Judges 6:20

Authorized King James Version

And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֜יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַלְאַ֣ךְ

H4397

And the angel

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

קַ֣ח

H3947

unto him Take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת

H853

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

הַבָּשָׂ֤ר

H1320

the flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וְאֶת

H853

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

הַמַּצּוֹת֙

H4682

and the unleavened cakes

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

#10

וְהַנַּח֙

H3240

and lay

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

#11

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

הַסֶּ֣לַע

H5553

rock

a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

#13

הַלָּ֔ז

H1975

them upon this

this or that

#14

וְאֶת

H853

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

#15

הַמָּרַ֖ק

H4839

the broth

soup (as if a rinsing)

#16

שְׁפ֑וֹךְ

H8210

and pour out

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

#17

וַיַּ֖עַשׂ

H6213

And he did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#18

כֵּֽן׃

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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