1 Samuel 19:9

Authorized King James Version

And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתְּהִי֩

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ר֨וּחַ

H7307

spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

יְהוָ֤ה׀

H3068

from the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

רָעָה֙

H7451

And the evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁא֔וּל

H7586

was upon Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְהוּא֙

H1931

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

בְּבֵית֣וֹ

H1004

in his house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יוֹשֵׁ֔ב

H3427

as he sat

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#10

וַֽחֲנִית֖וֹ

H2595

with his javelin

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

#11

בְּיָֽד׃

H3027

in his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#12

וְדָוִ֖ד

H1732

and David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#13

מְנַגֵּ֥ן

H5059

played

properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music

#14

בְּיָֽד׃

H3027

in his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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