1 Samuel 26:3

Authorized King James Version

And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּ֨חַן
pitched
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
#2
שָׁא֛וּל
And Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#3
בְּגִבְעַ֣ת
in the hill
a hillock
#4
הַֽחֲכִילָ֗ה
of Hachilah
chakilah, a hill in palestine
#5
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
פְּנֵ֥י
which is before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#8
הַיְשִׁימֹ֖ן
Jeshimon
a desolation
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
הַדָּ֑רֶךְ
by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#11
וְדָוִד֙
But David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#12
יֹשֵׁ֣ב
abode
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#13
הַמִּדְבָּֽרָה׃
him into the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#14
וַיַּ֕רְא
and he saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#15
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#16
בָ֥א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#17
שָׁא֛וּל
And Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#18
אַֽחֲרָ֖יו
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#19
הַמִּדְבָּֽרָה׃
him into the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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