Numbers 10:18

Authorized King James Version

And the standard of the camp of Reuben set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנָסַ֗ע
set forward
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#2
דֶּ֛גֶל
And the standard
a flag
#3
מַֽחֲנֵ֥ה
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
רְאוּבֵ֖ן
of Reuben
reuben, a son of jacob
#5
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
#6
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#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
אֱלִיצ֖וּר
was Elizur
elitsur, an israelite
#9
בֶּן
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
#10
שְׁדֵיאֽוּר׃
of Shedeur
shedejur, an israelite

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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