Numbers 33:4

Authorized King James Version

For the Egyptians buried all their firstborn, which the LORD had smitten among them: upon their gods also the LORD executed judgments.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמִצְרַ֣יִם
For the Egyptians
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#2
מְקַבְּרִ֗ים
buried
to inter
#3
אֵת֩
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
הִכָּ֧ה
had smitten
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#6
יְהוָ֖ה
also the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
בָּהֶ֖ם
H0
#8
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
בְּכ֑וֹר
all their firstborn
first-born; hence, chief
#10
וּבֵאלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם
among them upon their gods
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#11
עָשָׂ֥ה
executed
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
יְהוָ֖ה
also the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
שְׁפָטִֽים׃
judgments
a sentence, i.e., infliction

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 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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