Numbers 2:33

Authorized King James Version

But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַ֨לְוִיִּ֔ם
But the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#2
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
הָתְפָּֽקְד֔וּ
were not numbered
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#4
בְּת֖וֹךְ
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#5
בְּנֵ֣י
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
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
צִוָּ֥ה
commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#9
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
מֹשֶֽׁה׃
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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