Numbers 23:17

Authorized King James Version

And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֣א
And when he came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֵלָ֗יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
וְהִנּ֤וֹ
lo!
#4
נִצָּב֙
to him behold he stood
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
עֹ֣לָת֔וֹ
by his burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#7
וְשָׂרֵ֥י
and the princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#8
מוֹאָ֖ב
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#9
אִתּ֑וֹ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#10
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
לוֹ֙
H0
#12
בָּלָ֔ק
with him And Balak
balak, a moabitish king
#13
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#14
דִּבֶּ֖ר
spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#15
יְהוָֽה׃
unto him What hath the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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 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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