Numbers 9:15

Authorized King James Version

And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְיוֹם֙
H3117
And on 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
#2
הָקִ֣ים
H6965
was reared up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#3
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן
H4908
that 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
#5
כִּסָּ֤ה
H3680
covered
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#6
הֶֽעָנָן֙
H6051
the cloud
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
#7
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן
H4908
that 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
#9
לְאֹ֖הֶל
H168
namely the tent
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#10
הָֽעֵדֻ֑ת
H5715
of the testimony
testimony
#11
וּבָעֶ֜רֶב
H6153
and at even
dusk
#12
יִֽהְיֶ֧ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
עַֽל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן
H4908
that 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
#15
כְּמַרְאֵה
H4758
as it were the appearance
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#16
אֵ֖שׁ
H784
of fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#17
עַד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#18
בֹּֽקֶר׃
H1242
until the morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Numbers Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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