Numbers 2:17

Authorized King James Version

Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִסָּ֔עוּ
shall set forward
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#2
אֹֽהֶל
Then the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#3
מוֹעֵ֛ד
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
#4
הַֽמַּחֲנֹ֑ת
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
#5
הַלְוִיִּ֖ם
of the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#6
בְּת֣וֹךְ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#7
הַֽמַּחֲנֹ֑ת
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
#8
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
יַֽחֲנוּ֙
as they encamp
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
#10
כֵּ֣ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#11
יִסָּ֔עוּ
shall set forward
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#12
אִ֥ישׁ
every man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
יָד֖וֹ
in his place
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#15
לְדִגְלֵיהֶֽם׃
by their standards
a flag

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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