Numbers 7:84

Authorized King James Version

This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זֹ֣את׀
this (often used adverb)
#2
חֲנֻכַּ֣ת
This was the dedication
initiation, i.e., consecration
#3
הַמִּזְבֵּ֗חַ
of the altar
an altar
#4
בְּיוֹם֙
in the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#5
הִמָּשַׁ֣ח
when it was anointed
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
#6
אֹת֔וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
מֵאֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
נְשִׂיאֵ֣י
by the princes
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#9
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#10
קַֽעֲרֹ֨ת
chargers
a bowl (as cut out hollow)
#11
כֶ֙סֶף֙
of silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#12
שְׁתֵּ֣ים
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#13
עֶשְׂרֵֽה׃
twelve
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#14
מִֽזְרְקֵי
bowls
a bowl (as if for sprinkling)
#15
כֶ֙סֶף֙
of silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#16
שְׁנֵ֣ים
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#17
עֶשְׂרֵֽה׃
twelve
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#18
כַּפּ֥וֹת
spoons
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#19
זָהָ֖ב
of gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#20
שְׁתֵּ֥ים
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#21
עֶשְׂרֵֽה׃
twelve
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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