Judges 6:30

Authorized King James Version

Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#3
הָעִיר֙
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
יוֹאָ֔שׁ
unto Joash
joash, the name of six israelites
#6
הוֹצֵ֥א
Bring out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
בִּנְךָ֖
thy son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
וְיָמֹ֑ת
that he may die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#10
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
נָתַץ֙
because he hath cast down
to tear down
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
מִזְבַּ֣ח
the altar
an altar
#14
הַבַּ֔עַל
of Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#15
וְכִ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#16
כָרַ֖ת
and because he hath 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
#17
הָֽאֲשֵׁרָ֥ה
the grove
asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same
#18
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#19
עָלָֽיו׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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

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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