Numbers 25:4

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מֹשֶׁ֗ה
unto Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#5
קַ֚ח
Take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
רָאשֵׁ֣י
all the heads
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#9
הָעָ֔ם
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
וְהוֹקַ֥ע
and hang them up
properly, to sever oneself, i.e., (by implication) to be dislocated; figuratively, to abandon; causatively, to impale (and thus allow to drop to piece
#11
אוֹתָ֛ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
נֶ֣גֶד
before
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
#14
הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
against the sun
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
#15
וְיָשֹׁ֛ב
may be turned away
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#16
חֲר֥וֹן
that the fierce
a burning of anger
#17
אַף
anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#18
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#19
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
from Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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