2 Samuel 1:21

Authorized King James Version

Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָרֵ֣י
Ye mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#2
בַגִּלְבֹּ֗עַ
of Gilboa
gilboa, a mountain of palestine
#3
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#4
טַ֧ל
let there be no dew
dew (as covering vegetation)
#5
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#6
מָטָ֛ר
neither let there be rain
rain
#7
עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
וּשְׂדֵ֣י
upon you nor fields
a field (as flat)
#9
תְרוּמֹ֑ת
of offerings
a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
#10
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
שָׁ֤ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#12
נִגְעַל֙
is vilely cast away
to detest; by implication, to reject
#13
מָגֵ֣ן
for there the shield
a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
#14
גִּבּוֹרִ֔ים
of the mighty
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#15
מָגֵ֣ן
for there the shield
a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
#16
שָׁא֔וּל
of Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#17
בְּלִ֖י
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
#18
מָשִׁ֥יחַ
as though he had not been anointed
anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah
#19
בַּשָּֽׁמֶן׃
with oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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

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