Numbers 22:8

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲלֵיהֶ֗ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
לִ֤ינוּ
unto them Lodge
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
#4
פֹה֙
this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence
#5
הַלַּ֔יְלָה
here this night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#6
וַהֲשִֽׁבֹתִ֤י
again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#7
אֶתְכֶם֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
דָּבָ֔ר
you word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#9
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
shall speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#11
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
אֵלָ֑י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֥וּ
abode
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#14
שָׂרֵֽי
unto me and the princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#15
מוֹאָ֖ב
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#16
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#17
בִּלְעָֽם׃
with Balaam
bilam, a place in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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