2 Samuel 16:23

Authorized King James Version

And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עֲצַ֣ת

H6098

And the counsel

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

אֲחִיתֹ֔פֶל

H302

of Ahithophel

achithophel, an israelite

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

יָעַץ֙

H3289

which he counselled

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

בַּיָּמִ֣ים

H3117

in those days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָהֵ֔ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

יִשְׁאַל

H7592

had enquired

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

אִ֖ישׁ

H376

was as if a man

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)

#10

בִּדְבַ֣ר

H1697

at the oracle

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#11

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים

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

כֵּ֚ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#13

כָּל

H3605

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

#14

עֲצַ֣ת

H6098

And the counsel

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

#15

אֲחִיתֹ֔פֶל

H302

of Ahithophel

achithophel, an israelite

#16

גַּם

H1571

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

#17

לְדָוִ֖ד

H1732

both with David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#18

גַּ֥ם

H1571

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

#19

לְאַבְשָׁלֹֽם׃

H53

and with Absalom

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

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

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 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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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