1 Samuel 23:1

Authorized King James Version

Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּגִּ֥דוּ
Then they told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#2
לְדָוִ֖ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
הִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#5
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
Behold the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#6
נִלְחָמִ֣ים
fight
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#7
בִּקְעִילָ֔ה
against Keilah
keilah, a place in palestine
#8
וְהֵ֖מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#9
שֹׁסִ֥ים
and they rob
to plunder
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הַגֳּרָנֽוֹת׃
the threshingfloors
a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area

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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