| 1. Linguistic Exegesis The verse opens with the vav conversive marker vayehi {וַֽיְהִי | wă-yĕ-hî} ‘and it was’, signaling the start of a new narrative episode. The noun ish {אִישׁ | ʾîš} ‘man’ is indefinite, presenting a generic figure. The construct phrase mehar {מֵֽהַר | mê-har} ‘from the hill’ merges the preposition min with a definite noun to specify geography, which is further identified by Ephrayim {אֶפְרָ֖יִם | ʾĕ-frā-yim}. The connector ushemo {וּשְׁמ֥וֹ | wə-šĕ-mo} ‘and his name’ introduces the proper name that follows, linking the indefinite figure to a unique identity. Finally, Mikhayahu {מִיכָֽיְהוּ | mî-kā-yə-hū} ‘Micah’ names the individual. The syntax—vav conversive + indefinite subject + geographic modifier + identity clause—reflects a concise, formulaic introduction typical of Judges, and the use of maqqef highlights the close ties between narrative formula, locale, and character identity. |