1 Samuel 13:12

Authorized King James Version

Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָֽאֹמַ֗ר
Therefore said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
עַ֠תָּה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#3
יֵֽרְד֨וּ
will come down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#4
פְלִשְׁתִּ֤ים
I The Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#5
אֵלַי֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
הַגִּלְגָּ֔ל
now upon me to Gilgal
gilgal, the name of three places in palestine
#7
וּפְנֵ֥י
unto
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#8
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
חִלִּ֑יתִי
and I have not made supplication
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
#11
וָֽאֶתְאַפַּ֔ק
I forced
to contain, i.e., (reflexive) abstain
#12
וָאַֽעֲלֶ֖ה
myself therefore and offered
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#13
הָֽעֹלָֽה׃
a burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

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

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