Numbers 25:1

Authorized King James Version

And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
abode
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#2
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
And Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#3
בַּשִּׁטִּ֑ים
in Shittim
shittim, a place east of the jordan
#4
וַיָּ֣חֶל
began
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#5
הָעָ֔ם
and the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#6
לִזְנ֖וֹת
to commit whoredom
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
בְּנ֥וֹת
with the daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#9
מוֹאָֽב׃
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

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 covenant community 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 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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