2 Samuel 15:24

Authorized King James Version

And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהִנֵּ֨ה

H2009

lo!

גַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

צָד֜וֹק

H6659

And lo Zadok

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

וְכָֽל

H3605

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

הַלְוִיִּ֣ם

H3881

also and all the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

אִתּ֗וֹ

H854

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

נֹֽשְׂאִים֙

H5375

were with him bearing

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת

H853

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

אֲר֣וֹן

H727

the ark

a box

#10

בְּרִ֣ית

H1285

of the covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

#11

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#12

וַיַּצִּ֙קוּ֙

H3332

and they set down

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

אֲר֣וֹן

H727

the ark

a box

#15

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#16

וַיַּ֖עַל

H5927

went up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#17

אֶבְיָתָ֑ר

H54

and Abiathar

ebjathar, an israelite

#18

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#19

תֹּ֥ם

H8552

had done

to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

#20

כָּל

H3605

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

#21

הָעָ֖ם

H5971

until all the people

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

#22

לַֽעֲב֥וֹר

H5674

passing

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

#23

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#24

הָעִֽיר׃

H5892

out of the city

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant 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 in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of covenant differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Samuel chapter 15 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding covenant in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?

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