1 Samuel 11:15

Authorized King James Version

And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּֽלְכ֨וּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֜ם

H5971

And all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בַּגִּלְגָּ֔ל

H1537

in Gilgal

gilgal, the name of three places in palestine

וַיַּמְלִכוּ֩

H4427

king

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

שָׁ֨ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שָׁא֛וּל

H7586

and there Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

לִפְנֵ֣י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#10

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#11

בַּגִּלְגָּ֔ל

H1537

in Gilgal

gilgal, the name of three places in palestine

#12

וַיִּזְבְּחוּ

H2076

and there they sacrificed

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

#13

שָׁ֛ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#14

זְבָחִ֥ים

H2077

sacrifices

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

#15

שְׁלָמִ֖ים

H8002

of peace offerings

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

#16

לִפְנֵ֣י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#17

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#18

וַיִּשְׂמַ֨ח

H8055

rejoiced

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

#19

שָׁ֥ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#20

שָׁא֛וּל

H7586

and there Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

#21

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#22

אַנְשֵׁ֥י

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#23

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#24

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#25

מְאֹֽד׃

H3966

greatly

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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 peace 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

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

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