1 Samuel 17:20

Authorized King James Version

And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם
H7925
rose up early
literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
#2
דָּוִ֜ד
H1732
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
בַּבֹּ֗קֶר
H1242
in the morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#4
וַיִּטֹּ֤שׁ
H5203
and left
properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
הַצֹּאן֙
H6629
the sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#7
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
שֹׁמֵ֔ר
H8104
with a keeper
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#9
וַיִּשָּׂ֣א
H5375
and took
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#10
וַיֵּ֔לֶךְ
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
צִוָּ֖הוּ
H6680
had commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#13
יִשָׁ֑י
H3448
as Jesse
jishai, david's father
#14
וַיָּבֹא֙
H935
him and he came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#15
הַמַּעְגָּ֔לָה
H4570
to the trench
a track (literally or figuratively); also a rampart (as circular)
#16
וְהַחַ֗יִל
H2428
as the host
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#17
הַיֹּצֵא֙
H3318
was going forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#18
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#19
הַמַּ֣עֲרָכָ֔ה
H4634
to the fight
an arrangement; concretely, a pile; specifically a military array
#20
וְהֵרֵ֖עוּ
H7321
and shouted
to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)
#21
בַּמִּלְחָמָֽה׃
H4421
for the battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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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