Numbers 10:36

Authorized King James Version

And when it rested, he said, Return, O LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְנֻחֹ֖ה
And when it rested
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
#2
יֹאמַ֑ר
he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
שׁוּבָ֣ה
Return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#4
יְהוָ֔ה
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
רִֽבְב֖וֹת
unto the many
abundance (in number), i.e., (specifically) a myriad (whether definite or indefinite)
#6
אַלְפֵ֥י
thousands
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#7
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 sovereignty 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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