1 Samuel 6:2

Authorized King James Version

And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the ark of the LORD? tell us wherewith we shall send it to his place.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְרְא֣וּ
called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים
And the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#3
לַכֹּֽהֲנִ֤ים
for the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
וְלַקֹּֽסְמִים֙
and the diviners
properly, to distribute, i.e., determine by lot or magical scroll; by implication, to divine
#5
לֵאמֹ֔ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
מַֽה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#7
נַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה
What shall we do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#8
לַֽאֲר֣וֹן
to the ark
a box
#9
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
הֽוֹדִעֻ֕נוּ
tell
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#11
בַּמֶּ֖ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#12
נְשַׁלְּחֶ֥נּוּ
us wherewith we shall send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#13
לִמְקוֹמֽוֹ׃
it to his 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)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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