1 Samuel 19:10

Authorized King James Version

And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְבַקֵּ֨שׁ
sought
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#2
שָׁא֔וּל
And Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#3
וַיַּ֥ךְ
and he smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#4
הַחֲנִ֖ית
the javelin
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
#5
וְדָוִ֛ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#6
בַּקִּ֑יר
even to the wall
a wall (as built in a trench)
#7
וַיִּפְטַר֙
but he slipped away
to cleave or burst through, i.e., (causatively) to emit, whether literal or figurative (gape)
#8
מִפְּנֵ֣י
presence
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#9
שָׁא֔וּל
And Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#10
וַיַּ֥ךְ
and he smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#11
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הַחֲנִ֖ית
the javelin
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
#13
בַּקִּ֑יר
even to the wall
a wall (as built in a trench)
#14
וְדָוִ֛ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#15
נָ֥ס
fled
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#16
וַיִּמָּלֵ֖ט
and escaped
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
#17
בַּלַּ֥יְלָה
that night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#18
הֽוּא׃
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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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