1 Chronicles 17:7

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore thus shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, even from following the sheep, that thou shouldest be ruler over my people Israel:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְ֠עַתָּה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַר֙
Now therefore thus shalt thou say
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
לְעַבְדִּ֣י
unto my servant
a servant
#5
לְדָוִ֗יד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#6
כֹּ֤ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#7
אָמַר֙
Now therefore thus shalt thou say
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#10
אֲנִ֤י
i
#11
לְקַחְתִּ֙יךָ֙
I took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#12
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#13
הַנָּוֶ֔ה
thee from the sheepcote
(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild
#14
מִֽן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#15
אַחֲרֵ֖י
even from following
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#16
הַצֹּ֑אן
the sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#17
לִֽהְי֣וֹת
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#18
נָגִ֔יד
that thou shouldest be ruler
a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes
#19
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#20
עַמִּ֥י
over my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#21
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Chronicles, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Chronicles.

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 kingdom of God 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