Numbers 14:25

Authorized King James Version

(Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָֽעֲמָלֵקִ֥י
Now the Amalekites
an amalekite (or collectively the amalekites) or descendants of amalek
#2
וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖י
and the Canaanites
a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c
#3
יוֹשֵׁ֣ב
dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#4
בָּעֵ֑מֶק
in the valley
a vale (i.e., broad depression)
#5
מָחָ֗ר
To morrow
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
#6
פְּנ֨וּ
turn
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#7
וּסְע֥וּ
you and get
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#8
לָכֶ֛ם
H0
#9
הַמִּדְבָּ֖ר
you into the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#10
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#11
יַם
sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#12
סֽוּף׃
of the Red
a reed, especially the papyrus

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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