1 Samuel 30:14

Authorized King James Version

We made an invasion upon the south of the Cherethites, and upon the coast which belongeth to Judah, and upon the south of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֲנַ֡חְנוּ
we
#2
פָּשַׁ֜טְנוּ
We made an invasion
to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)
#3
נֶ֣גֶב
and upon the south
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
#4
הַכְּרֵתִ֛י
of the Cherethites
a kerethite or life-guardsman
#5
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
לִֽיהוּדָ֖ה
and upon the coast which belongeth to Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#8
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
נֶ֣גֶב
and upon the south
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
#10
כָּלֵ֑ב
of Caleb
caleb, the name of three israelites
#11
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
צִֽקְלַ֖ג
Ziklag
tsiklag or tsikelag, a place in palestine
#13
שָׂרַ֥פְנוּ
and we burned
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#14
בָאֵֽשׁ׃
with fire
fire (literally or figuratively)

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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