Judges 7:1

Authorized King James Version

Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם

H7925

that were with him rose up early

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

יְרֻבַּ֜עַל

H3378

Then Jerubbaal

jerubbaal, a symbolic name of gideon

ה֣וּא

H1931

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

גִדְע֗וֹן

H1439

who is Gideon

gidon, an israelite

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָם֙

H5971

and all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אִתּ֔וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ

H2583

and pitched

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

#10

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

עֵ֣ין

#12

חֲרֹ֑ד

H5878

beside the well of Harod

en-charod, a place in palestine

#13

וּמַֽחֲנֵ֤ה

H4264

so that the host

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

#14

מִדְיָן֙

H4080

of the Midianites

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

#15

הָֽיָה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#16

ל֣וֹ

#17

מִצָּפ֔וֹן

H6828

were on the north side

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

#18

מִגִּבְעַ֥ת

H1389

of them by the hill

a hillock

#19

הַמּוֹרֶ֖ה

H4176

of Moreh

moreh, a canaanite; also a hill (perhaps named from him)

#20

בָּעֵֽמֶק׃

H6010

in the valley

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

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