Numbers 9:17

Authorized King James Version

And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּלְפִ֞י
And when
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#2
הֵֽעָל֤וֹת
was taken up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#3
הֶֽעָנָ֔ן
the cloud
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
#4
מֵעַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
הָאֹ֔הֶל
from the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#6
וְאַ֣חֲרֵי
then after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#7
כֵ֔ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#8
יִסְע֖וּ
journeyed
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#9
בְּנֵ֥י
that 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
#10
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#11
וּבִמְק֗וֹם
and in the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#12
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
יִשְׁכָּן
abode
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
#14
שָׁם֙
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#15
הֶֽעָנָ֔ן
the cloud
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
#16
שָׁ֥ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#17
יַֽחֲנ֖וּ
pitched their tents
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
#18
בְּנֵ֥י
that 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
#19
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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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