1 Chronicles 21:30

Authorized King James Version

But David could not go before it to enquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
יָכֹ֥ל
H3201
could
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#3
דָּוִ֛יד
H1732
But David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#4
לָלֶ֥כֶת
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#5
מִפְּנֵ֕י
H6440
because
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
לִדְרֹ֣שׁ
H1875
it to enquire
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#7
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
H430
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#8
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
נִבְעַ֔ת
H1204
for he was afraid
to fear
#10
מִפְּנֵ֕י
H6440
because
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#11
חֶ֖רֶב
H2719
of the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#12
מַלְאַ֥ךְ
H4397
of the angel
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#13
יְהוָֽה׃
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection