Numbers 32:25

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
וּבְנֵ֣י
And the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
גָד֙
of Gad
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
#4
וּבְנֵ֣י
And the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
רְאוּבֵ֔ן
of Reuben
reuben, a son of jacob
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
unto Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#8
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
עֲבָדֶ֣יךָ
Thy servants
a servant
#10
יַֽעֲשׂ֔וּ
will do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
אֲדֹנִ֖י
as my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#13
מְצַוֶּֽה׃
commandeth
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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