Numbers 31:6

Authorized King James Version

And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
אֹתָ֥ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#4
אֶ֥לֶף
a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#5
לַמַּטֶּ֖ה
of every tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#6
לַצָּבָ֔א
them to the war
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#7
אֹ֠תָם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
פִּ֨ינְחָ֜ס
them and Phinehas
pinechas, the name of three israelites
#10
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
אֶלְעָזָ֤ר
of Eleazar
elazar, the name of seven israelites
#12
הַכֹּהֵן֙
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#13
לַצָּבָ֔א
them to the war
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#14
וּכְלֵ֥י
instruments
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#15
הַקֹּ֛דֶשׁ
with the holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#16
וַחֲצֹֽצְר֥וֹת
and the trumpets
a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)
#17
הַתְּרוּעָ֖ה
to blow
clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum
#18
בְּיָדֽוֹ׃
in his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 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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