Numbers 21:18

Authorized King James Version

The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by the direction of the lawgiver, with their staves. And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּאֵ֞ר
the well
a pit; especially a well
#2
חֲפָר֣וּהָ
digged
properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore
#3
שָׂרִ֗ים
The princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#4
כָּר֙וּהָ֙
digged
properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open
#5
נְדִיבֵ֣י
the nobles
properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)
#6
הָעָ֔ם
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
בִּמְחֹקֵ֖ק
it by the direction of the lawgiver
properly, to hack, i.e., engrave (judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive
#8
בְּמִשְׁעֲנֹתָ֑ם
with their staves
support (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick
#9
וּמִמִּדְבָּ֖ר
And from the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#10
מַתָּנָֽה׃
they went to Mattanah
mattanah, a place in the desert

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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