Numbers 35:1

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְדַבֵּ֧ר
spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
unto Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#5
בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת
in the plains
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
#6
מוֹאָ֑ב
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
יַרְדֵּ֥ן
by Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#9
יְרֵח֖וֹ
near Jericho
jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine
#10
לֵאמֹֽר׃
saying
to say (used with great latitude)

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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