Numbers 23:24

Authorized King James Version

Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֶן
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#2
עָם֙
Behold the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
כְּלָבִ֣יא
as a great lion
a lion (properly, a lioness as the fiercer (although not a roarer;))
#4
יָק֔וּם
shall rise up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#5
וְכַֽאֲרִ֖י
himself as a young lion
a lion
#6
יִתְנַשָּׂ֑א
and lift up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#7
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
יִשְׁכַּב֙
he shall not lie down
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#9
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#10
יֹ֣אכַל
until he eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#11
טֶ֔רֶף
of the prey
something torn, i.e., a fragment, e.g., a fresh leaf, prey, food
#12
וְדַם
the blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#13
חֲלָלִ֖ים
of the slain
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#14
יִשְׁתֶּֽה׃
and drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of covenant community 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 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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