Numbers 24:23

Authorized King James Version

And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א
And he took up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
מְשָׁל֖וֹ
his parable
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
#3
וַיֹּאמַ֑ר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
א֕וֹי
Alas
lamentation; also interjectionally oh!
#5
מִ֥י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#6
יִֽחְיֶ֖ה
who shall live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#7
מִשֻּׂמ֥וֹ
doeth
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#8
אֵֽל׃
when God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

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 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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