Nehemiah 9:22

Authorized King James Version

Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּתֵּ֨ן
H5414
Moreover thou gavest
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
לָהֶ֤ם
H0
#3
מַמְלָכוֹת֙
H4467
them kingdoms
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
#4
וַֽעֲמָמִ֔ים
H5971
and nations
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
וַֽתַּחְלְקֵ֖ם
H2505
and didst divide
to be smooth (figuratively)
#6
לְפֵאָ֑ה
H6285
them into corners
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
#7
וַיִּֽירְשׁ֞וּ
H3423
so they possessed
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
#8
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
אֶ֖רֶץ
H776
and the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#10
סִיח֗וֹן
H5511
of Sihon
sichon, an amoritish king
#11
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
אֶ֖רֶץ
H776
and the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#13
מֶֽלֶךְ
H4428
king
a king
#14
חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן
H2809
of Heshbon
cheshbon, a place east of the jordan
#15
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
אֶ֖רֶץ
H776
and the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#17
ע֥וֹג
H5747
of Og
og, a king of bashan
#18
מֶֽלֶךְ
H4428
king
a king
#19
הַבָּשָֽׁן׃
H1316
of Bashan
bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, 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 Nehemiah.

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 kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection