1 Samuel 5:11

Authorized King James Version

So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שַׁלְּח֞וּ

H7971

Send away

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וַיַּֽאַסְפ֜וּ

H622

and gathered together

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

סַרְנֵ֣י

H5633

all the lords

an axle

פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים

H6430

of the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

שַׁלְּח֞וּ

H7971

Send away

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

אֲר֨וֹן

H727

the ark

a box

#11

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

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

#12

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#13

וְיָשֹׁ֣ב

H7725

and let it go again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#14

לִמְקוֹמ֔וֹ

H4725

to his own place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

#15

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#16

יָמִ֥ית

H4191

that it slay

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#17

אֹתִ֖י

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#18

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#19

עַמִּ֑י

H5971

us not and our people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#20

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#21

הָיְתָ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#22

מְהֽוּמַת

H4103

destruction

confusion or uproar

#23

מָ֙וֶת֙

H4194

for there was a deadly

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

#24

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#25

הָעִ֔יר

H5892

throughout all the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#26

כָּֽבְדָ֥ה

H3513

heavy

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

#27

מְאֹ֛ד

H3966

was very

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

#28

יַ֥ד

H3027

the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#29

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

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

#30

שָֽׁם׃

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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