2 Samuel 15:32

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֤י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
דָוִד֙
And it came to pass that when David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#3
בָּ֣א
was come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#5
רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃
to the top
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#6
אֲשֶֽׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
יִשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֥ה
of the mount where he worshipped
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#8
שָׁ֖ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#9
לֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים
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
#10
וְהִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#11
לִקְרָאתוֹ֙
came to meet
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
#12
חוּשַׁ֣י
behold Hushai
chushai, an israelite
#13
הָֽאַרְכִּ֔י
the Archite
an arkite or native of erek
#14
קָר֙וּעַ֙
rent
to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
#15
כֻּתָּנְתּ֔וֹ
him with his coat
a shirt
#16
וַֽאֲדָמָ֖ה
and earth
soil (from its general redness)
#17
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃
to the top
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Samuel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

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

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