1 Samuel 15:19

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלָ֥מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ
Wherefore then didst thou not obey
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#4
בְּק֣וֹל
the voice
a voice or sound
#5
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
וַתַּ֙עַט֙
but didst fly
to swoop down upon (literally or figuratively)
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
הַשָּׁלָ֔ל
upon the spoil
booty
#9
וַתַּ֥עַשׂ
and didst
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#10
הָרַ֖ע
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#11
בְּעֵינֵ֥י
in the sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#12
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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