Numbers 22:10

Authorized King James Version

And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
בִּלְעָ֖ם
And Balaam
bilam, a place in palestine
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
unto God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#5
בָּלָ֧ק
Balak
balak, a moabitish king
#6
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
צִפֹּ֛ר
of Zippor
tsippor, a moabite
#8
מֶ֥לֶךְ
king
a king
#9
מוֹאָ֖ב
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#10
שָׁלַ֥ח
hath sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#11
אֵלָֽי׃
near, with or among; often in general, to

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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