1 Samuel 15:16

Authorized King James Version

Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרוּ
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
שְׁמוּאֵל֙
Then Samuel
shemuel, the name of three israelites
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
שָׁא֔וּל
unto Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#5
הֶ֚רֶף
Stay
to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
#6
וְאַגִּ֣ידָה
and I will tell
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#7
לְּךָ֔
H0
#8
אֵת֩
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
דַּבֵּֽר׃
hath said
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#11
יְהוָ֛ה
thee what the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
אֵלַ֖י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
הַלָּ֑יְלָה
to me this night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#14
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרוּ
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#15
ל֖וֹ
H0
#16
דַּבֵּֽר׃
hath said
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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