Judges 6:25

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִי֮
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַּלַּ֣יְלָה
And it came to pass the same night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#3
הַהוּא֒
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
#4
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
ל֣וֹ
H0
#6
יְהוָ֗ה
that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
קַ֤ח
unto him Take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
וּפַ֥ר
bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#10
הַשּׁוֹר֙
bullock
a bullock (as a traveller)
#11
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
לְאָבִ֔יךָ
H1
that thy father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#13
וּפַ֥ר
bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#14
הַשֵּׁנִ֖י
even the second
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
#15
שֶׁ֣בַע
of seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#16
שָׁנִ֑ים
years old
a year (as a revolution of time)
#17
וְהָֽרַסְתָּ֗
and throw down
to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy
#18
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#19
מִזְבַּ֤ח
the altar
an altar
#20
הַבַּ֙עַל֙
of Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#21
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#22
לְאָבִ֔יךָ
H1
that thy father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#23
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#24
הָֽאֲשֵׁרָ֥ה
the grove
asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same
#25
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#26
עָלָ֖יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#27
תִּכְרֹֽת׃
hath and cut down
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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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