Numbers 23:28

Authorized King James Version

And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּ֥ח
brought
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
בָּלָ֖ק
And Balak
balak, a moabitish king
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
בִּלְעָ֑ם
Balaam
bilam, a place in palestine
#5
רֹ֣אשׁ
unto the top
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#6
הַפְּע֔וֹר
of Peor
peor, a mountain east of jordan in moab; baal peor, (for h1187) a deity worshipped there
#7
הַנִּשְׁקָ֖ף
that looketh
properly, to lean out (of a window), i.e., (by implication) peep or gaze (passively, be a spectacle)
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
פְּנֵ֥י
toward
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#10
הַיְשִׁימֹֽן׃
Jeshimon
a desolation

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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