2 Samuel 15:14

Authorized King James Version

And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּ֠וִד

H1732

And David

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְכָל

H3605

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

עֲבָדָ֨יו

H5650

unto all his servants

a servant

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

אִתּ֤וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙

H3389

that were with him at Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

ק֣וּמוּ

H6965

Arise

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וְנִבְרָ֔חָה

H1272

and let us flee

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

#10

כִּ֛י

H3588

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

#11

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#12

תִֽהְיֶה

H1961

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

#13

לָּ֥נוּ

#14

פְלֵיטָ֖ה

H6413

for we shall not else escape

deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion

#15

מִפְּנֵ֣י

H6440

from

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

#16

אַבְשָׁלֹ֑ם

H53

Absalom

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

#17

יְמַהֵ֤ר

H4116

make speed

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

#18

לָלֶ֗כֶת

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#19

פֶּן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

#20

יְמַהֵ֤ר

H4116

make speed

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

#21

וְהִשִּׂגָ֙נוּ֙

H5381

lest he overtake

to reach (literally or figuratively)

#22

וְהִדִּ֤יחַ

H5080

and bring

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

#23

עָלֵ֙ינוּ֙

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#24

אֶת

H853

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

#25

הָ֣רָעָ֔ה

H7451

evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#26

וְהִכָּ֥ה

H5221

upon us and smite

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#27

הָעִ֖יר

H5892

the city

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

#28

לְפִי

H6310

with the edge

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#29

חָֽרֶב׃

H2719

of the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

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

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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

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