Numbers 10:17

Authorized King James Version

And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהוּרַ֖ד
was taken down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#2
הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃
And the tabernacle
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
#3
וְנָֽסְע֤וּ
set forward
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#4
וּבְנֵ֣י
and the sons
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
גֵרְשׁוֹן֙
of Gershon
gereshon or gereshom, an israelite
#6
וּבְנֵ֣י
and the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
מְרָרִ֔י
of Merari
merari, an israelite
#8
נֹֽשְׂאֵ֖י
bearing
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#9
הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃
And the tabernacle
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Numbers Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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