1 Kings 21:9

Authorized King James Version

And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּכְתֹּ֥ב
And she wrote
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#2
בַּסְּפָרִ֖ים
in the letters
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
#3
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
קִֽרְאוּ
Proclaim
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#5
צ֔וֹם
a fast
a fast
#6
וְהֹשִׁ֥יבוּ
and set
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
נָב֖וֹת
Naboth
naboth, an israelite
#9
בְּרֹ֥אשׁ
on high
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#10
הָעָֽם׃
among the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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