2 Samuel 15:17

Authorized King James Version

And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּצֵ֥א
went forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ
And the king
a king
#3
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
הָעָ֖ם
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
#5
בְּרַגְלָ֑יו
after
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#6
וַיַּֽעַמְד֖וּ
him and tarried
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#7
בֵּ֥ית
in a place
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
הַמֶּרְחָֽק׃
that was far off
remoteness, i.e., (concretely) a distant place; often (adverbially) from afar

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 covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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