Numbers 8:2

Authorized King James Version

Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light over against the candlestick.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דַּבֵּר֙
Speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
אֶֽל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
unto Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#4
וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֖
and say
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
אֵלָ֑יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
בְּהַעֲלֹֽתְךָ֙
unto him When thou lightest
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַנֵּרֽוֹת׃
lamps
a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
מוּל֙
properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite
#11
פְּנֵ֣י
over against
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#12
הַמְּנוֹרָ֔ה
the candlestick
a chandelier
#13
יָאִ֖ירוּ
shall give light
to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
#14
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
the seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#15
הַנֵּרֽוֹת׃
lamps
a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)

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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