1 Samuel 29:2

Authorized King James Version

And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands: but David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְסַרְנֵ֤י
And the lords
an axle
#2
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
of the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#3
עֹֽבְרִ֛ים
passed on
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#4
לְמֵא֖וֹת
by hundreds
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#5
וְלַֽאֲלָפִ֑ים
and by thousands
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#6
וְדָוִ֣ד
but David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#7
וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֗יו
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)
#8
עֹֽבְרִ֛ים
passed on
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#9
בָּאַֽחֲרֹנָ֖ה
in the rereward
hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western
#10
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#11
אָכִֽישׁ׃
with Achish
akish, a philistine king

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Samuel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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