Judges 7:24

Authorized King James Version

And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Beth-barah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Beth-barah and Jordan.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמַלְאָכִ֡ים

H4397

messengers

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

שָׁלַ֣ח

H7971

sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

גִּדְעוֹן֩

H1439

And Gideon

gidon, an israelite

בְּכָל

H3605

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

הַ֨ר

H2022

throughout all mount

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙

H669

Ephraim

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

לֵאמֹ֗ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

רְד֞וּ

H3381

Come down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

לִקְרַ֤את

H7125

against

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

#10

מִדְיָן֙

H4080

the Midianites

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

#11

וַיִּלְכְּד֣וּ

H3920

and take

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

#12

לָהֶם֙

#13

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

הַמַּ֔יִם

H4325

before them the waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#15

עַ֛ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#16

בֵּ֥ית

#17

בָּרָ֖ה

H1012

unto Bethbarah

beth-barah, a place in palestine

#18

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#19

הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃

H3383

and Jordan

jarden, the principal river of palestine

#20

וַיִּצָּעֵ֞ק

H6817

gathered themselves together

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

#21

כָּל

H3605

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

#22

אִ֤ישׁ

H376

Then all the men

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)

#23

אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙

H669

Ephraim

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#24

וַיִּלְכְּד֣וּ

H3920

and take

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

#25

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#26

הַמַּ֔יִם

H4325

before them the waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#27

עַ֛ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#28

בֵּ֥ית

#29

בָּרָ֖ה

H1012

unto Bethbarah

beth-barah, a place in palestine

#30

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#31

הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃

H3383

and Jordan

jarden, the principal river of palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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