Numbers 31:27

Authorized King James Version

And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them, who went out to battle, and between all the congregation:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְחָצִ֙יתָ֙
And divide
to cut or split in two; to halve
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַמַּלְק֔וֹחַ
the prey
transitively (in dual) the jaws (as taking food)
#4
בֵּ֚ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#5
תֹּֽפְשֵׂ֣י
between them that took
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
#6
הַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה
the war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#7
הַיֹּֽצְאִ֖ים
upon them who went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#8
לַצָּבָ֑א
to battle
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#9
וּבֵ֖ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#10
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
הָֽעֵדָֽה׃
and between all the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

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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