1 Samuel 10:26

Authorized King James Version

And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְגַ֨ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
שָׁא֔וּל
And Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#3
וַיֵּֽלְכ֣וּ
also went
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
לְבֵית֖וֹ
home
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
גִּבְעָ֑תָה
to Gibeah
gibah; the name of three places in palestine
#6
וַיֵּֽלְכ֣וּ
also went
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
עִמּ֔וֹ
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#8
הַחַ֕יִל
with him a band of men
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#9
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
נָגַ֥ע
had touched
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#11
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
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
#12
בְּלִבָּֽם׃
whose hearts
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 Samuel.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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