1 Chronicles 11:7

Authorized King James Version

And David dwelt in the castle; therefore they called it the city of David.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#2
דָּוִֽיד׃
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
בַּמְצָ֑ד
in the castle
a fastness (as a covert of ambush)
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
כֵּ֥ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#6
קָֽרְאוּ
therefore they called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#7
ל֖וֹ
H0
#8
עִ֥יר
it the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#9
דָּוִֽיד׃
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection