Numbers 8:20

Authorized King James Version

And Moses, and Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel, did to the Levites according unto all that the LORD commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so did the children of Israel unto them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עָשׂ֥וּ
did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
מֹשֶׁה֙
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
וְאַֽהֲרֹ֛ן
and Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#4
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
עֲדַ֥ת
and all the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#6
בְּנֵ֥י
of the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
לַלְוִיִּ֔ם
concerning the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#9
כְּ֠כֹל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
צִוָּ֨ה
commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#12
יְהוָ֤ה
according unto all that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
מֹשֶׁה֙
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#15
לַלְוִיִּ֔ם
concerning the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#16
כֵּן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#17
עָשׂ֥וּ
did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#18
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#19
בְּנֵ֥י
of the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#20
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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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