2 Samuel 18:24

Authorized King James Version

And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְדָוִ֥ד
And David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#2
יוֹשֵׁ֖ב
sat
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#3
בֵּין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#4
שְׁנֵ֣י
between the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#5
הַשַּׁ֙עַר֙
gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#6
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
הַצֹּפֶ֜ה
and the watchman
properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
גַּ֤ג
to the roof
a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar
#10
הַשַּׁ֙עַר֙
gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#11
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
הַ֣חוֹמָ֔ה
unto the wall
a wall of protection
#13
וַיִּשָּׂ֤א
and lifted up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
עֵינָיו֙
his eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#16
וַיַּ֔רְא
and looked
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#17
וְהִנֵּה
lo!
#18
אִ֖ישׁ
and behold 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)
#19
רָ֥ץ
running
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
#20
לְבַדּֽוֹ׃
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 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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