| 10. Linguistic Exegesis The sequence of imperatives and perfect forms establishes a warning structure. The Hiphil imperative hakeh {הַכֵּ֤ה | ha-kēh} ‘strike!’ is reinforced by the perfect hikita {הִכִּ֙יתָ֙ | hi-kî-tā} ‘you have struck’ against Edom {אֱד֔וֹם | ʾē-ḏōm}, emphasizing completed action. The Nifal perfect we-nesa’akhha {וּֽנְשָׂאֲךָ֖ | wə-ne-sā-’ā-kha} ‘and has lifted you up’, tied to libbekha {לִבֶּ֑ךָ | lib-bê-kha} ‘your heart’, signals passive elevation signifying pride. The imperatives hikkaved {הִכָּבֵד֙ | hi-kā-ḇēd} ‘be honored’ and we-shev {וְשֵׁ֣ב | wə-šē-ḇ} ‘remain’ urge acceptance of victory without overreach. The interrogative conjunction welamah {וְלָ֤מָּה | wə-lā-māh} ‘and why’ introduces the Hitpael imperfect titgaresh {תִתְגָּרֶה֙ | tit-ga-rê-ḥ} ‘would you provoke’, expressing self-entanglement. The Qal perfect wenaphalta {וְנָ֣פַלְתָּ֔ה | wə-nā-pal-tā} ‘and you will fall’ affirms the assured consequence, and the inclusion of ‘you and Judah {וִיהוּדָ֥ה | wī-ye-hū-ḏāh}’ underscores communal fate. |