2 Samuel 15:12

Authorized King James Version

And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃
H53
And Absalom
abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אֲחִיתֹ֨פֶל
for Ahithophel
achithophel, an israelite
#5
הַגִּֽילֹנִ֜י
the Gilonite
a gilonite or inhabitant of giloh
#6
יוֹעֵ֣ץ
counsellor
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
#7
דָּוִ֗ד
David's
david, the youngest son of jesse
#8
מֵֽעִירוֹ֙
from his city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#9
מִגִּלֹ֔ה
even from Giloh
giloh, a place in palestine
#10
בְּזָבְח֖וֹ
while he offered
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הַזְּבָחִ֑ים
sacrifices
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#13
וַיְהִ֤י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#14
הַקֶּ֙שֶׁר֙
And the conspiracy
an (unlawful) alliance
#15
אַמִּ֔ץ
was strong
strong or (abstractly) strength
#16
וְהָעָ֛ם
for the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#17
הוֹלֵ֥ךְ
continually
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#18
וָרָ֖ב
increased
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#19
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#20
אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃
H53
And Absalom
abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of covenant community 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 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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