2 Samuel 17:12

Authorized King James Version

So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּבָ֣אנוּ

H935

So shall we come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלָ֗יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶחָֽד׃

H259

one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

הַמְּקוֹמֹת֙

H4725

place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

נִמְצָ֣א

H4672

where he shall be found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

שָׁ֔ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְנַ֣חְנוּ

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

עָלָ֔יו

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#10

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

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

#11

יִפֹּ֥ל

H5307

falleth

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#12

הַטַּ֖ל

H2919

upon him as the dew

dew (as covering vegetation)

#13

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#14

הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה

H127

on the ground

soil (from its general redness)

#15

וְלֹא

H3808

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

#16

נ֥וֹתַר

H3498

that are with him there shall not be left

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

#17

בּ֛וֹ

#18

וּבְכָל

H3605

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

#19

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֥ים

H582

and of him and of all the men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

#20

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#21

אִתּ֖וֹ

H854

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

#22

גַּם

H1571

so much as

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

#23

אֶחָֽד׃

H259

one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Samuel chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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