1 Samuel 8:1

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֕י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
זָקֵ֖ן
was old
to be old
#4
שְׁמוּאֵ֑ל
And it came to pass when Samuel
shemuel, the name of three israelites
#5
וַיָּ֧שֶׂם
that he made
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
בָּנָ֛יו
his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#8
שֹֽׁפְטִ֖ים
judges
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#9
לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
over Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 1 Samuel.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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