1 Samuel 24:2

Authorized King James Version

Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּ֣ח
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
שָׁא֗וּל
Then Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#3
שְׁלֹ֧שֶׁת
three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#4
אֲלָפִ֛ים
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#5
וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֔יו
men
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#6
בָּח֖וּר
chosen
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#7
מִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
out of all Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#9
וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#10
לְבַקֵּ֤שׁ
to seek
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
דָּוִד֙
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#13
וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֔יו
men
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
פְּנֵ֖י
upon
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#16
צוּרֵ֥י
the rocks
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
#17
הַיְּעֵלִֽים׃
of the wild goats
an ibex (as climbing)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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