Numbers 2:25

Authorized King James Version

The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דֶּ֣גֶל
The standard
a flag
#2
מַֽחֲנֵ֥ה
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
#3
דָ֔ן
of Dan
dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
#4
צָפֹ֖נָה
shall be on the north side
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#5
לְצִבְאֹתָ֑ם
by their armies
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#6
וְנָשִׂיא֙
and the captain
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#7
בֶּן
of the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#8
דָ֔ן
of Dan
dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
#9
אֲחִיעֶ֖זֶר
shall be Ahiezer
achiezer, the name of two israelites
#10
בֶּן
of the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
עַמִּֽישַׁדָּֽי׃
of Ammishaddai
ammishaddai, an israelite

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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