Judges 9:45

Authorized King James Version

And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that was therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽאֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ
H40
And Abimelech
abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites
#2
נִלְחָ֣ם
fought
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#3
הָעִ֔יר
against the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
כֹּ֚ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
הַיּ֣וֹם
all that day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#6
הַה֔וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
וַיִּלְכֹּד֙
and he took
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הָעִ֔יר
against the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#10
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הָעָ֥ם
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#12
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
בָּ֖הּ
H0
#14
הָרָ֑ג
and slew
to smite with deadly intent
#15
וַיִּתֹּץ֙
that was therein and beat down
to tear down
#16
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
הָעִ֔יר
against the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#18
וַיִּזְרָעֶ֖הָ
and sowed
to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify
#19
מֶֽלַח׃
it with salt
properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

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 covenant community 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 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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