Numbers 7:8

Authorized King James Version

And four wagons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari, according unto their service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵ֣ת׀
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
אַרְבַּ֣ע
And four
four
#3
הָֽעֲגָלֹ֗ת
wagons
something revolving, i.e., a wheeled vehicle
#4
וְאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
שְׁמֹנַ֣ת
and eight
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
#6
הַבָּקָ֔ר
oxen
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#7
נָתַ֖ן
he gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#8
בֶּֽן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
מְרָרִ֑י
of Merari
merari, an israelite
#10
כְּפִי֙
according
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#11
עֲבֹ֣דָתָ֔ם
unto their service
work of any kind
#12
בְּיַד֙
under the hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#13
אִֽיתָמָ֔ר
of Ithamar
ithamar, a son of aaron
#14
בֶּֽן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#15
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
of Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#16
הַכֹּהֵֽן׃
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

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 revelation 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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