Judges 7:20

Authorized King James Version

And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לִתְק֑וֹעַ
blew
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
#2
שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת
And the three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#3
הָֽרָאשִׁ֥ים
companies
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#4
הַשּֽׁוֹפָר֖וֹת
and the trumpets
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
#5
וַיִּשְׁבְּר֣וּ
and brake
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#6
הַכַּדִּים֒
the pitchers
properly, a pail; but generally of earthenware; a jar for domestic purposes
#7
וַיַּֽחֲזִ֤יקוּ
and held
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#8
וּבְיַ֨ד
hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#9
שְׂמאוֹלָם֙
in their left
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand
#10
בַּלַּפִּדִ֔ים
the lamps
a flambeau, lamp or flame
#11
וּבְיַ֨ד
hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#12
יְמִינָ֔ם
in their right
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#13
הַשּֽׁוֹפָר֖וֹת
and the trumpets
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
#14
לִתְק֑וֹעַ
blew
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
#15
וַֽיִּקְרְא֔וּ
withal and they cried
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#16
חֶ֥רֶב
The sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#17
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#18
וּלְגִדְעֽוֹן׃
and of Gideon
gidon, an israelite

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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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