Numbers 10:12

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּסְע֧וּ
took
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#2
בְנֵֽי
And the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
לְמַסְעֵיהֶ֖ם
their journeys
a departure (from striking the tents), i.e., march (not necessarily a single day's travel); by implication, a station (or point of departure)
#5
בְּמִדְבַּ֥ר
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#6
סִינָ֑י
of Sinai
sinai, mountain of arabia
#7
וַיִּשְׁכֹּ֥ן
rested
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
#8
הֶֽעָנָ֖ן
and the cloud
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
#9
בְּמִדְבַּ֥ר
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#10
פָּארָֽן׃
of Paran
paran, a desert of arabia

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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