2 Samuel 1:6

Authorized King James Version

And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֜אמֶר
him said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הַנַּ֣עַר׀
And the young man
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#3
הַמַּגִּ֣יד
that told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#4
ל֗וֹ
H0
#5
נִקְרֹ֤א
by chance
to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner
#6
נִקְרֵ֙יתִי֙
As I happened
to light upon (chiefly by accident); specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor)
#7
בְּהַ֣ר
upon mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#8
הַגִּלְבֹּ֔עַ
Gilboa
gilboa, a mountain of palestine
#9
וְהִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#10
שָׁא֖וּל
behold Saul
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
#11
נִשְׁעָ֣ן
leaned
to support one's self
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
חֲנִית֑וֹ
upon his spear
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
#14
וְהִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#15
הָרֶ֛כֶב
and lo the chariots
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
#16
וּבַֽעֲלֵ֥י
and horsemen
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
#17
הַפָּֽרָשִׁ֖ים
a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry
#18
הִדְבִּקֻֽהוּ׃
followed hard
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

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

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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