Numbers 20:14

Authorized King James Version

And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
מֹשֶׁ֧ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
מַלְאָכִ֛ים
messengers
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#4
מִקָּדֵ֖שׁ
from Kadesh
kadesh, a place in the desert
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
מֶ֣לֶךְ
unto the king
a king
#7
אֱד֑וֹם
of Edom
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
#8
כֹּ֤ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#9
אָמַר֙
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
אָחִ֣יךָ
thy brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#11
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#12
אַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#13
יָדַ֔עְתָּ
Thou knowest
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#14
אֵ֥ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
הַתְּלָאָ֖ה
all the travail
distress
#17
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#18
מְצָאָֽתְנוּ׃
that hath befallen
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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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