1 Samuel 24:18

Authorized King James Version

And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַתָּ

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הִגַּ֣דְתָּ

H5046

And thou hast shewed

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

הַיּ֔וֹם

H3117

this 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

אֵ֛ת

H853

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשִׂ֥יתָה

H6213

how that thou hast dealt

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אִתִּ֖י

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

טוֹבָ֑ה

H2896

well

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

אֵת֩

H853

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

#10

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

סִגְּרַ֧נִי

H5462

had delivered

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

#12

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

with me forasmuch as when the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

בְּיָֽדְךָ֖

H3027

me into thine 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

#14

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

הֲרַגְתָּֽנִי׃

H2026

thou killedst

to smite with deadly intent

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Samuel.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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 sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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