1 Kings 20:12

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when Ben-hadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said unto his servants, Set yourselves in array. And they set themselves in array against the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֗י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כִּשְׁמֹ֙עַ֙
And it came to pass when Benhadad heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הַדָּבָ֣ר
this message
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#5
הַזֶּ֔ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#6
וְה֥וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
שֹׁתֶ֛ה
as he was drinking
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#8
ה֥וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#9
וְהַמְּלָכִ֖ים
he and the kings
a king
#10
בַּסֻּכּ֑וֹת
in the pavilions
a hut or lair
#11
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
that he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
עֲבָדָיו֙
unto his servants
a servant
#14
וַיָּשִׂ֖ימוּ
Set
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#15
וַיָּשִׂ֖ימוּ
Set
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#16
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
הָעִֽיר׃
themselves in array against the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Analysis

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

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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