1 Samuel 23:15

Authorized King James Version

And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֣רְא
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
וְדָוִ֥ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
יָצָ֥א
was come out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#5
שָׁא֖וּל
that Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#6
לְבַקֵּ֣שׁ
to seek
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ
his life
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#9
וְדָוִ֥ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#10
בְּמִדְבַּר
was in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#11
זִ֖יף
of Ziph
ziph, the name of a place in palestine; also of an israelite
#12
בַּחֹֽרְשָׁה׃
in a wood
a forest (perhaps as furnishing the material for fabric)

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 life 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 life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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