Judges 9:43

Authorized King James Version

And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field, and looked, and, behold, the people were come forth out of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּ֣ח
And he took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הָעָם֙
and behold the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
וַיֶּֽחֱצֵם֙
and divided
to cut or split in two; to halve
#5
לִשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
them into three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#6
רָאשִׁ֔ים
companies
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#7
וַיֶּֽאֱרֹ֖ב
and laid wait
to lurk
#8
בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה
in the field
a field (as flat)
#9
וַיַּ֗רְא
and looked
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#10
וְהִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#11
הָעָם֙
and behold the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#12
יֹצֵ֣א
were come forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#13
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#14
הָעִ֔יר
out of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#15
וַיָּ֥קָם
and he rose up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#16
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
וַיַּכֵּֽם׃
against them and smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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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