1 Samuel 26:7

Authorized King James Version

So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹא֩
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
דָוִ֨ד
So David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
וַֽאֲבִישַׁ֥י׀
H52
and Abishai
abishai, an israelite
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
וְהָעָ֔ם
and the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#6
לַיְלָה֒
by night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#7
וְהִנֵּ֣ה
lo!
#8
שָׁא֗וּל
and behold Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#9
שֹֽׁכְבִ֖ים
lay
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#10
יָשֵׁן֙
sleeping
sleepy
#11
בַּמַּעְגָּ֔ל
within the trench
a track (literally or figuratively); also a rampart (as circular)
#12
וַֽחֲנִית֥וֹ
and his spear
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
#13
מְעוּכָֽה
stuck
to press, i.e., to pierce, emasculate, handle
#14
בָאָ֖רֶץ
in the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#15
מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֑ו
at his bolster
properly, a headpiece, i.e., (plural for adverbial) at (or as) the head-rest (or pillow)
#16
וְאַבְנֵ֣ר
H74
but Abner
abner, an israelite
#17
וְהָעָ֔ם
and the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#18
שֹֽׁכְבִ֖ים
lay
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#19
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 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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