Judges 10

Judges 10

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AfterI Abimelech,II TolaIII

Notes on verse 1a

I “after” = achar. From achar (to remain behind, linger, continue, be behind, or delay; can also imply procrastination). This is after or the last part, following.
II “Abimelech” = Abimelek. From ab (father literal or figurative) + melek (king, royal). This is Abimelech, meaning “father is king.”
III “Tola” = Tola. 6x in OT. From the same as tola (a worm or maggot, perhaps a crimson-grub of species coccus ilicis; used to make red dye; so it could be crimson, purple, or something dyed in those colors; also, an oppressor); perhaps from yala (to devour, blurt out rudely); perhaps from the same as lua (to swallow, gulp, be rash). This is Tola, a name perhaps meaning “crimson” or “worm.”

sonIV of PuahV son of Dodo,VI

Notes on verse 1b

IV “son” = ben. From banah (to build or obtain children). This is son, age, child. It is son in a literal or figurative sense.
V “Puah” = Puvvah. 4x in OT. From poh (here, this, side); {perhaps from p- + hu (third person pronoun – he, she, it)} OR from paah (to cut in pieces, scatter, blow away) OR from peh (mouth in a literal or figurative sense; literally, beak or jaws; figuratively, speech, commands, or promises). This is Puah, Puvah, or Puvvah, a personal name that may mean “blast,” “mouth,” “utterance,” or “edge.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Puvah.html 
VI “Dodo” = Dodo. 5x in OT. From the same as dod (beloved, love, uncle). This is Dodo, a name that means “his beloved” or “loving.”

a manVII of Issachar,VIII who livedIX

Notes on verse 1c

VII “man” = ish. Perhaps from enosh (human, humankind, mortal); from anash (to be weak, sick, or frail). This is man, husband, another, or humankind.
VIII “Issachar” = Yissaskar. Related to “man” in v1. Perhaps from nasa (to lift in a broad sense, literally and figuratively; to carry, take, or arise; to bring forth, advance, accept) + sakar (wages, payment, service, salary, worth, reward, or benefit); {from sakar (to hire, reward, earn)} OR ish (see note VII above) + sakar (see above). This is Issachar, one of Jacob’s children and his tribe. It may mean “there is recompense,” “man of hire,” “he is wages,” or “he will bring a reward.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Issachar.html
IX “lived” = yashab. This is to sit and so to remain and so to dwell. It is sitting for any reason – as a judge, in order to ambush, or just sitting quietly. Causatively, this can mean settling or marrying. This can also mean continue, endure, or establish.

at ShamirX in the hill countryXI of Ephraim,XII

Notes on verse 1d

X “Shamir” = Shamir. 3x in OT. From the same as shamir (thorn, brier, hard stone, diamond); perhaps related to shamar (to keep, watch, or preserve; to guard something or to protect it as a thorny hedge protects something). This is Shamir, a place whose name may mean “hedge of briars” or “sharp point” or “sentinel” or “guard.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Shamir.html
XI “hill country” = har. From harar (hill or mountain). This is mountain, hill, hilly region.
XII “Ephraim” = Ephrayim. From the same as epher (ashes or dust – properly something strewn) OR from parah (to grow, increase, be fruitful in a literal or figurative sense). This is Ephraim, one of Joseph’s sons, his descendants, and their land.

roseXIII to deliverXIV Israel.XV 

Notes on verse 1e

XIII “rose” = qum. To arise, stand, accomplish, establish, abide. This is rising as in rising against, getting up after being sick or asleep, arising from one state to another, becoming powerful, or rising for action. It can also be standing in a figurative sense.
XIV “deliver” = yasha. To deliver, defend, help, preserve, rescue, be safe. Properly, to be open, wide or free, which implies being safe. Used causatively, it means to free.
XV “Israel” = Yisrael. From sarah (to persist, exert oneself, contend, persevere, wrestle, prevail) + El (God or god). This is Israel, meaning God strives or one who strives with God; new name for Jacob and for his offspring. This refers to the people and to the land.

He judgedXVI Israel twentyXVII-threeXVIII years.XIX Then he diedXX and was buriedXXI at Shamir.

