Judges 9:34

Authorized King James Version

And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֧קָם
rose up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#2
אֲבִימֶ֛לֶךְ
H40
And Abimelech
abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites
#3
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
הָעָ֥ם
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
#5
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
עִמּ֖וֹ
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#7
לָ֑יְלָה
that were with him by night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#8
וַיֶּֽאֶרְב֣וּ
and they laid wait
to lurk
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
שְׁכֶ֔ם
against Shechem
shekem, a place in palestine
#11
אַרְבָּעָ֖ה
in four
four
#12
רָאשִֽׁים׃
companies
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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