Numbers 14:44

Authorized King James Version

But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and Moses, departed not out of the camp.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּעְפִּ֕לוּ
But they presumed
to swell; figuratively, be elated
#2
לַֽעֲל֖וֹת
to go up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
רֹ֣אשׁ
top
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#5
הָהָ֑ר
unto the hill
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#6
וַֽאֲר֤וֹן
nevertheless the ark
a box
#7
בְּרִית
of the covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#8
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
וּמֹשֶׁ֔ה
and Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#10
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
מָ֖שׁוּ
departed
to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive)
#12
מִקֶּ֥רֶב
not out
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#13
הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃
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

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Numbers. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 covenant 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 covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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