1 Chronicles 19:14

Authorized King James Version

So Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּגַּ֨שׁ
H5066
that were with him drew nigh
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#2
יוֹאָ֜ב
H3097
So Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#3
וְהָעָ֧ם
H5971
and the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
עִמּ֛וֹ
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#6
מִפָּנָֽיו׃
H6440
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#7
אֲרָ֖ם
H758
the Syrians
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
#8
לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
H4421
unto the battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#9
וַיָּנ֖וּסוּ
H5127
and they fled
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#10
מִפָּנָֽיו׃
H6440
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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 covenant community 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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