1 Samuel 24:1

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֗י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
שָׁ֣ב
was returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#4
שָׁא֔וּל
And it came to pass when Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#5
מֵאַֽחֲרֵ֖י
from following
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#6
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#7
וַיַּגִּ֤דוּ
that it was told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#8
לוֹ֙
H0
#9
לֵאמֹ֔ר
him saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
הִנֵּ֣ה
lo!
#11
דָוִ֔ד
Behold David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#12
בְּמִדְבַּ֖ר
is in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#13
עֵ֥ין
H0
#14
גֶּֽדִי׃
of Engedi
en-gedi, a place in palestine

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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