2 Samuel 12:31

Authorized King James Version

And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֶת

H853

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

הָעָ֖ם

H5971

and all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

בָּ֜הּ

הוֹצִ֗יא

H3318

And he brought forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וַיָּ֣שֶׂם

H7760

that were therein and put

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

בַּ֠מְּגֵרָה

H4050

them under saws

a saw

וּבַֽחֲרִצֵ֨י

H2757

and under harrows

properly, incisure or (passively) incised; hence, a threshing-sledge (with sharp teeth); also a slice (as cut)

הַבַּרְזֶ֗ל

H1270

of iron

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

#10

וּֽבְמַגְזְרֹ֣ת

H4037

and under axes

a cutting implement, i.e., a blade

#11

הַבַּרְזֶ֗ל

H1270

of iron

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

#12

וְהֶֽעֱבִ֤יר

H5674

and made them pass

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#13

אוֹתָם֙

H853

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

#14

בַּמַּלְכֵּ֔ן

H4404

through the brickkiln

a brickkiln

#15

וְכֵ֣ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#16

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה

H6213

and thus did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#17

לְכֹ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#18

עָרֵ֣י

H5892

he unto all the cities

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

#19

בְנֵֽי

H1121

of 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

עַמּ֑וֹן

H5983

of Ammon

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

#21

וַיָּ֧שָׁב

H7725

returned

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

#22

דָּוִ֛ד

H1732

So David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#23

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#24

הָעָ֖ם

H5971

and all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#25

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃

H3389

unto 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 covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

Related Resources

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

People

David

Study Resources

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