Numbers 21:23

Authorized King James Version

And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
נָתַ֨ן
H5414
would not suffer
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
סִיחֹ֜ן
H5511
And Sihon
sichon, an amoritish king
#4
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
עֲבֹ֣ר
H5674
to pass
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#7
בִּגְבֻלוֹ֒
H1366
through his border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#8
וַיֶּֽאֱסֹ֨ף
H622
gathered
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#9
סִיחֹ֜ן
H5511
And Sihon
sichon, an amoritish king
#10
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
עַמּ֗וֹ
H5971
all his people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#13
וַיֵּצֵ֞א
H3318
and went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#14
לִקְרַ֤את
H7125
against
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
#15
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#16
הַמִּדְבָּ֔רָה
H4057
into the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#17
וַיָּבֹ֖א
H935
and he came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#18
יָ֑הְצָה
H3096
to Jahaz
jahats or jahtsah, a place east of the jordan
#19
וַיִּלָּ֖חֶם
H3898
and fought
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#20
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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