1 Samuel 18:7

Authorized King James Version

And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽתַּעֲנֶ֛ינָה
answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#2
הַנָּשִׁ֥ים
And the women
a woman
#3
הַֽמְשַׂחֲק֖וֹת
one another as they played
to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
#4
וַתֹּאמַ֑רְןָ
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
הִכָּ֤ה
hath slain
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#6
שָׁאוּל֙
Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#7
בַּֽאֲלָפָ֔ו
his thousands
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#8
וְדָוִ֖ד
and David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#9
בְּרִבְבֹתָֽיו׃
his ten thousands
abundance (in number), i.e., (specifically) a myriad (whether definite or indefinite)

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 revelation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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