1 Samuel 5:6

Authorized King James Version

But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּכְבַּ֧ד
was 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
#2
יַד
But 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
#3
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
הָֽאַשְׁדּוֹדִ֖ים
upon them of Ashdod
an ashdodite (often collectively) or inhabitant of asdod
#6
וַיְשִׁמֵּ֑ם
and he destroyed
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#7
וַיַּ֤ךְ
them and smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#8
אֹתָם֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
בַּעְּפֹלִ֔ים
a tumor
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
אַשְׁדּ֖וֹד
even Ashdod
ashdod, a place in palestine
#12
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
גְּבוּלֶֽיהָ׃
and the coasts
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

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

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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