1 Samuel 23:14

Authorized King James Version

And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
abode
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#2
דָּוִ֤ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
בְּמִדְבַּר
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#4
בַּמְּצָד֔וֹת
in strong holds
a fastness (as a covert of ambush)
#5
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
abode
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#6
בָּהָ֖ר
in a mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#7
בְּמִדְבַּר
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#8
זִ֑יף
of Ziph
ziph, the name of a place in palestine; also of an israelite
#9
וַיְבַקְשֵׁ֤הוּ
sought
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#10
שָׁאוּל֙
And Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#11
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
הַיָּמִ֔ים
him every day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#13
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
נְתָנ֥וֹ
delivered
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#15
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
but God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#16
בְּיָדֽוֹ׃
him not into 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 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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