2 Samuel 10:17

Authorized King James Version

And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֻּגַּ֣ד
And when it was told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#2
דָּוִ֔ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
וַיֶּֽאֱסֹ֤ף
he gathered
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
all Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֣ר
and passed over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן
Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#10
וַיָּבֹ֖א
and came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#11
חֵלָ֑אמָה
to Helam
chelam, a place east of palestine
#12
וַיַּֽעַרְכ֤וּ
set themselves in array
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
#13
אֲרָם֙
And the Syrians
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
#14
לִקְרַ֣את
against
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
#15
דָּוִ֔ד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#16
וַיִּֽלָּחֲמ֖וּ
and fought
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#17
עִמּֽוֹ׃
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Samuel.

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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