1 Kings 20:21

Authorized King James Version

And the king of Israel went out, and smote the horses and chariots, and slew the Syrians with a great slaughter.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּצֵא֙
went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
מֶ֣לֶךְ
And the king
a king
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
וְהִכָּ֥ה
and slew
to strike (lightly or severely, 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
הַסּ֖וּס
the horses
a horse (as leaping)
#7
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הָרָ֑כֶב
and chariots
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
#9
וְהִכָּ֥ה
and slew
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#10
בַֽאֲרָ֖ם
the Syrians
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
#11
מַכָּ֥ה
slaughter
a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence
#12
גְדוֹלָֽה׃
with a great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 salvation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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