2 Samuel 11:16

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֕י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בִּשְׁמ֥וֹר

H8104

observed

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

יוֹאָ֖ב

H3097

And it came to pass when Joab

joab, the name of three israelites

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעִ֑יר

H5892

the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיִּתֵּן֙

H5414

that he assigned

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת

H853

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

א֣וּרִיָּ֔ה

H223

Uriah

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

הַמָּקוֹם֙

H4725

unto a place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

#11

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

יָדַ֔ע

H3045

where he knew

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#13

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

אַנְשֵׁי

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#15

חַ֖יִל

H2428

that valiant

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

#16

שָֽׁם׃

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about 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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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