1 Kings 18:38

Authorized King James Version

Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּפֹּ֣ל
fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#2
אֵשׁ
Then the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#3
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
וַתֹּ֤אכַל
and consumed
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
הָֽעֹלָה֙
the burnt sacrifice
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#7
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הָֽעֵצִ֔ים
and the wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#9
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הָֽאֲבָנִ֖ים
H68
and the stones
a stone
#11
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הֶֽעָפָ֑ר
and the dust
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
#13
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
הַמַּ֥יִם
the water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#15
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
בַּתְּעָלָ֖ה
that was in the trench
a bandage or plaster (as placed upon a wound)
#17
לִחֵֽכָה׃
and licked up
to lick

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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