1 Samuel 28:16

Authorized King James Version

Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל
Samuel
shemuel, the name of three israelites
#3
וְלָ֖מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#4
תִּשְׁאָלֵ֑נִי
Wherefore then dost thou ask
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#5
וַֽיהוָ֛ה
of me seeing the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
סָ֥ר
is departed
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#7
מֵֽעָלֶ֖יךָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
וַיְהִ֥י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
עָרֶֽךָ׃
from thee and is become thine enemy
a foe (as watchful for mischief)

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 divine sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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