2 Samuel 1:12

Authorized King James Version

And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיִּסְפְּדוּ֙
And they mourned
properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail
#2
וַיִּבְכּ֔וּ
and wept
to weep; generally to bemoan
#3
וַיָּצֻ֖מוּ
and fasted
to cover over (the mouth), i.e., to fast
#4
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#5
הָעָ֑רֶב
until even
dusk
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
שָׁא֞וּל
for Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#8
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
יְהֽוֹנָתָ֣ן
and for Jonathan
jehonathan, the name of four israelites
#10
בְּנ֗וֹ
his son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
עַ֤ם
and for the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#13
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
בֵּ֣ית
and for the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#16
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#17
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#18
נָֽפְל֖וּ
because they were fallen
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#19
בֶּחָֽרֶב׃
by the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 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

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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