2 Samuel 17:11

Authorized King James Version

Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יָעַ֗צְתִּי
Therefore I counsel
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
#3
יֵֽאָסֵ֨ף
be generally
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#4
יֵֽאָסֵ֨ף
be generally
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#5
עָלֶ֤יךָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
that all Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
מִדָּן֙
unto thee from Dan
dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
#9
וְעַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#10
בְּאֵ֣ר
H0
#11
שֶׁ֔בַע
even to Beersheba
beer-sheba, a place in palestine
#12
כַּח֥וֹל
as the sand
sand (as round or whirling particles)
#13
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
הַיָּ֖ם
that is by the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#16
לָרֹ֑ב
for multitude
abundance (in any respect)
#17
וּפָנֶ֥יךָ
in thine own person
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#18
הֹֽלְכִ֖ים
and that thou go
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#19
בַּקְרָֽב׃
to battle
hostile encounter

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 divine revelation 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

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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