Judges 6:26

Authorized King James Version

And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבָנִ֨יתָ
And build
to build (literally and figuratively)
#2
מִזְבֵּ֜חַ
an altar
an altar
#3
לַֽיהוָ֣ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ
thy 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
#5
עַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
רֹ֧אשׁ
upon the top
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#7
הַמָּע֛וֹז
of this rock
a fortified place; figuratively, a defense
#8
הַזֶּ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#9
בַּמַּֽעֲרָכָ֑ה
in the ordered place
an arrangement; concretely, a pile; specifically a military array
#10
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֙
and take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הַפָּ֣ר
bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#13
הַשֵּׁנִ֔י
the second
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
#14
וְהַֽעֲלִ֣יתָ
and offer
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#15
עוֹלָ֔ה
a burnt sacrifice
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#16
בַּֽעֲצֵ֥י
with the wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#17
הָֽאֲשֵׁרָ֖ה
of the grove
asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same
#18
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#19
תִּכְרֹֽת׃
which thou shalt 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 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

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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