1 Samuel 12:10

Authorized King James Version

And they cried unto the LORD, and said, We have sinned, because we have forsaken the LORD, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth: but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּזְעֲק֤וּ
And they cried
to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
וַיֹּֽאמְר֣
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
חָטָ֔אנוּ
We have sinned
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#6
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
עָזַ֙בְנוּ֙
because we have forsaken
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
וְנַֽעַבְדֶֽךָּ׃
and have served
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הַבְּעָלִ֖ים
Baalim
baal, a phoenician deity
#13
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
הָֽעַשְׁתָּר֑וֹת
and Ashtaroth
ashtaroth, the name of a sidonian deity, and of a place east of the jordan
#15
וְעַתָּ֗ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#16
הַצִּילֵ֛נוּ
but now deliver
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#17
מִיַּ֥ד
us out of the hand
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
#18
אֹֽיְבֵ֖ינוּ
of our enemies
hating; an adversary
#19
וְנַֽעַבְדֶֽךָּ׃
and have served
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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