Judges 8:13

Authorized King James Version

And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֛שָׁב
returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
גִּדְע֥וֹן
And Gideon
gidon, an israelite
#3
בֶּן
the 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
#4
יוֹאָ֖שׁ
of Joash
joash, the name of six israelites
#5
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#6
הַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
from battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#7
מִֽלְמַעֲלֵ֖ה
before
an elevation, i.e., (concretely) acclivity or platform; abstractly (the relation or state) a rise or (figuratively) priority
#8
הֶחָֽרֶס׃
the sun
the itch

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

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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