Numbers 31:39

Authorized King James Version

And the asses were thirty thousand and five hundred; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and one.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽחֲמֹרִ֕ים
And the asses
a male ass (from its dun red)
#2
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים
were thirty
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#3
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#4
וַֽחֲמֵ֣שׁ
and five
five
#5
מֵא֑וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#6
וּמִכְסָ֥ם
tribute
an assessment (as based upon a census)
#7
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
of which the LORD'S
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
אֶחָ֥ד
and one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#9
וְשִׁשִּֽׁים׃
was threescore
sixty

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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