Numbers 24:5

Authorized King James Version

How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
טֹּ֥בוּ
How goodly
to be (transitively, do or make) good (or well) in the widest sense
#3
אֹֽהָלֶ֖יךָ
are thy tents
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#4
יַֽעֲקֹ֑ב
O Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#5
מִשְׁכְּנֹתֶ֖יךָ
and thy tabernacles
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
O Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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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