Judges 9:57

Authorized King James Version

And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֵ֗ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

רָעַת֙

H7451

And all the evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

אַנְשֵׁ֣י

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

שְׁכֶ֔ם

H7927

of Shechem

shekem, a place in palestine

הֵשִׁ֥יב

H7725

render

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

did God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּרֹאשָׁ֑ם

H7218

upon their heads

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וַתָּבֹ֣א

H935

and upon them came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#10

אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

קִֽלֲלַ֖ת

H7045

the curse

vilification

#12

יוֹתָ֥ם

H3147

of Jotham

jotham, the name of three israelites

#13

בֶּן

H1121

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

#14

יְרֻבָּֽעַל׃

H3378

of Jerubbaal

jerubbaal, a symbolic name of gideon

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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