1 Samuel 26:5

Authorized King James Version

And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֣קָם
arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#2
דָּוִ֗ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
וַיָּבֹא֮
and came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
אֶֽל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
הַמָּקוֹם֙
the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#6
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
חֹנִ֥ים
had 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
#8
שָׁ֣ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#9
וְשָׁאוּל֙
and Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#10
וַיַּ֣רְא
beheld
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#11
דָּוִ֗ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
הַמָּקוֹם֙
the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#14
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
שֹׁכֵ֣ב
lay
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#16
שָׁ֣ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#17
וְשָׁאוּל֙
and Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#18
וְאַבְנֵ֥ר
H74
and Abner
abner, an israelite
#19
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#20
נֵ֖ר
of Ner
ner, an israelite
#21
שַׂר
the captain
a head person (of any rank or class)
#22
צְבָא֑וֹ
of his host
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#23
וְשָׁאוּל֙
and Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#24
שֹׁכֵ֣ב
lay
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#25
בַּמַּעְגָּ֔ל
in the trench
a track (literally or figuratively); also a rampart (as circular)
#26
וְהָעָ֖ם
and the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#27
חֹנִ֥ים
had 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
#28
סְבִֽיבֹתָֽו׃
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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