1 Samuel 14:15

Authorized King James Version

And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתְּהִי֩
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
לְחֶרְדַּ֥ת
And there was trembling
fear, anxiety
#3
בַמַּֽחֲנֶ֤ה
in the host
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#4
בַשָּׂדֶה֙
in the field
a field (as flat)
#5
וּבְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
הָעָ֔ם
and among all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
הַמַּצָּב֙
the garrison
a fixed spot; figuratively, an office, a military post
#8
וְהַמַּשְׁחִ֔ית
and the spoilers
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#9
חָֽרְד֖וּ
they also trembled
to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)
#10
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#11
הֵ֑מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#12
וַתִּרְגַּ֣ז
quaked
to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)
#13
הָאָ֔רֶץ
and the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#14
וַתְּהִ֖י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#15
לְחֶרְדַּ֥ת
And there was trembling
fear, anxiety
#16
אֱלֹהִֽים׃
so it was a very great
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

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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