Numbers 17:10

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מֹשֶׁ֗ה
unto Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#5
הָשֵׁ֞ב
Bring
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
מַטֵּ֤ה
rod
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#8
אַֽהֲרֹן֙
Aaron's
aharon, the brother of moses
#9
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#10
הָֽעֵד֔וּת
the testimony
testimony
#11
לְמִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת
to be kept
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
#12
לְא֖וֹת
for a token
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
#13
לִבְנֵי
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#14
מֶ֑רִי
against the rebels
bitterness, i.e., (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious
#15
וּתְכַ֧ל
and thou shalt quite take away
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#16
תְּלוּנֹּתָ֛ם
their murmurings
a grumbling
#17
מֵֽעָלַ֖י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
יָמֻֽתוּ׃
from me that they die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation 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

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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