| 4. Linguistic Exegesis The narrative begins with vayyaqqāḇṣû {וַיִּקָּבְצ֣וּ | văyyiq-qāḇṣû} ‘and they gathered,’ which marks a vav consecutive Qal imperfect forming a past narrative. The infinitive ləvaqqēš {לְבַקֵּ֖שׁ | ləvaqqēš} introduces a purpose clause “to seek.” The prepositional phrase mey-Yəhōwāh {מֵֽיְהוָ֑ה | mey-Yəhōwāh} indicates source from the LORD. The conjunction gam {גַּ֚ם | gam} in the second clause adds continuity. Mikkāl-’ārēy {מִכָּל־עָרֵי | mikkāl-’ārēy} forms a construct chain “from all cities {of Judah},” specifying comprehensive involvement. The second purpose clause bā’û ləvaqqēš parallels the first, emphasizing repeated action. The direct-object-marker ’et with Yəhōwāh marks precise object of seeking. The translation mirrors Hebrew structure by maintaining clause order and indicating purpose relationships. |