Notes on verse 2

XVI “judged” = shaphat. This is to judge, defend, pronounce judgment, condemn, or govern. It can refer to God judging or to human judges. This is pronouncing a verdict in favor or against so it implies consequences or punishment. It can also mean to litigate or govern as one with authority.
XVII “twenty” = esrim. From the same as eser (ten, tenth). This is twenty or twentieth.
XVIII “three” = shalosh. This is three, fork, three times.
XIX “years” = shanah. From shana (to change, alter). This is a year, age, old. It can also mean yearly.
XX “died” = mut. This is to die in a literal or figurative sense. It can also refer to being a dead body.
XXI “buried” = qabar. This is to bury or inter. It could also refer to the person who does the burying.

After him cameXXII JairXXIII the Gileadite,XXIV who judged Israel twenty-twoXXV years. 

Notes on verse 3

XXII “came” = qum. Same as “rose” in v1. See note XIII above.
XXIII “Jair” = Yair. 9x in OT. From or (to be or become light). This is Jair or Yair, meaning “enlightens” or “enlightener” or “he will diffuse light” or “one giving light.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Jair.html
XXIV “Gileadite” = Giladi. 11x in OT. From Gilad (Gilead, meaning “perpetual fountain” or “heap of testimony.”); {from gala (to lay bare, quarrel, expose) OR from gal’ed (heap of testimony); {from gal (wave, billow, rock pile; something rolled; a spring of water); {from galal (to roll, roll away, wallow, commit, remove; rolling in a literal or figurative sense)} + ed (witness, testimony, recorder); {from ud (to admonish, repeat, duplicate, testify, restore, record, relieve)}. This is a Gileadite, someone descended from Gilead or who lives in Gilead. See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Gilead.html#.Xw_EFShKhPY.
XXV “two” = shenayim. From sheni (double, again, another, second); from shanah (to fold, repeat, double, alter, or disguise). This is two, both, second, couple.

He hadXXVI thirtyXXVII sons who rodeXXVIII on thirty donkeys,XXIX

Notes on verse 4a

XXVI “had” = hayah. This is to be or become, to happen.
XXVII “thirty” = sheloshim. Related to “three” in v2. From the same as shalosh (see note XVIII above). This is thirty or thirtieth.
XXVIII “rode” = rakab. This is to ride an animal or in some vehicle. It can also mean bringing on a horse.
XXIX “donkeys” = ayir. 9x in OT. Perhaps from ur (to raise up, wake up, lift oneself up; to awake in a literal or figurative sense). This is a male donkey or a colt as an animal of labor who is newly domesticated to bear loads.

and they had thirty towns,XXX which are in the landXXXI of GileadXXXII and are calledXXXIII

Notes on verse 4b

XXX “towns” = iyr. Related to “donkeys” in v4. From ur (see note XXIX above). This can mean excitement in the sense of wakefulness or city. Properly, this is a place that is guarded. Guards kept schedules according to watches. This sense of the word would include cities as well as encampments or posts that were guarded.
XXXI “land” = erets. Root may mean to be firm. This is earth, ground, field land, or country.
XXXII “Gilead” = Gilad. Related to “Gileadite” in v3. See note XXIV above.
XXXIII “called” = qara. This is to call or call out – to call someone by name. Also used more broadly for calling forth.

Havvoth-jairXXXIV to this day.XXXV Jair died and was buried in Kamon.XXXVI

Notes on verses 4c-5

XXXIV “Havvoth-jair” = Chavvoth Yair. Related to “Jair” in v3 & to “donkeys” and “towns” in v4. 3x in OT. From chavvah (a place of living; a village of tents, a settlement); {perhaps from the same as Chavvah (Eve or Chavvah, a name meaning “life” or “life-giver); from chavah (show, tell, live, declare)} + Yaor (Yaor or Jair, a name meaning “wooded”); {from ur (see note XXIX above) or the same as ya’ar (honeycomb, forest, thicket)}. This is Havvoth-jair or Chavvoth Yair, it is a region whose name means “tent villages of Jair” or “hamlets of Jair” or “villages of the enlightener.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Jair.html & https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Havvoth-jair.html
XXXV “day” = yom. Root may mean being hot. This is the day in a literal or figurative sense. It can also mean birth, age, daylight, continually or other references to time.
XXXVI “Kamon” = Qamon. Related to “rose” in v1. 1x in OT. From qum (see note XIII above). This is Qamon, a place whose name means “elevation” or “place of rising” or “standing” or “abounding in stalks” “standing corn.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Kamon.html

