2 Samuel 11:15

Authorized King James Version

And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּכְתֹּ֥ב

H3789

And he wrote

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

בַּסֵּ֖פֶר

H5612

in the letter

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

לֵאמֹ֑ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

הָב֣וּ

H3051

Set

to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֽוּרִיָּ֗ה

H223

ye Uriah

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מוּל֙

H4136

properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite

פְּנֵ֤י

H6440

in the forefront

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#10

הַמִּלְחָמָה֙

H4421

battle

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#11

הַֽחֲזָקָ֔ה

H2389

of the hottest

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

#12

וְשַׁבְתֶּ֥ם

H7725

and retire

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#13

מֵאַֽחֲרָ֖יו

H310

ye from him

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#14

וְנִכָּ֥ה

H5221

that he may be smitten

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#15

וָמֵֽת׃

H4191

and die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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

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

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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