Numbers 21:25

Authorized King James Version

And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּח֙
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
And Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#3
אֵ֥ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
עָרֵ֣י
all these cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#6
הָאֵ֑לֶּה
these or those
#7
וַיֵּ֤שֶׁב
dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#8
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
And Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#9
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
עָרֵ֣י
all these cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#11
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י
of the Amorites
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes
#12
בְּחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן
in Heshbon
cheshbon, a place east of the jordan
#13
וּבְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
בְּנֹתֶֽיהָ׃
and in all the villages
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources