1 Chronicles 12:19

Authorized King James Version

And there fell some of Manasseh to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle: but they helped them not: for the lords of the Philistines upon advisement sent him away, saying, He will fall to his master Saul to the jeopardy of our heads.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמִֽמְּנַשֶּׁ֞ה
H4519
some of Manasseh
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#2
יִפּ֖וֹל
H5307
And there fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#3
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
דָּוִ֗יד
H1732
to David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#5
בְּבֹא֨וֹ
H935
when he came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#6
עִם
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#7
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
H6430
of the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#8
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
שָׁאֽוּל׃
H7586
Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#10
לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה
H4421
to battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#11
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
עֲזָרֻ֑ם
H5826
but they helped
to surround, i.e., protect or aid
#13
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
בְעֵצָ֗ה
H6098
upon advisement
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#15
שִׁלְּחֻ֜הוּ
H7971
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#16
סַרְנֵ֤י
H5633
them not for the lords
an axle
#17
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
H6430
of the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#18
לֵאמֹ֔ר
H559
him away saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#19
בְּרָאשֵׁ֕ינוּ
H7218
to the jeopardy of our heads
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#20
יִפּ֖וֹל
H5307
And there fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#21
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#22
אֲדֹנָ֥יו
H113
to his master
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#23
שָׁאֽוּל׃
H7586
Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

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 sovereignty 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection