1 Samuel 6:11

Authorized King James Version

And they laid the ark of the LORD upon the cart, and the coffer with the mice of gold and the images of their emerods.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּשִׂ֛מוּ
And they laid
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
אֲר֥וֹן
the ark
a box
#4
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
הָֽעֲגָלָ֑ה
upon the cart
something revolving, i.e., a wheeled vehicle
#7
וְאֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הָֽאַרְגַּ֗ז
and the coffer
a box (as a pannier)
#9
וְאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
עַכְבְּרֵ֣י
with the mice
a mouse (as nibbling)
#11
הַזָּהָ֔ב
of gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#12
וְאֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
צַלְמֵ֥י
and the images
a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol
#14
טְחֹֽרֵיהֶֽם׃
of their emerods
a boil or ulcer (from the inflammation), especially a tumor in the anus or pudenda (the piles)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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