The IsraelitesXXXVII againXXXVIII didXXXIX what was evilXL

Notes on verse 6a

XXXVII “Israelites” = ben + Yisrael. Literally, “children of Israel.” Ben is the same as “son” in v1. See note IV above. Yisrael is the same as “Israel” in v1. See note XV above.
XXXVIII “again” = yasaph. This is to add, increase, continue, exceed.
XXXIX “did” = asah. This is to make, do, act, appoint, become in many senses.
XL “evil” = ra’. From ra’a’ (to be evil, bad, afflict; properly, to spoil – to destroy by breaking into pieces; figuratively, to cause something to be worthless; this is bad in a physical, social, or moral sense; that which displeases, to do harm or mischief, to punish or vex). This is bad, disagreeable, that which causes pain, misery, something having little or no value, something that is ethically bad, wicked, injury, calamity. This refers to anything that is not what it ought to be – a natural disaster, a disfigurement, an injury, a sin.

in the sightXLI of the Lord,XLII servingXLIII the BaalsXLIV

Notes on verse 6b

XLI “sight” = ayin. This is eye in a literal or figurative sense so eye, appearance, favor, or a fountain (the eye of the landscape).
XLII “Lord” = YHVH. Related to “had” in v4. From havah (to be, become) or hayah (see note XXVI above). This is the name of the God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal one, the tetragrammaton. This pronunciation has been lost to time so “Lord” is generally used in its place.
XLIII “serving” = abad. This is to work, serve, or compel. It can describe any kind of work or service (including religious devotion).  Also, till or cultivate. Used causatively, it can mean to enslave or keep in bondage.
XLIV “Baals” = Baal. From the same as ba’al (lord, owner, ally, or archer); from ba’al (to marry, have dominion, be master). This is Baal, literally “lord,” a Phoenician god.

and the Astartes,XLV the godsXLVI of Aram,XLVII

Notes on verse 6c

XLV “Astartes” = Ashtaroth. 12x in OT. From ashtrah (young, enlarge a flock); from ashath (to think) or ashar (to gain wealth, become rich, enrich; to accumulate) OR {from ashat (form a union that is cohesive or solid) + torah (Torah, instruction, law); {from yarah (to throw, shoot, be stunned; to flow as water so figuratively to instruct or teach)}}. This is Ashtaroth, a location and the name of a Sidonian goddess, also called Astarte. It may mean “Astarte” or “unions of instructions” or “clusters of one law.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Ashtaroth.html
XLVI “gods” = elohim. Related to “Israel” in v1. See note XV above.
XLVII “Aram” = Aram. Perhaps from ‘armon (any fortified building – castle, citadel, palace) OR from rum (to be high, rise, exalt self, extol, be haughty; to rise literally or figuratively). This is Aram, Syria, Mesopotamia – meaning elevated or citadel. See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Aram.html#.XqfDX8hKhPY

the gods of Sidon,XLVIII the gods of Moab,XLIX the gods of the Ammonites,L

Notes on verse 6d

XLVIII “Sidon” = Tsidon. From Phoenician tsydon (Sidon; probably meaning fishery or fishing town). This is Sidon – a city in Phoenicia. See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Sidon & https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidon
XLIX “Moab” = Moab. May be from ab (father, ancestor, grandfather; father in a literal or figurative sense). This is Moab or Moabite. Name could mean “from her father” in reference to the incestuous relationship between Lot and his daughters. The name could also mean, more pleasantly, “seed of a father” or “desirable land.” See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moab
L “Ammonites” = ben + Ammon. Literally, “children of Ammon.” Ben is the same as “son” in v1. See note IV above. Ammon is from im (with, against, before, beside); {perhaps from amam (to darken, hide, associate; creating shadows by huddling together)} OR from am (people, folk, nation; also troops or attendants; used figuratively for a flock); {from amam (see above)}. This is Ammon or Ammonites, a tribe whose name may mean “tribal.”

and the gods of the Philistines.LI Thus they abandonedLII the Lord and did not worshipLIII him. 

Notes on verse 6e

LI “Philistines” = Pelishti. From Pelesheth (Philistia); from palash (to mourn, wallow, maybe roll in). This is Philistines. Their name may mean “griever” or “burrower” or “weakener.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Philistine.html.
LII “abandoned” = azab. To loosen, relinquish, permit, forsake, fail, leave destitute.
LIII “worship” = abad. Same as “serving” in v6. See note XLIII above.

