1 Kings 11:24

Authorized King James Version

And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְבֹּ֤ץ
And he gathered
to grasp, i.e., collect
#2
עָלָיו֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#4
וַיְהִ֣י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
שַׂר
unto him and became captain
a head person (of any rank or class)
#6
גְּד֔וּד
over a band
a crowd (especially of soldiers)
#7
בַּֽהֲרֹ֥ג
slew
to smite with deadly intent
#8
דָּוִ֖ד
when David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#9
אֹתָ֑ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
וַיֵּֽלְכ֤וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
בְּדַמָּֽשֶׂק׃
in Damascus
damascus, a city of syria
#12
וַיֵּ֣שְׁבוּ
and dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#13
בָ֔הּ
H0
#14
וַֽיִּמְלְכ֖וּ
therein and reigned
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#15
בְּדַמָּֽשֶׂק׃
in Damascus
damascus, a city of syria

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 Kings.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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