1 Samuel 5:1

Authorized King James Version

And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Eben-ezer unto Ashdod.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּפְלִשְׁתִּים֙
And the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#2
לָֽקְח֔וּ
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#3
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אֲר֣וֹן
the ark
a box
#5
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#6
וַיְבִאֻ֛הוּ
and brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
מֵאֶ֥בֶן
H0
#8
הָעֵ֖זֶר
H72
it from Ebenezer
eben-ha-ezer, a place in palestine
#9
אַשְׁדּֽוֹדָה׃
unto Ashdod
ashdod, a place in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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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