Numbers 31:14

Authorized King James Version

And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which came from the battle.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְצֹ֣ף
was wroth
to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage
#2
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
פְּקוּדֵ֣י
with the officers
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#5
הֶחָ֑יִל
of the host
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#6
וְשָׂרֵ֣י
and captains
a head person (of any rank or class)
#7
הָֽאֲלָפִים֙
over thousands
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#8
וְשָׂרֵ֣י
and captains
a head person (of any rank or class)
#9
הַמֵּא֔וֹת
over hundreds
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#10
הַבָּאִ֖ים
which came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#11
מִצְּבָ֥א
from
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#12
הַמִּלְחָמָֽה׃
the battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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