So the angerLIV of the Lord was kindledLV against Israel, and he soldLVI them into the handLVII of the Philistines and into the hand of the Ammonites, 

Notes on verse 7

LIV “anger” = aph. From anaph (to be angry; properly, breathing hard as a signifier of being enraged). This properly refers to the nose or nostril and by extension the face. It can specifically refer to anger or wrath as one breathes hard and nostrils flare in times of great anger.
LV “kindled” = charah. Perhaps related to charar (to be hot, burn, glow, melt, be scorched; figuratively, to incite passion, be angry). This is to be displeased, burn with anger, glow, become warn. Figuratively it is a blaze of anger, zeal, or jealousy.
LVI “sold” = makar. This is to sell – could be commerce/trade, a daughter to be married, someone into slavery. Figuratively, it can mean to surrender.
LVII “hand” = yad. This is hand, ability, power. Hand in a literal sense, but also what one can do or the means by which one does it.

and they crushedLVIII and oppressedLIX the Israelites that year. For eighteenLX years they oppressed

Notes on verse 8a

LVIII “crushed” = raats. 2x in OT. This is to break in pieces, shatter, crush, or figuratively to afflict.
LIX “oppressed” = ratsats. 19x in OT. This is properly cracking in pieces. It is used in a literal or figurative sense. So, crush, break, bruise, struggle, discourage, oppress.
LX “eighteen” = shemoneh + asar. Shemoneh is perhaps from shamen (to shine, which implies being oily, growing fat); from shaman (to grow fat, shine, be oily). This is eight or eighth. It can refer to abundance as being more than 7, the number of sacred fullness. Asar is related to “twenty” in v2. From the same as eser (see note XVII above). This is -teen or -teenth.

allLXI the Israelites who were beyondLXII the JordanLXIII in the land of the Amorites,LXIV which is in Gilead. 

Notes on verse 8b

LXI “all” = kol. From kalal (to complete). This is all or every.
LXII “beyond” = eber. From abar (to pass over, pass through, or pass by; cross over or to alienate; used for transitions). This is the place across or beyond, by, from, other, the opposite side, against, over. It often refers to the other side of the Jordan river or toward the east.
LXIII “Jordan” = Yarden. From yarad (to go down, descend; going down in a literal or figurative sense; going to the shore or a boundary, bringing down an enemy). This is the Jordan River, meaning “descending.”
LXIV“Amorites” = Emori. From amar (to speak, say, answer, command, promise, report). This is Amorite or Emori, perhaps meaning talkers.

The Ammonites alsoLXV crossedLXVI the Jordan to fightLXVII against JudahLXVIII

Notes on verse 9a

LXV “also” = gam. This is also, moreover, again.
LXVI “crossed” = abar. Related to “beyond” in v8. See note LXII above.
LXVII “fight” = lacham. This is to eat or feed on. Figuratively, it is to battle as a kind of consumption/destruction.
LXVIII “Judah” = Yehudah. Probably from yadah (to throw one’s hands into the air in a gesture of praise); from yad (hand). This is Judah, meaning “praised.”

and against BenjaminLXIX and against the houseLXX of Ephraim, so that Israel was greatlyLXXI distressed.LXXII

Notes on verse 9b

LXIX “Benjamin” = Binyamin. Related to “son” in v1. From ben (see note IV above) + from yamin (right hand or side; that which is stronger or more agile; the south); {perhaps yamam (to go or choose the right, use the right hand; to be physically fit or firm)}. This is Benjamin, meaning “son of the right hand.” It could refer to Benjamin himself, his offspring, their tribe, or their territory.
LXX “house” = bayit. Related to “son” in v1 & “Benjamin” in v9. Probably from banah (see note IV above). This is house, court, family, palace, temple.
LXXI “greatly” = meod. Perhaps from the same as uwd (firebrand, a poker). This is very, greatly, exceedingly. It can also mean vehemence, force, abundance.
LXXII “distressed” = yatsar. 10x in OT. From the same as tsarar (to bind, restrict, narrow, be cramped, an adversary). This is to be narrow, pressed on. In a figurative sense, it can refer to being vexed or in distress.

10 So the Israelites criedLXXIII to the Lord, saying,LXXIV “We have sinnedLXXV against you, because we have abandoned our GodLXXVI and have served the Baals.” 

