1 Samuel 12:9

Authorized King James Version

And when they forgat the LORD their God, he sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the host of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab, and they fought against them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיִּשְׁכְּח֖וּ

H7911

And when they forgat

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

אֶת

H853

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

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֑ם

H430

their 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

וַיִּמְכֹּ֣ר

H4376

he sold

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

אֹתָ֡ם

H853

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

וּבְיַד֙

H3027

and into 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

סִֽיסְרָא֩

H5516

of Sisera

sisera, the name of a canaanitish king and of one of the nethinim

שַׂר

H8269

captain

a head person (of any rank or class)

#10

צְבָ֨א

H6635

of the host

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#11

חָצ֜וֹר

H2674

of Hazor

chatsor, the name (thus simply) of two places in palestine and of one in arabia

#12

וּבְיַד֙

H3027

and into 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

#13

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֗ים

H6430

of the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

#14

וּבְיַד֙

H3027

and into 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

#15

מֶ֣לֶךְ

H4428

of the king

a king

#16

מוֹאָ֔ב

H4124

of Moab

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

#17

וַיִּֽלָּחֲמ֖וּ

H3898

and they fought

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

#18

בָּֽם׃

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

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

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

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