Numbers 7:3

Authorized King James Version

And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבִ֨יאוּ
And they brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
קָרְבָּנָ֜ם
their offering
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#4
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#5
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
שֵׁשׁ
six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#7
עֲגָלָ֛ה
a wagon
something revolving, i.e., a wheeled vehicle
#8
צָב֙
covered
a species of lizard (probably as clinging fast)
#9
שְׁנֵ֥י
for two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#10
עָשָׂ֣ר
and twelve
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#11
בָּקָ֔ר
oxen
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#12
עֲגָלָ֛ה
a wagon
something revolving, i.e., a wheeled vehicle
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
שְׁנֵ֥י
for two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#15
הַנְּשִׂאִ֖ים
of the princes
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#16
וְשׁ֣וֹר
an ox
a bullock (as a traveller)
#17
לְאֶחָ֑ד
and for each one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#18
וַיַּקְרִ֥יבוּ
and they brought
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#19
אוֹתָ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#21
הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃
the tabernacle
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

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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