| 21. Linguistic Exegesis The verse employs the vav-consecutive verb vata‘arokh {וַתַּעֲרֹךְ | vaṯ-‘a-rō-ḵā} to initiate the battle narrative. The coordinated subjects Yisra’el {יִשְׂרָאֵל | yiś-rā-’ēl} and u-Felishtim {וּפְלִשְׁתִּים | wə-p̄ə-lî-šîm} establish two opposing forces. The noun ma‘arakha {מַעֲרָכָה | ma-‘ă-rā-ḵā} appears twice, emphasizing each army’s organized formation. The preposition liqrat {לִקְרַ֥את | li-qə-rāṯ} introduces a confrontation clause, indicating direct positioning against the enemy. Hebrew syntax thus highlights the strategic preparation preceding conflict. |