2 Samuel 17:2

Authorized King James Version

And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאָב֣וֹא

H935

And I will come

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

עָלָ֗יו

H5921

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

וְה֤וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יָגֵ֙עַ֙

H3023

upon him while he is weary

tired; hence (transitive) tiresome

וּרְפֵ֣ה

H7504

and weak

slack (in body or mind)

יָדַ֔יִם

H3027

handed

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְהַֽחֲרַדְתִּ֣י

H2729

and will make him afraid

to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)

אֹת֔וֹ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְנָ֖ס

H5127

that are with him shall flee

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

#10

כָּל

H3605

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

#11

הָעָ֣ם

H5971

and all the people

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

#12

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#13

אִתּ֑וֹ

H854

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

#14

וְהִכֵּיתִ֥י

H5221

and I will smite

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#15

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ

H4428

the king

a king

#17

לְבַדּֽוֹ׃

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

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 covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?
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?

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