Proverbs 21:31

Authorized King James Version

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ס֗וּס
The horse
a horse (as leaping)
#2
מ֭וּכָן
is prepared
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#3
לְי֣וֹם
against 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
#4
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
of battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#5
וְ֝לַֽיהוָ֗ה
is of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
הַתְּשׁוּעָֽה׃
but safety
rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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