Numbers 14:45

Authorized King James Version

Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֤רֶד
came down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#2
הָעֲמָֽלֵקִי֙
Then the Amalekites
an amalekite (or collectively the amalekites) or descendants of amalek
#3
וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י
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
#4
הַיֹּשֵׁ֖ב
which dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#5
בָּהָ֣ר
in that hill
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#6
הַה֑וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
וַיַּכּ֥וּם
and smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#8
וַֽיַּכְּת֖וּם
them and discomfited
to bruise or violently strike
#9
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#10
הַֽחָרְמָֽה׃
them even unto Hormah
chormah, a place in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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