1 Samuel 11:7

Authorized King James Version

And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקַּח֩

H3947

And he took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

צֶ֨מֶד

H6776

a yoke

a yoke or team (i.e., pair); hence, an acre (i.e., day's task for a yoke of cattle to plough)

לִבְקָר֑וֹ

H1241

of oxen

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

וַֽיְנַתְּחֵ֗הוּ

H5408

and hewed them in pieces

to dismember

וַיְשַׁלַּ֞ח

H7971

and sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בְּכָל

H3605

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

גְּב֣וּל

H1366

them throughout all the coasts

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

יִשְׂרָאֵל֮

H3478

of Israel

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

בְּיַ֣ד

H3027

by the hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#10

הַמַּלְאָכִ֣ים׀

H4397

of messengers

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

#11

לֵאמֹר֒

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#12

אֲשֶׁר֩

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#13

אֵינֶ֨נּוּ

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#14

וַיֵּֽצְא֖וּ

H3318

Whosoever cometh not forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#15

וְאַחַ֣ר

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#16

שָׁאוּל֙

H7586

Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

#17

וְאַחַ֣ר

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#18

שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל

H8050

Samuel

shemuel, the name of three israelites

#19

כֹּ֥ה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

#20

יֵֽעָשֶׂ֖ה

H6213

so shall it be done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#21

לִבְקָר֑וֹ

H1241

of oxen

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

#22

וַיִּפֹּ֤ל

H5307

fell

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#23

פַּֽחַד

H6343

And the fear

a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)

#24

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

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

#25

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#26

הָעָ֔ם

H5971

on the people

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

#27

וַיֵּֽצְא֖וּ

H3318

Whosoever cometh not forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#28

כְּאִ֥ישׁ

H376

consent

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)

#29

אֶחָֽד׃

H259

with one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

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 divine sovereignty 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 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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

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