Numbers 10:25

Authorized King James Version

And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנָסַ֗ע
set forward
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#2
דֶּ֚גֶל
And the standard
a flag
#3
הַֽמַּחֲנֹ֖ת
of all the camps
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
דָ֔ן
of Dan
dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
#6
מְאַסֵּ֥ף
which was the rereward
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#7
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
הַֽמַּחֲנֹ֖ת
of all the camps
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#9
צְבָא֔וֹ
and over his host
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#10
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
צְבָא֔וֹ
and over his host
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#12
אֲחִיעֶ֖זֶר
was Ahiezer
achiezer, the name of two israelites
#13
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
#14
עַמִּֽישַׁדָּֽי׃
of Ammishaddai
ammishaddai, an israelite

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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