1 Chronicles 14:9

Authorized King James Version

And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּפְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים

H6430

And the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

בָּ֑אוּ

H935

came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַֽיִּפְשְׁט֖וּ

H6584

and spread

to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)

בְּעֵ֥מֶק

H6010

themselves in the valley

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

רְפָאִֽים׃

H7497

of Rephaim

a giant

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?