1 Chronicles 21:16

Authorized King James Version

And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשָּׂ֨א

H5375

lifted up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

דָּוִ֧יד

H1732

And David

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֵינָ֗יו

H5869

his eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וַיַּ֞רְא

H7200

and saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַלְאַ֤ךְ

H4397

the angel

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֹמֵ֗ד

H5975

stand

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#10

בֵּ֤ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#11

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙

H776

between the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#12

וּבֵ֣ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#13

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

and the heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#14

וְחַרְבּ֤וֹ

H2719

sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#15

שְׁלוּפָה֙

H8025

having a drawn

to pull out, up or off

#16

בְּיָד֔וֹ

H3027

in his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#17

נְטוּיָ֖ה

H5186

stretched out

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

#18

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#19

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם

H3389

over Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#20

וַיִּפֹּ֨ל

H5307

fell

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#21

דָּוִ֧יד

H1732

And David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#22

וְהַזְּקֵנִ֛ים

H2205

and the elders

old

#23

מְכֻסִּ֥ים

H3680

of Israel who were clothed

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

#24

בַּשַּׂקִּ֖ים

H8242

in sackcloth

properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai

#25

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#26

פְּנֵיהֶֽם׃

H6440

upon their faces

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

Within the broader context of 1 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation 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 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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?