Judges 9:31

Authorized King James Version

And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁלַ֧ח
And he sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
מַלְאָכִ֛ים
messengers
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ
H40
unto Abimelech
abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites
#5
בְּתָרְמָ֣ה
privily
fraud
#6
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
הִנֵּה֩
lo!
#8
גַ֨עַל
Behold Gaal
gaal, an israelite
#9
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
#10
עֶ֤בֶד
of Ebed
ebed, the name of two israelites
#11
וְאֶחָיו֙
and his brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#12
בָּאִ֣ים
be come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#13
שְׁכֶ֔מָה
to Shechem
shekem, a place in palestine
#14
וְהִנָּ֛ם
lo!
#15
צָרִ֥ים
and behold they fortify
to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
#16
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
הָעִ֖יר
the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#18
עָלֶֽיךָ׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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