#15
פַּֽעֲמֵ֖י
the wheels
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#16
מַרְכְּבוֹתָֽיו׃
of his chariots
a chariot

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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