Notes on verse 10

LXXIII “cried” = zaaq. This is to cry or call out. It can be a call to assemble or gather together. By analogy, this could refer to a herald who announces a public gathering. It could also be a shriek from pain or danger.
LXXIV “saying” = amar. Related to “Amorites” in v8. See note LXIV above.
LXXV “sinned” = chata. This is properly to miss, and so figuratively it is used for sinning, bearing the blame. It implies a forfeiture or loss of something.
LXXVI “God” = Elohim. Same as “gods” in v6. See note XLVI above.

11 And the Lord said to the Israelites, “Did I not deliver you from the EgyptiansLXXVII and from the Amorites, from the Ammonites and from the Philistines? 12 The SidoniansLXXVIII also, and the Amalekites,LXXIX

Notes on verses 11-12a

LXXVII “Egyptians” = Mitsrayim. Perhaps from matsor (besieged or fortified place, bulwark, entrenchment; something hemmed in; a siege or distress or fastness); from tsur (to confine, besiege, to cramp). This is Egypt.
LXXVIII “Sidonians” = Tsidoni. Related to “Sidon” in v6. 16x in OT. From Tsidon (see note XLIII above). This is Sidonian or Zidonian. See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Sidon & https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidon
LXXIX “Amalekites” = Amaleq. Perhaps from amal (to work – hard labor) OR from am (people or nation; a tribe, troops or armies, or figuratively to refer to a flock of animals); {from amam (to darken, hide, associate; creating shadows by huddling together)} + laqaq (to lap, lick) OR from am (see above) + malaq (to wring, nip; to remove a bird’s head). This is Amalek or Amalekite. It may mean “people that wring,” “people that lap,” “nippers,” or “lickers.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Amalekite.html & https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Amalek.html

and the MaonitesLXXX oppressedLXXXI you, and you criedLXXXII to me, and I delivered you out of their hand. 

Notes on verse 12b

LXXX “Maonites” = Maon. 8x in OT. From maon (dwelling, den, haunt, retreat; can refer to the Tabernacle or Temple; can also be used for homes or animal lairs); from anah (to answer, respond, announce, sing, shout, or testify; to pay attention, which implies responding and, by extension, starting to talk; singing, shouting, testifying, etc.) OR from the same as onah (marriage, living together, marital duty). This is Maon, a personal and place name that means “habitation” or “residence” or abode.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Maon.html
LXXXI “oppressed” = lachats. 19x in OT. This is to press or squeeze. Figuratively, it is oppress, afflict, or distress.
LXXXII “cried” = tsaaq. This is to cry out or call together, to shriek. It can mean, by implication, calling for an assembly.

13 Yet you have abandoned me and served otherLXXXIII gods; thereforeLXXXIV I will deliver you no more.LXXXV 

Notes on verse 13

LXXXIII “other” = acher. Related to “after” in v1. From achar (see note I above). This is following, next, strange, other.
LXXXIV “therefore” = ken. Perhaps from kun (properly, in a perpendicular position; literally, to establish, fix, fasten, prepare; figuratively, it is certainty, to be firm, faithfulness, render sure or prosperous). This is to set upright. Generally used figuratively to mean thus, so, afterwards, rightly so.
LXXXV “more” = yasaph. Same as “again” in v6. See note XXXVIII above.

14 GoLXXXVI and cryLXXXVII to the gods whom you have chosen;LXXXVIII let them deliver you in the timeLXXXIX of your distress.”XC 

Notes on verse 14

LXXXVI “go” = halak. This is go, come, walk. It is walk literally and figuratively and includes people and animals. It can be used figuratively for one’s moral life – how we walk according to God’s way or against it. It can also refer to the walk of life as in the course one’s life takes, the choices we make, etc.
LXXXVII “cry” = zaaq. Same as “cried” in v10. See note LXXIII above.
LXXXVIII “chosen” = bachar. This is to choose, appoint, try, excellent.
LXXXIX “time” = eth. Related to “Maonites” in v12. Probably from anah (see note LXXX above). This is a period or season. It can also mean whenever or continually.
XC “distress” = tsarah. Related to “distressed” in v9. From tsar (properly, a narrow or constricted place; figuratively, trouble, a pebble, an enemy, anguish, or distress); from tsarar (see note LXXII above). This is tightness, distress, affliction, trouble, or adversary.

15 And the Israelites said to the Lord, “We have sinned; do to us whateverXCI seems goodXCII toXCIII you, butXCIV deliverXCV, XCVI us this day!” 

