Judges 6:4

Authorized King James Version

And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽחֲנ֣וּ
And they encamped
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
#2
עֲלֵיהֶ֗ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
וַיַּשְׁחִ֙יתוּ֙
against them and destroyed
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
יְב֣וּל
the increase
produce, i.e., a crop or (figuratively) wealth
#6
הָאָ֔רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#8
בּֽוֹאֲךָ֖
till thou come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
עַזָּ֑ה
unto Gaza
azzah, a place in palestine
#10
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
יַשְׁאִ֤ירוּ
and left
properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
#12
מִֽחְיָה֙
no sustenance
preservation of life; hence, sustenance; also the live flesh, i.e., the quick
#13
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
for Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#14
וְשֶׂ֥ה
neither sheep
a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat
#15
וָשׁ֖וֹר
nor ox
a bullock (as a traveller)
#16
וַֽחֲמֽוֹר׃
nor ass
a male ass (from its dun red)

Analysis

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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