1 Samuel 13:8

Authorized King James Version

And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיּ֣יוֹחֶל׀
And he tarried
to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope
#2
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#3
יָמִ֗ים
days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#4
לַמּוֹעֵד֙
according to the set time
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
#5
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל
had appointed but Samuel
shemuel, the name of three israelites
#7
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
בָ֥א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל
had appointed but Samuel
shemuel, the name of three israelites
#10
הַגִּלְגָּ֑ל
not to Gilgal
gilgal, the name of three places in palestine
#11
וַיָּ֥פֶץ
were scattered
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
#12
הָעָ֖ם
and the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#13
מֵֽעָלָֽיו׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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