2 Samuel 11:1

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִי֩
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
לִתְשׁוּבַ֨ת
was expired
a recurrence (of time or place); a reply (as returned)
#3
הַשָּׁנָ֜ה
And it came to pass after the year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#4
לְעֵ֣ת׀
at the time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#5
צֵ֣את
go forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#6
הַמַּלְאֿכִ֗ים
when kings
a king
#7
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#8
וְדָוִ֖ד
But David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
יוֹאָב֩
Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#11
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
עֲבָדָ֨יו
and his servants
a servant
#13
עִמּ֜וֹ
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#14
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
with him and all Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#17
וַיַּשְׁחִ֙תוּ֙
and they destroyed
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#18
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#19
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#20
עַמּ֔וֹן
of Ammon
ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country
#21
וַיָּצֻ֖רוּ
and besieged
to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
#22
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#23
רַבָּ֑ה
Rabbah
rabbah, the name of two places in palestine, east and west
#24
וְדָוִ֖ד
But David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#25
יוֹשֵׁ֥ב
tarried still
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#26
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃
at Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 2 Samuel.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources