| 5. Linguistic Exegesis The verse employs a tricolon of interrogative clauses introduced by the particle mi {מִי | mî} and linked with the conjunction u {וּ | û}, creating a crescendo of abandonment. The imperfect verbs yakhmol {יַחְמֹל | yaḥ-mōl}, yanud {יָנ֣וּד | yā-nūd}, and yasur {יָסוּר | yā-sûr} move from inward compassion to external mourning to active turning aside. The infinitive construct lish'ol {לִשְׁאֹל | liš-ʾōl} in the purpose phrase lish'ol leshalom {לִשְׁאֹל לְשָׁלוֹם | liš-ʾōl lə-šā-lōm} underscores the utter lack of even basic concern for peace and well-being. |