Proverbs 9:3
She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
Original Language Analysis
שָֽׁלְחָ֣ה
She hath sent forth
H7971
שָֽׁלְחָ֣ה
She hath sent forth
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 7
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
תִקְרָ֑א
she crieth
H7121
תִקְרָ֑א
she crieth
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
3 of 7
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Ancient royal banquets involved messengers going throughout the city inviting guests. Jesus' parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-14) uses similar imagery - king sends servants inviting guests. The gospel similarly is public proclamation: 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature' (Mark 16:15). Wisdom's invitation is universal.
Questions for Reflection
- How are you responding to wisdom's public invitation versus folly's private seduction?
- What role might you play as wisdom's 'maiden' - messenger inviting others to her feast?
- How does the gospel's public proclamation reflect wisdom's open invitation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom sends out her maidens, calls from the city's heights. The Hebrew 'shalach' (send) and 'qara' (call/proclaim) describe public invitation. Wisdom doesn't hide but publicly invites all. The maidens represent message-bearers; the height represents visibility and authority. Wisdom's invitation is open, public, authoritative. Unlike seduction's private whisper, wisdom shouts publicly, 'Come to my feast!'