1 Samuel 2:28

Authorized King James Version

And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּבָחֹ֣ר

H977

And did I choose

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

אֹ֠תוֹ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִכָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שִׁבְטֵ֨י

H7626

him out of all the tribes

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לִי֙

לְכֹהֵ֔ן

H3548

to be my priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

לַֽעֲל֣וֹת

H5927

to offer

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַֽל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#10

מִזְבְּחִ֗י

H4196

upon mine altar

an altar

#11

לְהַקְטִ֥יר

H6999

to burn

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

#12

קְטֹ֛רֶת

H7004

incense

a fumigation

#13

לָשֵׂ֥את

H5375

to wear

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#14

אֵפ֖וֹד

H646

an ephod

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

#15

לְפָנָ֑י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#16

וָֽאֶתְּנָה֙

H5414

me and did I give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#17

לְבֵ֣ית

H1004

unto the house

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

#18

אָבִ֔יךָ

of thy father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#19

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#20

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#21

אִשֵּׁ֖י

H801

all the offerings made by fire

properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice

#22

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#23

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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