2 Samuel 16:18

Authorized King James Version

And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

חוּשַׁי֮

H2365

And Hushai

chushai, an israelite

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַבְשָׁלֹם֒

H53

unto Absalom

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

לֹ֕א

H3808

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

כִּי֩

H3588

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

בָּחַ֧ר

H977

choose

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

Nay but whom the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#10

וְהָעָ֥ם

H5971

and this people

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

#11

הַזֶּ֖ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#12

וְכָל

H3605

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

#13

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

and all the men

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#14

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#15

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#16

אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה

H1961

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

#17

וְאִתּ֥וֹ

H854

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

#18

אֵשֵֽׁב׃

H3427

his will I be and with him will I abide

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Samuel chapter 16 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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