Notes on verse 15

XCI “whatever” = kol. Same as “all” in v8. See note LXI above.
XCII “good” = tob. From tob (to be pleasing, to be good). This is good, beautiful, pleasant, agreeable, bountiful, at ease. This word is used for goodness as a concept, a good thing, a good person. This can refer to prosperity and welfare as well as joy, kindness, sweetness, and graciousness. So, this is ethically good, but also enjoyably good.
XCIII “to” = ayin. Same as “sight” in v6. See note XLI above.
XCIV “but” = ak. Related to “therefore” in v13. Related to aken (surely, truly, nevertheless); from kun (see note LXXXIV above). This is a positive statement – surely, also, certainly, alone, only.
XCV “deliver” = natsal. This is to snatch someone or something away in a good sense – as rescue, defend, or deliver – or in a bad sense – as strip or plunder.
XCVI {untranslated} = na. This particle is used for requests or for urging. It can be we pray, now, I ask you, oh. This is the same “na” in “hosanna.”

16 So they put awayXCVII the foreignXCVIII gods from amongXCIX them and served the Lord, and he could no longer bearC to seeCI Israel suffer.CII

Notes on verse 16

XCVII “put away” = sur. This is to turn aside in a literal or figurative sense – to depart, decline, rebel, remove, or withdraw.
XCVIII “foreign” = nekar. From the same as neker (misfortune, disaster). This is foreign or something that is foreign i.e. strange.
XCIX “among” = qereb. Perhaps from qarab (to come near or approach). This is among, in the midst, before, the center It is the inward part, whether literal or figurative. It can also be used for the heart, the site of thoughts and feelings. This word is also used as a technical term for the entrails of the animals who are sacrificed.
C “bear” = qatsar. This is to cut down, be short, reap, curtail. It is used especially for harvesting grass or grain. Figuratively, it can mean to be discouraged or grieve.
CI “see” = nephesh. Related to naphash (to refresh or be refreshed). This is soul, self, person, emotion. It is a breathing creature. Can also refer to appetites and desires.
CII “suffer” = amal. Related to “Amalekites” in v12. See note LXXIX above.

17 Then the Ammonites were called to arms,CIII and they encampedCIV in Gilead, and the Israelites came together,CV and they encamped at Mizpah.CVI 

Notes on verse 17

CIII “called to arms” = tsaaq. Same as “cried” in v12. See note LXXXII above.
CIV “encamped” = chanah. This is decline, bending down, or living in tents. It can be camping to create a home or camping as a part of battle.
CV “came together” = asaph. This is to gather, assemble, or bring. It can also mean to take away, destroy, or remove.
CVI “Mizpah” = Mitspah. From tsaphah (to look out, look around, spy watchman, sentinel; leaning out to look far away; to await or observe). This is Mizpah, meaning “watchtower.”

18 The commandersCVII of the peopleCVIII of Gilead said to oneCIX another,CX

Notes on verse 18a

CVII “commanders” = sar. This is chief, leader, ruler, lord, official, governor, prince, military leader. It refers to someone at the top of a rank or class.
CVIII “people” = am. Related to “Ammonites” in v6. See note L above.
CIX “one” = ish. Same as “man” in v1. See note VII above.
CX “another” = rea. From raah (to associate with). This is the same as neighbor in Leviticus 19:18 “love your neighbor as yourself.” This is friend, companion, fellow, neighbor. It is someone with whom you associate, whether more or less close.

“WhoCXI will beginCXII the fight against the Ammonites? He shall beCXIII headCXIV over all the inhabitantsCXV of Gilead.”

Notes on verse 18b

CXI {untranslated} = ish. Same as “man” in v1. See note VII above.
CXII “begin” = chalal. This is to pierce, which implies to wound. It is used figuratively for making someone or something profane or breaking your word. It can also mean to begin as though one opened a wedge. Also, to eat something as a common thing.
CXIII “be” = hayah. Same as “had” in v4. See note XXVI above.
CXIV “head” = rosh. This may come a word that means to shake. It is the head, captain, or chief. It can also be excellent or the forefront. It can be first in position or in statue or in time (i.e. the beginning).
CXV “inhabitants” = yashab. Same as “lived” in v1. See note IX above.


Image credit: “Israel’s Broken Promise” by Tim Shirey of Child Evangelism Fellowship of Europe.

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