1 Kings 20:2

Authorized King James Version

And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁלַ֧ח
And he sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
מַלְאָכִ֛ים
messengers
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
אַחְאָ֥ב
to Ahab
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
#5
מֶֽלֶךְ
king
a king
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
הָעִֽירָה׃
into the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#8
אָמַ֣ר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
ל֗וֹ
H0
#10
כֹּ֚ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#11
אָמַ֣ר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
בֶּן
H0
#13
הֲדַ֔ד
Benhadad
ben-hadad, the name of several syrian kings, possibly a royal title

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Kings. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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