1 Samuel 13:2

Authorized King James Version

Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Beth-el, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּבְחַר
chose
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#2
ל֨וֹ
H0
#3
שָׁא֜וּל
Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#4
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
him three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#5
וְאֶ֗לֶף
and a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#6
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל֒
men of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
וַיִּֽהְי֨וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#9
שָׁא֜וּל
Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#10
וְאֶ֗לֶף
and a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#11
בְּמִכְמָשׂ֙
in Michmash
mikmas or mikmash, a place in palestine
#12
וּבְהַ֣ר
and in mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#13
בֵּֽית
H0
#14
אֵ֔ל
Bethel
beth-el, a place in palestine
#15
וְאֶ֗לֶף
and a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#16
הָיוּ֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#17
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#18
י֣וֹנָתָ֔ן
were with Jonathan
jonathan, the name of ten israelites
#19
בְּגִבְעַ֖ת
in Gibeah
gibah; the name of three places in palestine
#20
בִּנְיָמִ֑ין
of Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#21
וְיֶ֣תֶר
and the rest
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
#22
הָעָ֔ם
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#23
שִׁלַּ֖ח
he sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#24
אִ֥ישׁ
every man
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)
#25
לְאֹֽהָלָֽיו׃
to his tent
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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