1 Samuel 28:1

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְהִי֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
And it came to pass in those days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#3
הָהֵ֔ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#4
וַיִּקְבְּצ֨וּ
gathered
to grasp, i.e., collect
#5
פְלִשְׁתִּ֤ים
that the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
בַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה
their armies
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#8
לַצָּבָ֔א
for warfare
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#9
לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם
to fight
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#10
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
with Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#11
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
אָכִישׁ֙
And Achish
akish, a philistine king
#13
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
דָּוִ֔ד
unto David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#15
תֵּדַ֗ע
Know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#16
תֵּדַ֗ע
Know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#17
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#18
אִתִּי֙
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#19
תֵּצֵ֣א
that thou shalt go out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#20
בַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה
their armies
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#21
אַתָּ֖ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#22
וַֽאֲנָשֶֽׁיךָ׃
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)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 1 Samuel.

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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