Numbers 10:14

Authorized King James Version

In the first place went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host was Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּסַּ֞ע
place went
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#2
דֶּ֣גֶל
the standard
a flag
#3
מַֽחֲנֵ֧ה
of the camp
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#4
בֶּן
of 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
#5
יְהוּדָ֛ה
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#6
בָּרִֽאשֹׁנָ֖ה
In the first
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#7
צְבָא֔וֹ
according to their armies
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#8
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
צְבָא֔וֹ
according to their armies
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#10
נַחְשׁ֖וֹן
and over his host was Nahshon
nachshon, an israelite
#11
בֶּן
of 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
#12
עַמִּֽינָדָֽב׃
of Amminadab
amminadab, the name of four israelites

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 Numbers.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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