Numbers 7:17

Authorized King James Version

And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּלְזֶ֣בַח
And for a sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#2
הַשְּׁלָמִים֮
of peace offerings
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
#3
בָּקָ֣ר
oxen
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#4
שְׁנַיִם֒
two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#5
אֵילִ֤ם
rams
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
#6
חֲמִשָּׁ֑ה
five
five
#7
עַתּוּדִ֣ים
he goats
prepared, i.e., full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people
#8
חֲמִשָּׁ֑ה
five
five
#9
כְּבָשִׂ֥ים
lambs
a ram (just old enough to butt)
#10
בֶּן
of the first
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
שָׁנָ֖ה
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#12
חֲמִשָּׁ֑ה
five
five
#13
זֶ֛ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#14
קָרְבַּ֥ן
this was the offering
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#15
נַחְשׁ֖וֹן
of Nahshon
nachshon, an israelite
#16
בֶּן
of the first
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#17
עַמִּֽינָדָֽב׃
of Amminadab
amminadab, the name of four israelites

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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