1 Samuel 12:15

Authorized King James Version

But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׁמְעוּ֙

H8085

But if ye will not obey

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְּק֣וֹל

H6963

the voice

a voice or sound

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

וּמְרִיתֶ֖ם

H4784

but rebel

to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

פִּ֣י

H6310

against the commandment

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#10

וְהָֽיְתָ֧ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#11

יַד

H3027

then shall 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

#12

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#13

בָּכֶ֖ם

#14

וּבַאֲבֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃

be against you as it was against your fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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 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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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

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Samuel

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