1 Samuel 26:9

Authorized King James Version

And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
דָּוִ֛ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
אֲבִישַׁ֖י
H52
to Abishai
abishai, an israelite
#5
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#6
תַּשְׁחִיתֵ֑הוּ
Destroy
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#7
כִּ֠י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
מִ֣י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#9
שָׁלַ֥ח
him not for who can stretch forth
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#10
יָד֛וֹ
his 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
#11
בִּמְשִׁ֥יחַ
anointed
anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah
#12
יְהוָ֖ה
against the LORD'S
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
וְנִקָּֽה׃
and be guiltless
to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

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