1 Kings 2:3

Authorized King James Version

And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:

Word-by-Word Analysis

לִשְׁמֹ֨ר

H8104

And keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אֶת

H853

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

מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת׀

H4931

the charge

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ

H430

thy 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

לָלֶ֤כֶת

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בִּדְרָכָיו֙

H1870

in his ways

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

לִשְׁמֹ֨ר

H8104

And keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

חֻקֹּתָ֤יו

H2708

his statutes

a statute

#10

מִצְוֹתָיו֙

H4687

and his commandments

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

#11

וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֣יו

H4941

and his judgments

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#12

וְעֵֽדְוֹתָ֔יו

H5715

and his testimonies

testimony

#13

כַּכָּת֖וּב

H3789

as it is written

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

#14

בְּתוֹרַ֣ת

H8451

in the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

#15

מֹשֶׁ֑ה

H4872

of Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

#16

לְמַ֣עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#17

תַּשְׂכִּ֗יל

H7919

that thou mayest prosper

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

#18

אֵ֚ת

H853

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

#19

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#20

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#21

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה

H6213

in all that thou doest

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#22

וְאֵ֛ת

H853

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

#23

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#24

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#25

תִּפְנֶ֖ה

H6437

and whithersoever thou turnest

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

#26

שָֽׁם׃

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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