1 Samuel 7:13

Authorized King James Version

So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּכָּֽנְעוּ֙

H3665

were subdued

properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish

בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים

H6430

So the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

יָסְפ֣וּ

H3254

no more

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

ע֔וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לָב֖וֹא

H935

and they came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בִּגְב֣וּל

H1366

into the coast

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

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

וַתְּהִ֤י

H1961

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

#10

יַד

H3027

and 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

#11

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים

H6430

So the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

#13

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

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

#14

יְמֵ֥י

H3117

all the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#15

שְׁמוּאֵֽל׃

H8050

of Samuel

shemuel, the name of three israelites

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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