2 Samuel 18:19

Authorized King James Version

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽאֲחִימַ֤עַץ
Ahimaaz
achimaats, the name of three israelites
#2
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
צָדוֹק֙
of Zadok
tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites
#4
אָמַ֔ר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
אָר֣וּצָה
Let me now run
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
#6
נָּ֔א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#7
וַֽאֲבַשְּׂרָ֖ה
and bear
properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ
the king
a king
#10
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
שְׁפָט֥וֹ
hath avenged
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#12
יְהוָ֖ה
how that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
מִיַּ֥ד
him of his enemies
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
#14
אֹֽיְבָֽיו׃
hating; an adversary

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 sovereignty 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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