Numbers 23:14

Authorized King James Version

And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקָּחֵ֙הוּ֙
And he brought
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
שְׂדֵ֣ה
him into the field
a field (as flat)
#3
צֹפִ֔ים
of Zophim
tsophim, a place east of the jordan
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
רֹ֖אשׁ
to the top
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#6
הַפִּסְגָּ֑ה
of Pisgah
pisgah, a mountain east of jordan
#7
וַיִּ֙בֶן֙
and built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#8
שִׁבְעָ֣ה
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#9
בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
altars
an altar
#10
וַיַּ֛עַל
and offered
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#11
פָּ֥ר
a bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#12
וָאַ֖יִל
and a ram
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
#13
בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
altars
an altar

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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