Numbers 21:32

Authorized King James Version

And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
מֹשֶׁה֙
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
לְרַגֵּ֣ל
to spy out
to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be a tale-bearer (i.e., slander); to lead about
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
יַעְזֵ֔ר
Jaazer
jaazer or jazer, a place east of the jordan
#6
וַֽיִּלְכְּד֖וּ
and they took
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
#7
בְּנֹתֶ֑יהָ
the villages
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#8
וַיּ֖יֹרֶשׁ
thereof and drove out
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֥י
the Amorites
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes
#11
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
שָֽׁם׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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