Numbers 12:4

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
spake
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
פִּתְאֹ֗ם
suddenly
instantly
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
מֹשֶׁ֤ה
unto Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#6
וְאֶֽל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
אַהֲרֹן֙
and unto Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#8
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
מִרְיָ֔ם
and unto Miriam
mirjam, the name of two israelitesses
#10
וַיֵּֽצְא֖וּ
Come out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#11
שְׁלָשְׁתָּֽם׃
And they three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#12
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
אֹ֣הֶל
unto the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#14
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
#15
וַיֵּֽצְא֖וּ
Come out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#16
שְׁלָשְׁתָּֽם׃
And they three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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