2 Kings 18:8

Authorized King James Version

He smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֽוּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#2
הִכָּ֧ה
He smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֛ים
the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#5
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#6
עַזָּ֖ה
even unto Gaza
azzah, a place in palestine
#7
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
גְּבוּלֶ֑יהָ
and the borders
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#9
מִמִּגְדַּ֥ל
thereof from the tower
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
#10
נֽוֹצְרִ֖ים
of the watchmen
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
#11
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#12
עִ֥יר
city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#13
מִבְצָֽר׃
to the fenced
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

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 revelation 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 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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